At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for a growing QSR group, driving performance and scalability.
- Company: Dynamic, founder-led hospitality brand with a focus on quality and customer experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of circa £100,000 plus bonuses and benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity to build systems and infrastructure in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and shape the future of a thriving brand.
- Qualifications: Experience scaling businesses from small clusters to multi-site operations.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 105000 £ per year.
We are exclusively recruiting a Head of Operations for a small, high-performing and growing QSR group as it shifts from established and successful into a genuine scale-up and growth phase.
Built on clear values around quality, provenance and standout customer experience, this independent hospitality brand has already built a loyal following and strong performance across a small group of London sites. With 3 new openings planned over the next 12 months and 4 the following year, with an overall goal of 10 over two years and a longer-term ambition beyond that, this business now needs an experienced operational leader to build the infrastructure that supports sustainable scale.
We’re looking for someone who has lived this journey before and has taken a small number of locations or cluster business into a larger, structured group. A builder, completer/finisher, someone who brings clarity and rigour without stripping the soul from its brand.
You’ll own operational performance across the group, building the capability, leadership structure and systems required to support ambitious multi-site growth. A key part of this role is moving the business from instinct-led excellence to repeatable, disciplined performance - introducing and refining process, reporting rhythm and operational infrastructure without losing brand personality or pace.
Working in close partnership with the founder, you’ll translate brand vision into scalable, safe and commercially robust operations. You’ll play a key role in shaping the operating model - from labour structures and reporting lines to performance cadence and new opening readiness.
You’ll lead P&L performance, labour models, cost control and KPIs across existing sites and new openings, helping define how the organisation evolves as it scales from a tight cluster into a structured multi-site group.
- Direct experience scaling from small/cluster to established multi-site group - this role will likely suit someone who has helped take a business from circa 5 sites toward 15–20+ and is motivated by doing that journey again.
- Demonstrable experience building systems and infrastructure for growth.
- Strong commercial and P&L ownership across sites.
- Experience building middle management layers and succession pipelines.
- Clear values around food quality, provenance and standout customer experience.
- High emotional intelligence and natural gravitas.
Operations Development Executive employer: mum
Contact Detail:
mum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Development Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people who are already in the QSR space. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your journey in scaling operations. Share specific examples of how you've built systems and infrastructure that led to growth – they’ll want to hear about your successes!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like the one behind this role. Express your interest and share how you can contribute to their growth – it shows initiative and enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by understanding the brand's values and customer experience focus. Be ready to discuss how you can maintain their unique personality while implementing structured processes. This will show you’re aligned with their vision and ready to lead!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Development Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Growth: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for scaling operations. Share specific examples of how you've successfully taken a business from a few locations to a larger group, and highlight your understanding of the journey involved.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to break down your achievements and experiences, especially those related to operational performance and P&L management.
Align with Our Values: Our brand is built on quality and standout customer experience. In your application, reflect on how your values align with ours. Share stories that demonstrate your commitment to food quality and customer satisfaction, as this will resonate with us.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Operations Development Executive role. We want to see how you can specifically contribute to our growth plans.
How to prepare for a job interview at mum
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the brand's values and customer experience. Understand their focus on quality and provenance, and be ready to discuss how you can maintain these while scaling operations.
✨Showcase Your Scaling Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past where you've successfully scaled a business. Highlight your role in building infrastructure and systems that supported growth, especially in multi-site operations.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
This role requires strong emotional intelligence and gravitas. Be prepared to discuss how you've led teams through change and built middle management layers, ensuring everyone feels valued and engaged.
✨Bring Ideas for Operational Excellence
Think about innovative processes or reporting rhythms you've implemented in previous roles. Share how these could translate into the new operational model, ensuring disciplined performance without losing the brand's soul.