Operations Manager- UK Grocery Retail Startup

ZipRecruiter; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic UK grocery retail startup as an Operations Manager, taking full ownership of operations across multiple locations. You will ensure efficient, scalable operations while leading team onboarding, managing supply chains, and designing sustainable processes to support growth.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in store operations and/or supply chain management.
• Strong ability to design and implement scalable operational processes.
• Comfortable in fast-paced, hands-on environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational setup for new store openings.
• Build and refine operational processes for long-term scale.
• Coordinate with tech team for in-store tech functionality.

Skills

Store operations

Supply chain management

Process design

Team onboarding

Health & safety compliance

Job description

Job Description

Operations Manager – UK Grocery Retail Startup

Location: Central London

Position Type: Full-Time.

Reporting to: CEO

Start Date: Immediate

About us:

We are a group of start up and retail experts, launching a new grocery concept in the UK. We are ambitious, dynamic and on a mission to create something exciting and unique.

We're fast-moving, so flexibility, ownership, and a willingness to jump in wherever needed are key. You'll be joining a team where no job is too small or too big, and speed matters. If you're motivated by building from scratch, driving impact, and growing with a company, we'd love to meet you.

About the role:

We’re looking for an experienced Operations Manager to take full ownership of operations across our growing retail footprint. This role requires someone who can be hands-on when needed but also structured and process-driven enough to lay the foundation for sustainable growth. You’ll be responsible for ensuring our operations are efficient, scalable, and always customer ready.

Key Responsibilities

• Store Launch & Operations: Lead operational setup for new store openings — from layout planning to stock arrival and tech implementation.
• Process Design & Implementation: Build and refine end-to-end operational processes that support long-term scale. Work closely with the tech team to ensure business processes are supported by tech as much as possible.
• Inventory & Supply Chain: Work cross-functionally to ensure inventory is moving as planned, shelves are stocked, and back-of-house systems are functioning smoothly.
• Tech & Systems Management: Coordinate with the tech team to ensure the day-to-day functioning of in-store tech and payment systems, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Set and maintain health and safety standards in line with regulations.
• Team Onboarding & Training: Support training and onboarding of store staff, including process documentation and best practices.
• Travel: Regular travel required between store locations, especially during launch and setup periods.
• 3PL Coordination: Oversee/collaborate with third-party logistics partners as needed.
• Manage metrics and KPIs around store productivity, shrinkage, and stock availability (in collaboration with commercial).

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in store operations and/or supply chain management — ideally in retail, FMCG, or startup environments.
• Strong ability to design and implement scalable operational processes.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, hands-on environments where roles may stretch beyond their title.
• Willingness to travel frequently and be on-site as needed.
• Immediate availability is ideal.

Compensation: competitive package