At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the opening of a brand-new farmshop, foodhall, and filling station.
- Company: Join Westmorland Farmshop, a family-run business with over 50 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to shape a new site.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a team from scratch and create a unique customer experience.
- Why this job: Be part of something exciting and impactful in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in managing teams and budgets.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Tatton Services is a brand-new site on the M56 in Cheshire, opening in Spring 2028. We are Westmorland Farmshop, the farming family behind Tebay, Gloucester and Cairn Lodge. For over 50 years we've cooked real food, championed local producers and given travellers a heartfelt welcome. Tatton will create around 325 jobs, put Cheshire's food and craft producers on the map and make a real commitment to our local communities.
As Operations Manager, you'll hold overall responsibility for the whole site — Farmshop, Foodhall and Filling Station. You will recruit the team from scratch — around 325 colleagues — and build and lead a site management team of around 13 people, including your Deputy Operations Manager and department heads.
Your day to day will involve leading, coaching and developing your team to deliver a great customer and colleague experience across the site — guided by our C's: Customer, Colleague, Commercial, Community, Craft Producers and Climate. You will own the site's budget, labour, costs and P&L, working with the Head of Operations and Finance Team to hit budget and keep improving.
You will also be the guardian of our culture, leading the Westmorland Way with Warmth, Graft and Courage as your guiding principles. You will recruit, train and grow your people, and build a succession plan with the People Team — using Antler Leadership, our cookery school and Service Leader academy as the foundations. You will keep colleagues and customers safe, holding responsibility for health, safety and food safety across the site.
About you: This is a chance to open a site, not inherit one — so we're looking for someone who relishes that. You will need to be a people-focused leader with a love of great customer experience, good food and local producers. Ideally, it would be great if you had experience across multiple sites or leading multiple managers. You must be confident with the numbers, able to read a P&L, and be ambitious, forward-thinking and calm across a busy and varied workload. You will need to be a strong communicator and problem solver at every level.
Ideally, the successful candidate will start the role in March 2027, to allow 12 months onboarding into the business and be part of the opening team. The closing date for applications for this role will be Monday 31st August 2026.
Operations Manager in Penrith employer: Westmorland Family Office
Tatton Services is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the opening of a brand-new farmshop and foodhall in Cheshire. With a strong commitment to local producers and community engagement, we foster a warm and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through comprehensive training and development programmes. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding customer experiences while championing sustainability and local craftsmanship.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Penrith
✨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 Westmorland Family Office. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Westmorland Family Office
Don't be shy about reaching out to Westmorland Family Office 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 Operations Manager in Penrith
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 Westmorland Family Office 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 Westmorland Family Office
✨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!
