Package: Up to £120,000 basic salary + performance bonus + benefits Reporting to: CEO and Board
We are working with a bold, fast-growing food brand with a dynamic presence across the UK. With over 40 active locations including high street restaurants, cloud kitchens and a rapidly expanding franchise estate these guys are entering a transformative phase of scale, innovation and operational refinement.
The appointment of an operations Director is a pivotal next step. This individual will lead and evolve our operational function, embedding structure, accountability and commercial discipline across both the company-owned and franchised sites.
The Role
As Operations Director, you will take full strategic and operational ownership of the UK estate. This includes leadership of the internal operations team, direct oversight of day-to-day performance, and responsibility for supporting our franchise partners to succeed.
You will work closely with the CEO, board, and cross-functional leads to ensure every part of our operation – from store experience to labour models – is optimised for scale. You’ll bring clarity to systems, confidence to partners and teams, and a strong commercial mindset to every decision.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and deliver a scalable operations strategy aligned with business growth plans
Oversee the performance of all company-owned and franchised sites across the UK
Champion a high-performance culture built around ownership, pace and delivery
Ensure operational KPIs – including labour efficiency, delivery performance, and food quality – are met or exceeded
Lead the development of operational support for franchise partners, ensuring they are well-equipped to uphold brand standards
Build long-term relationships with franchisees, supporting launch, performance, and commercial success
Partner with Franchise Development to onboard new operators and develop field training models
Oversee operational planning and execution for all new store openings
Work closely with development, fit-out, supply chain, and marketing to ensure sites open on time, on budget, and with fully trained teams
Take full P&L ownership across all operational channels
Monitor and control labour models, COGs, and site-level overheads
Lead and develop a national team of Area Managers and operational staff
Assess and refine the operational team structure to meet the needs of a scaling estate
Build a culture of performance, progression and accountability
Collaborate with HR to improve training, onboarding, succession planning and workforce management.
What We’re Looking For
Significant multi-site leadership experience in fast-paced food environments such as QSR, fast casual, or delivery-led businesses
Deep understanding of franchise-led operations, including the ability to support, challenge and inspire partners to deliver high standards
Strong commercial acumen with experience managing full operational P&Ls and identifying margin improvement opportunities
Demonstrable success in scale-up or transformation environments, with the ability to introduce systems, structure, and strategic discipline
Experience leading new site openings and implementing efficient launch processes
Proven ability to build, coach and retain high-performing operational teams across a national estate
Collaborative leadership style with strong communication skills and a hands-on mindset
