At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead maintenance operations and ensure efficient repairs across itsu's UK restaurants.
- Company: Join a leading Asian-inspired quick-service brand with over 80 locations.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous time off, and free meals at work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while driving sustainability initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in maintenance leadership and strong organisational skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with exciting growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are the leading Asian-inspired quick-service retail and grocery brand with over 80 restaurants across the UK, Belgium, and a growing wholesale business across Europe and beyond. Our renowned delicious food made fresh in every restaurant, every day, has made itsu a top choice for healthy eating. In addition to our restaurants, itsu [grocery] offers a range of high-quality Asian-inspired foods available online and in supermarkets. We are excited to be one of the leading brands in this specific group and have ambitious plans for continued growth both domestically and globally. With its best-in-class food, latest technology, innovation, and talented workforce, itsu is the future of fast food.
This is the job. As Maintenance Operations Manager, you will lead and deliver day-to-day repair and maintenance operations across itsu's UK restaurant estate, including Academy sites. Reporting to the Property Director, you will manage a small in-house team and coordinate external contractors to ensure efficient, safe, compliant, and cost-effective repairs and preventative maintenance. The role is hands-on, with a strong focus on operational execution, prioritisation, and continuous improvement.
Core Responsibilities:- Lead and optimise repairs and maintenance activity across the UK estate, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and cost-effectively.
- Coordinate and prioritise reactive and planned maintenance work through the helpdesk function.
- Manage and support a small team of Maintenance Technicians and a Maintenance Helpdesk Coordinator.
- Oversee onboarding, performance reviews, and development plans in line with itsu processes.
- Manage external contractors and service providers, ensuring quality, value for money, and adherence to SLAs.
- Ensure all statutory maintenance, health and safety, and compliance requirements are met across the estate.
- Manage the repairs and maintenance budget, including cost control and forecasting.
- Coordinate and manage the annual “upgrade” programme and associated budget.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce avoidable costs.
- Support ESG initiatives through energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable maintenance practices.
- Provide clear reporting and insight to the Property Director on performance, risks, and priorities.
- Proven experience in a maintenance or repairs leadership role within retail, hospitality, or a similarly fast-paced environment.
- Experience managing technicians, helpdesk functions, and external contractors.
- Strong working knowledge of health, safety, and statutory maintenance requirements.
- Confidence managing budgets, priorities, and competing demands.
- A practical, solutions-focused mindset with strong organisational skills.
- Clear, calm communication and the ability to work effectively with Operations teams.
- Relevant technical or maintenance qualifications are desirable, but not essential.
- A competitive salary.
- Flexible working, including 1 day a week from home, and up to 2 weeks a year working from abroad.
- Generous time off allowances [including bank holidays].
- Free breakfast and snacks available every day.
- A free itsu lunch whenever you are in the office and 50% off in all stores, for when you are not.
- We cover a variety of different benefits such as physical, mental, financial, environmental, and social wellbeing.
- An array of business events and socials throughout the year.
Maintenance Operations Manager in London employer: itsu
Contact Detail:
itsu Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Operations Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at itsu. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching itsu’s values and recent projects. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for our brand and how you can contribute to our growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll come across when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it keeps you on our radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Operations Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Maintenance Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience in maintenance or repairs, especially in fast-paced environments like retail or hospitality.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with itsu's mission. Don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that make you a great fit.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love a practical, solutions-focused mindset, so share specific instances where you improved efficiency or resolved issues quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on the path to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at itsu
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand itsu's mission, values, and what sets it apart in the fast-food industry. Familiarise yourself with their menu, sustainability initiatives, and recent news. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Maintenance Operations Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in fast-paced environments. Highlight your experience with coordinating contractors and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Budget Management
Since managing budgets is a key part of this role, come prepared to discuss your experience with budget control and forecasting. Think of specific instances where you’ve successfully managed costs or improved efficiency, as this will demonstrate your practical, solutions-focused mindset.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's future plans, team dynamics, and how they measure success in the maintenance department. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.