At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations, optimise processes, and drive growth for a tech-led food marketplace.
- Company: Join Local Eats, the UK's fastest-growing franchise empowering local businesses.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on innovation and sustainable growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food-tech industry while supporting local communities.
- Qualifications: Proven operations leadership experience and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Local Eats, part of The Eats Group Limited, is a UK-based, technology-led food ordering and marketplace platform that delivers digital infrastructure for local hospitality markets at scale. Founded in 2019, the company offers a comprehensive “business in a box” franchise model, providing custom-branded platforms, mobile apps, and operational tools that help regional entrepreneurs and independent restaurants compete with global delivery brands. Operating across multiple UK markets, Local Eats leverages a scalable licensing model, diversified revenue streams, and strong unit economics to drive sustainable growth. The company manages 24/7 customer service, delivery network integration, legal coverage, and bespoke app development to support its partners. Recognized as the UK’s fastest-growing franchise in 2022 and a top high-growth startup, Local Eats is on a mission to empower local businesses and communities with technology-led solutions that enhance profitability and strengthen local economies.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will oversee the day-to-day operations of The Eats Group (Local Eats), ensuring that strategy, processes, and teams are aligned to deliver scalable, high-quality services across all markets. This is a full-time, hybrid role based in Barrow-In-Furness, with the flexibility to work from home part of the week. The COO will work alongside the CEO to lead operational planning and execution, manage cross-functional teams (including operations, customer support, business development managers, franchisees, and logistics partners), and continuously improve systems, workflows, and performance metrics.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing operational frameworks for franchise and licensing growth.
- Optimising delivery and support processes.
- Ensuring adherence to regulatory and contractual obligations.
- Collaborating closely with the CEO and leadership team on long-term business planning.
- Overseeing budgets and resource allocation.
- Supporting investor reporting.
- Representing operations in strategic partnerships and key stakeholder meetings.
Qualifications:
- Strong operations leadership experience with proven capability in Operations Management and Business Planning, ideally within technology, marketplace, franchise, or food-tech environments.
- Advanced Analytical Skills with the ability to interpret data, define KPIs, and drive performance improvement across processes and teams.
- Robust Finance and Budgeting skills, including experience managing P&L, forecasting, and resource allocation in a high-growth setting.
- Demonstrated experience scaling multi-site or multi-market operations, preferably within the UK, with an understanding of regulatory and contractual frameworks.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with founders, franchisees, partners, and internal teams.
- Track record of building and leading high-performing, diverse teams, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, with strong problem-solving abilities.
Chief Operating Officer employer: The Eats Group (Local Eats)
Local Eats is an exceptional employer that champions local entrepreneurship and innovation within the hospitality sector. With a hybrid work model based in Barrow-In-Furness, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and continuous improvement, alongside opportunities for professional growth in a rapidly expanding franchise environment. As the UK’s fastest-growing franchise in 2022, Local Eats offers a unique chance to be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to empowering local businesses through cutting-edge technology.
Contact Details:
The Eats Group (Local Eats) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like The Eats Group (Local Eats).
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like The Eats Group (Local Eats).
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to The Eats Group (Local Eats).
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of The Eats Group (Local Eats). Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Eats Group (Local Eats)
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with The Eats Group (Local Eats), be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at The Eats Group (Local Eats), especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for The Eats Group (Local Eats) could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at The Eats Group (Local Eats) as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
