At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for new grocery stores, ensuring efficiency and customer readiness.
- Company: Fast-moving startup focused on healthy, high-quality products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Regular travel required; flexibility and hands-on approach are essential.
- Why this job: Join a team building from scratch and make a real impact in retail.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations or supply chain management, preferably in retail or startups.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Our partner is looking for an experienced Operations Director to take full ownership of operations across our growing retail footprint. This role requires someone who can be hands-on when needed but also structured and process-driven enough to lay the foundation for sustainable growth. You’ll be responsible for ensuring our operations are efficient, scalable, and always customer ready. They’re building a brand-new grocery store network — a fresh initiative still in development phase. The core idea behind these stores is to offer exclusively healthy, high-quality products, with a strong focus on thoughtful product selection. We’re a fast-moving startup — so flexibility, ownership, and a willingness to jump in wherever needed are key. You’ll be joining a team where no job is too small, and speed matters. If you’re motivated by building from scratch, driving impact, and growing with a company — we’d love to meet you.
Responsibilities
- Store Launch & Operations: Lead operational setup for new store openings — from layout planning to stock arrival and tech implementation.
- Process Design & Implementation: Build and refine end-to-end operational processes that support long-term scale.
- Inventory & Supply Chain: Ensure inventory is moving as planned, shelves are stocked, and back-of-house systems are functioning smoothly.
- Tech & Systems Management: Own the day-to-day functioning of in-store tech and payment systems, ensuring minimal downtime.
- Health & Safety Compliance: Set and maintain health and safety standards in line with regulations.
- Team Onboarding & Training: Support training and onboarding of store staff, including process documentation and best practices.
- Travel: Regular travel required between store locations, especially during launch and setup periods.
- 3PL Coordination: Oversee/collaborate with third-party logistics partners as needed.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in operations and/or supply chain management — ideally in retail, FMCG, or startup environments.
- Strong ability to design and implement scalable operational processes.
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, hands-on environments where roles may stretch beyond their title.
- Willingness to travel frequently and be on-site as needed.
- Immediate availability is ideal.
Location: Soho London
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Management and Purchasing
Industries: Retail
Operations Director in London employer: Pioneers
Join a dynamic and innovative team in the heart of Soho, London, where your role as Operations Director will be pivotal in shaping a brand-new grocery store network focused on healthy, high-quality products. We pride ourselves on a collaborative work culture that values flexibility, ownership, and rapid execution, offering you ample opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a tangible impact in a fast-paced startup environment. With a commitment to employee development and a supportive atmosphere, we ensure that every team member is empowered to contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional customer experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail and operations space. Attend industry events or local meetups to meet potential employers face-to-face. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your past successes in operations management. When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, share specific examples of how you've driven efficiency and growth in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to adapt! In a fast-moving startup like this one, flexibility is key. During interviews, demonstrate your ability to pivot and tackle challenges head-on. Share stories where you’ve successfully navigated change or uncertainty in your previous positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and makes it easier for us to connect with you about this exciting opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your previous experience in operations or supply chain management. We want to see how you've tackled challenges in fast-paced environments, especially in retail or startups.
Be Specific About Your Skills:When you describe your skills, be specific about the processes you've designed and implemented. We love details that show how you can contribute to our operational setup and growth.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description. Show us why you're the perfect fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pioneers
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's mission, values, and recent developments. Understanding their focus on healthy products and the new grocery store network will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led operations or launched new initiatives. Highlight your ability to be both hands-on and strategic, as this is crucial for the Operations Director role.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Ownership
Prepare to discuss situations where you've had to adapt quickly or take ownership of a project. This startup environment values speed and flexibility, so showcasing your ability to jump in wherever needed will set you apart.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in their operational processes and future plans. Inquire about their approach to health and safety compliance or how they envision scaling their operations, which will demonstrate your strategic thinking.
