Operations Manager – Café Group (7 Locations, Ireland)
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day performance of 7 cafés across Ireland. This role is hands-on and people-focused, combining strong leadership, operational excellence, and commercial thinking. The ideal candidate understands the café market, uses data to drive decisions, controls costs effectively, and grows sales through creative and innovative initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
People & Leadership
* Lead, coach, and develop Café Managers and teams across all locations
* Build a strong service culture focused on consistency, quality, and guest experience
* Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management
* Foster high engagement, accountability, and retention within teams
Operations Excellence
* Ensure all cafés operate to brand, quality, food safety, and health & safety standards
* Maintain exceptional attention to detail across service, food, cleanliness, and presentation
* Conduct regular site visits, audits, and performance reviews
* Implement and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Customer Experience
* Deep understanding of customer expectations in the café market
* Use customer feedback, reviews, and insights to continuously improve the offer
* Ensure consistency of experience across all locations while allowing local personality
Commercial & Financial Management
* Strong grasp of operational data and analytics (sales, labour, margins, KPIs)
* Manage and control costs including labour, food, waste, and overheads
* Drive sales growth through upselling, menu optimisation, local marketing, and innovation
* Work closely with senior leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
Innovation & Growth
* Identify opportunities to increase revenue through creative and innovative ideas
* Support new product launches, promotions, and operational improvements
* Stay informed on café and hospitality trends in the Irish market
Skills & Experience
* Proven experience in a multi-site café, restaurant, or hospitality operations role
* Excellent people skills with a collaborative and motivating leadership style
* Strong attention to detail and operational discipline
* Confident with data analytics, reporting, and performance metrics
* Commercial mindset with the ability to balance cost control and sales growth
* Full driving licence and willingness to travel between locations
What We Offer
* Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing café group
* Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
* Autonomy to make an impact and drive innovation
* Supportive, people-first company culture