Chief Operating Officer - Fast-Paced, Food & Drink Venues -£150,000

COREcruitment; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality group in London is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to join their leadership team. This dynamic role involves overseeing operations across multiple venues, driving performance, and strategically scaling the brand. The ideal candidate will have senior-level experience in food-led businesses and a passion for hospitality.

Qualifications

• Experience as COO, Operations Director, or similar in a food-led business.
• Proven track record in managing high-volume venues.
• Hands-on approach with a long-term mindset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations across a growing portfolio.
• Strategically build the right structure and drive performance.
• Work closely with the CEO during the handover period.

Skills

Senior level operations management

Multi-site operations management

Commercial acumen

People-focused leadership

Passion for hospitality

Job description

Location: London HQ

This is one of those rare, exciting roles that doesn’t come up often.We're working with a hugely respected, privately backed hospitality group behind some of London’s most talked-about food and drink venues.Think iconic locations, high footfall, and a seriously strong brand reputation.

The business is at an exciting growth stage — with two major new venue launches already in the pipeline (one in 2025 and another in 2026), and more to come.The foundations are strong, the product is much-loved, and the customer experience is at the heart of everything they do.

They’re now looking for a sharp, experienced Chief Operating Officer to join the leadership team.This is a key hire — someone who can work closely with the current CEO during a handover period, with the future goal of stepping up to lead the business.

You’ll be overseeing day-to-day operations across a growing portfolio, helping to scale the brand while protecting the quality, energy, and personality that makes each site special.You’ll also be thinking strategically, building the right structure, and driving performance across all functions.

Who we’re looking for:

• You’ve operated at senior level (COO, Operations Director, or similar) within a busy, food-led business
• You know how to manage and grow multi-site operations — ideally high-volume venues or destination F&B concepts
• Experience scaling a brand or driving significant expansion — you’re commercially savvy and know what it takes to grow without losing soul
• You might have experience with franchise or international models — but it’s not essential
• You’re hands-on, people-focused, and genuinely passionate about hospitality
• You’ve got a long-term mindset and are excited by the idea of being part of something special as it grows

If you love the idea of stepping into a dynamic role with serious potential — and you’ve got the leadership skills to help, take this brand to the next level — we’d love to hear from you.

We are beginning to have confidential conversations so please do get in touch to discuss things further – Stuart Hills OR call 02077 900 2666