District Manager 2 - London

At KAUAI we are passionate about health and wellbeing and we promise to deliver nothing but the very best in food and nutrition. Serving the best quality ingredients means we bring to our customers real food that is, where possible, free of GMO’s and has no additives, preservatives, artificial colourants and flavourings. We make health and healthy eating habits accessible and exciting.

The Role

As District Manager, you will act as the key liaison between Store Managers, Supervisors, Team Leaders and key stakeholders across your district, ensuring alignment, accountability and high standards throughout. You will:

• Drive operational excellence in line with IGNITE standards and brand expectations
• Ensure all stores operate profitably, managing performance against monthly P&L targets
• Effectively manage COGS, food-cost variances and controllable expenses within budget
• Monitor and analyse financial performance, identifying gaps and implementing corrective action plans
• Maintain accurate stock management including ordering, receiving, rotation and regular stock-takes
• Identify and resolve variances through strong inventory control and system accuracy
• Lead workforce planning, including scheduling, shift cover and payroll submissions
• Recruit and interview in line with Kauai recruitment processes, partnering with HR where required
• Provide strong leadership, coaching and performance management to drive engagement and results
• Ensure all team members are fully trained and certified (including Food Safety), with training matrices up to date
• Identify skills gaps and deliver ongoing development, including new menu launches and in-store initiatives
• Act as custodian of training materials and oversee learnership administration where applicable
• Uphold compliance with company policies, audit standards, health & safety regulations and legal requirements
• Maintain high operational standards including portion control, product quality, checklists and catering execution
• Oversee maintenance and preventative care, liaising with Virgin Active and relevant service providers
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of administrative duties including invoicing, petty cash, inventory systems and deadlines

Experience

• A minimum of three years’ related experience and/or relevant training within food retail, hospitality or quick service environments
• Proven experience in recruitment and succession planning, partnering closely with People/HR teams to grow future talent
• Strong commercial acumen, confident in owning KPIs, budgets and using financial insight to drive performance
• A solution-oriented mindset, able to identify opportunities and implement action plans that improve operational results
• The ability to collaborate cross-functionally, building alignment between HQ and field teams
• A detail-driven and compliance-focused approach, maintaining exceptional brand standards, audit integrity, HR practices and health & safety across all stores
• Knowledge of food preparation and operational food standards
• Food Hygiene Certification (essential)
• Espresso machine knowledge (desirable)

Perks

• 30 days annual leave – because rest and recovery matter, and we want you to take them
• Access to a company pension fund – helping you plan for your future with confidence
• 50% discount on Kauai meals while on duty – fresh, feel-good fuel to power your day
• Complimentary Virgin Active membership for you – because wellness starts with us