National Operations Director - F&B in Newbury

Quest Search & Selection is currently recruiting a National Operations Director - F&B for a leading UK leisure business operating a large national portfolio of company-operated and franchised F&B outlets, including QSR, takeaways, cafés, pubs and casual dining restaurants.

This is a senior leadership opportunity focused on driving operational excellence, commercial performance and profitable growth across 28-37 high-footfall destinations throughout the UK.

Key responsibilities of the National Operations Director - F&B role:

• Lead operational performance across a national, multi-site F&B portfolio generating approximately £90m-£120m in annual turnover, with accountability for commercial performance, profitability and guest experience.

• Provide leadership and direction to a team of 4 senior managers' overseeing operational support, franchise operations and new openings.

• Work closely with General Managers and senior operational leaders to identify opportunities, improve site performance and drive consistent operational standards.

• Develop strong partnerships with franchise operators, ensuring brand consistency, commercial performance and compliance with operational requirements.

• Drive revenue growth, margin improvement and cost efficiencies through effective financial management, performance analysis and commercial decision-making.

• Oversee the successful opening and integration of new F&B outlets, franchise concepts and operational initiatives across the estate.

• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across Finance, Commercial, Development, Digital and Operations to implement strategic projects and business improvements.

• Maintain high standards of food safety, operational compliance and service delivery, ensuring a consistent and engaging guest experience across all locations.

To be successful in this National Operations Director - F&B role:

• Significant senior operational leadership experience within a nationally recognised F&B, QSR, casual dining, pub, hospitality, leisure or franchise-led business.

• Currently operating, or having previously operated, in a national or substantial regional leadership role, overseeing a portfolio of comparable scale in terms of site numbers, operational complexity and turnover.

• A proven track record of delivering strong commercial results across large-scale, multi-site operations, with clear evidence of driving revenue growth, profitability and operational improvements.

• Experience managing both company-operated and franchised F&B concepts, with a strong understanding of the different operational and commercial requirements.

• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including full P&L accountability, margin management, cost control and identifying opportunities for profitable growth.

• An ambitious, high-calibre leader with a demonstrable record of career progression, consistently delivering results and taking on increasing levels of responsibility as this role will be sucession for future Director position.

• Able to operate confidently at senior leadership level while remaining commercially engaged, operationally hands-on and credible with site teams.

• A strong understanding of food safety, regulatory compliance, brand standards and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

• Flexibility to travel extensively across the UK, including visits to the head office (home counties), with travel requirements of up to 3 days per week.

The benefits of this National Operations Director - F&B role:

• £10,000 annual car allowance.
• Performance-related bonus of up to 30%.
• Holidays, pension, friends & family discount.
• Potential long-term progression into a more senior operational leadership position.
• Field-based working with home-working flexibility and national travel.

If this opportunity sounds of interest and you have the relevant experience, please apply with your CV.

Quest Search & Selection is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

We request that candidates send their CV as a Microsoft Word document where possible.

Quest Search and Selection is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.