At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations across multiple café sites, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and team support.
- Company: Independent premium café group in London with a strong brand presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus incentives, and a chance to shape the business's growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a one-team mentality and opportunities for career development.
- Why this job: Be hands-on in a growing independent café group and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site operations or as a standout General Manager in the food industry.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Operations Manager — Multi‑Site Leadership, Independent Premium London Café Group
From £60,000 per year + bonus/KPI Incentives TBC (Circa £10,000 per year after probation period). This is a business that already runs well — three established locations open daytime only, a strong following and brand presence supported by a small and highly experienced leadership team. What it needs now is someone who is hands‑on, understands how an upmarket cafe restaurant operates with the career experience that brings with it an attention to detail and leadership to ensure the business and teams deliver an exceptional guest experience.
The Opportunity
- You'll be the person the General Managers call when something's gone wrong, and the person who can step into the floor and support service without missing a beat.
- You will have intimate knowledge of the businesses with full responsibility and accountability for the multi‑site P&L, the blueprint SOPs that support the operations and the senior cafe GMs leading full business and management reviews week to week.
- You will have the autonomy to move between the various locations supporting the challenges and driving growth in preparation for the new‑opening plans ahead.
The Business
A small, founder‑led group of premium daytime café and brunch restaurants in London — design‑led spaces, a health‑conscious, ingredient‑focused menu, and a loyal following built site by site rather than bought with marketing spend. Three sites are trading well today, with a fourth — larger than anything the group has opened before — in the pipeline for the year ahead. The founders are still hands‑on and close to the business; this isn't a corporate structure, it's a growing independent that wants someone who can help it scale without losing what makes it work. Not a structure of hierarchy but rather a group led by a one‑team mentality.
What You'll Do
- Be the operational backbone across every site — able to assess the state of a restaurant on walking in, and run a shift yourself if the situation calls for it.
- Support the General Managers directly — coaching, performance reviews, and genuinely developing them, not just holding them to targets.
- Own the commercial numbers that matter — gross profit, labour cost, covers and meal‑time duration, average spend — and turn what the data tells you into action on the floor.
- Be the buffer that frees up your GMs — absorbing the operational and technical problems (till systems, supplier issues, whatever it is) so they can stay focused on their teams and their guests.
- Play a genuine role in the group's growth — recruitment, new site openings, stakeholder relationships, and being comfortable presenting to investors as the business expands.
About You
- Either an experienced multi‑site Operations Manager who has already run several locations for a comparable premium, independent food‑and‑beverage business — or a standout General Manager from a larger, complex, multi‑facetted and well‑respected restaurant group; ready to step up into your first multi‑site role and bring fresh, systems‑minded thinking with you.
- Genuinely hands‑on — you'd rather solve the problem on the floor than manage it from a spreadsheet.
- Commercially fluent — comfortable owning GP, labour cost and the operational metrics that actually move a restaurant's performance.
- A natural mentor — GMs trust you, come to you, and get better under you.
- Ready for a business that's growing, and excited by the idea of shaping how it scales rather than inheriting a finished structure.
What's on Offer
- From £60,000 per year + bonus/KPI Incentives TBC (Circa £10,000 per year after probation period).
- A genuine seat at the table in a founder‑led business, with real influence over how it grows.
- The chance to shape a senior operations role from the ground up, in a business that's actively investing in its next chapter.
Possible Titles: This role may also be known as: Head of Operations, Area Manager, Multi‑Site Manager, Regional Operations Manager, Group Operations Manager, Operations Lead, Café Operations Manager, Restaurant Operations Manager.
Head of Operations Multi-site Daytime Cafe employer: The Restaurant Recruiter
Join a dynamic and growing independent premium café group in London, where you will have the opportunity to shape operations and influence growth in a hands-on environment. With a strong focus on employee development, a supportive leadership team, and a culture that values collaboration over hierarchy, this role offers not just competitive compensation but also a chance to make a meaningful impact in a thriving business. Enjoy the autonomy to drive success across multiple sites while being part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations Multi-site Daytime Cafe
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like The Restaurant Recruiter. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Restaurant Recruiter
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Restaurant Recruiter directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations Multi-site Daytime Cafe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about The Restaurant Recruiter and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Restaurant Recruiter
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
