We are launching a scalable café concept with national ambition and are seeking an experienced multi-site hospitality leader to build and lead the operational platform from day one.
This is not a standard salaried Operations Director role.
This is a founder-level opportunity to design, launch and scale a multi-site café brand across the UK, with meaningful equity and profit participation.
The Role
You will be responsible for building the operating engine of the business, including:
• Designing the operational model and site-level structure
• Developing robust unit economics and labour models
• Menu engineering and supplier framework
• Creating SOPs, training systems and compliance processes
• Leading flagship launch
• Recruiting and developing high-performing site managers
• Building a scalable multi-site rollout playbook
• Full P&L ownership and EBITDA delivery
You will report directly to the founder and operate within a clear governance framework.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a proven hospitality operator who has:
• Managed 10+ sites within a branded café, QSR or fast-casual business
• Strong multi-site P&L ownership experience
• Opened new locations at scale
• Delivered consistent EBITDA performance
• Built operational systems, not just managed them
• Led and developed high-performing teams
Background within recognised multi-site brands such as
Pret A Manger,
Costa Coffee,
Starbucks,
Gail's Bakery,
Five Guys or similar environments would be highly relevant.
An entrepreneurial mindset is essential.
The Structure
• Meaningful equity participation (vesting structure)
• Performance-based profit share from launch
• Salary introduced upon agreed profitability milestones
• Board-level governance and capital backing
This opportunity is suited to someone who wants ownership and long-term value creation, rather than a traditional employment role.
The Ambition
Year 1:
Launch flagship site, establish strong unit economics, build replicable systems.
Years 2–3:
Roll out multi-site portfolio and establish regional operating structure.
Long-term objective:
Build a nationally recognised brand with scalable infrastructure.
Confidential Discussions
If you have multi-site experience and are ready to build something significant, please apply or send a direct message outlining:
• Portfolio managed
• Sites opened
• EBITDA performance achieved
• Why this opportunity aligns with your career goals