Operations Director

Director of Operations & Commercial Strategy, Fast-Food Franchise, Salary package £120,000 – £130,000 per annum, Greater Midlands/North Wales/North West 

Our client is a forward-thinking, people-led, fast-food hospitality group, driven by operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.

They are seeking a Director of Operations & Commercial Strategy to lead a talented multi-disciplinary team responsible for driving performance, project delivery, technology, facilities, communications, and commercial success across the business.

This is a pivotal role within the senior leadership team — setting strategic direction, improving efficiency, and enhancing the guest experience across a diverse restaurant portfolio. The successful candidate will be a dynamic, hands-on leader who can combine commercial insight with operational expertise to deliver outstanding results.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and deliver a five-year strategy for operational excellence and growth.
• Partner with HR, Finance, and Operations leaders to align initiatives across all functions.
• Establish and manage governance structures that ensure projects are delivered to time, budget, and quality.

Commercial & Operational Performance

• Drive operational consistency and efficiency across multi-site operations.
• Monitor and improve key metrics related to profitability, service standards, and guest experience.
• Provide commercial insight and input into budgeting, forecasting, and business reviews.

Digital & Innovation

• Lead digital transformation across the business, championing technology and AI solutions to improve efficiency and insight.
• Oversee IT strategy and vendor relationships, ensuring seamless, secure, and reliable operations.

Facilities & Compliance

• Oversee facilities and maintenance across the estate, ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and compliance.
• Lead on risk, governance, and health & safety initiatives.
• Develop robust frameworks to ensure legal and regulatory compliance at every site.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a multi-functional team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and performance.
• Inspire teams to deliver exceptional results in a fast-paced, people-led environment.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven track record in senior operations leadership within hospitality, catering, or other multi-site environments.
• Commercially astute with strong analytical, project, and change management skills.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to engage and influence at all levels.
• Experienced in driving digital transformation and operational excellence initiatives.
• Knowledge of risk, governance, and compliance within large operational settings.
• Strategic thinker who can deliver both vision and practical results.

What’s in it for the successful Director of Operations & Commercial Strategy? 

• £80,000–£90,000 base salary (45-hour contract)
• Bonus & Long-Term Incentive Plan (up to 50% of salary at year 5 & 10)
• Private medical, income protection, life insurance, and health cash plan
• 28 days holiday, rising to 38 days with service
• Career progression within a growing, ambitious hospitality group
• Electric fleet vehicle or Car Allowance (£450 pcm) 
• Employee benefits including discounts, meals on duty, and wellbeing support