About the job

Who you'll be working forThe business is a fast-growing UK franchise operator specialising in delivery-only ('virtual brand') restaurant concepts. It works with independent kitchen operators, giving them additional brands to sell through delivery platforms using kitchen space and equipment they already have. This means partners can add extra revenue streams without the cost of opening a brand new site.

With the network continuing to expand, the business needs an experienced Operations Manager to look after performance and training across a defined patch. You'll report to the Operations Director and act as the main point of contact for a group of franchise partners, helping them meet performance standards, working through problems as they come up, and identifying ways to grow their sales.

Your patch covers Essex, Greater Essex, Harlow and Chelmsford. You'll be based in the field, travelling between partner sites in London and Essex as required, and you'll be part of a small regional operations team that reports into the Operations Director.You'll also help onboard and train new franchise partners as the network grows, and there's genuine scope to develop within the business as its brand portfolio expands further.

1. Your day to day responsibilitiesLearn the brands and menus in full detail (training provided).
2. Build strong, fast working relationships with franchise partners.
3. Carry out regular audits and statutory checks, and agree remedial action plans if KPIs are missed.
4. Review partner KPIs regularly and use them to drive improvement.
5. Identify and act on growth opportunities within partner sites.
6. Train kitchen teams to deliver brands and menus to the required standard.
7. Adapt menus to fit each partner's existing kitchen setup, working flexibly.
8. Help develop and refine the partner training programme.
9. Work closely with the Commercial team so onboarding runs smoothly.
10. Handle day to day queries from franchisors and suppliers.

1. What we're looking forHappy working independently in the field and managing your own schedule.
2. Able to perform well under pressure in a fast-paced, target-driven role.
3. Quick to build rapport, even in a new environment.
4. A strong relationship builder, both internally and with partners.
5. A confident communicator, written and verbal.
6. Fluent English speaker.
7. At least two years' experience in hospitality or restaurants.
8. Background in account management or business development.
9. Experience supervising or training a team.
10. Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
11. Comfortable using everyday computer systems and software.
12. Eligible to work in the UK.
13. Holds a full driving license and has their own car.

Franchising background isn't essential. What matters more is your ability to solve problems, influence people you don't manage directly, and keep performance on track. The same applies to food or restaurant experience: it's useful, but not required if you can show you've led teams successfully across more than one site.

1. Hours and working patternOne admin day a week, usually worked from home.
2. One day a week at the company's head office.
3. The remaining days are spent in the field, visiting sites and partners.