Hospitality Operations Manager
Primary Location: Leighlinbridge, Co.
Carlow
Type: Full-time | Daytime Hours
Are you a dynamic hospitality leader who thrives on inspiring teams, elevating customer experiences, and driving operational excellence?
Arboretum, Ireland's award-winning, family-run garden and lifestyle destination, is seeking a Hospitality Operations Manager to lead and evolve our café operations across three vibrant locations, with our other two locations being Kilquade, Co.
Wicklow and Parnell Street, Dublin 1.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of food and hospitality within a business that blends retail, gardens, and community - all while enjoying daytime hours and a values-driven culture.
About the Role
As Hospitality Operations Manager, you'll oversee the strategic and operational performance of our daytime cafés, ensuring they deliver exceptional customer experiences, strong commercial results, and a positive team culture.
You'll lead a team of Café Managers and Head Chefs, empowering them to succeed while focusing on people development, margin management, and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & People Development
Coach and mentor Café Managers, Head Chefs and Team Leads across three sites
Foster a culture of accountability, motivation, and continuous improvement
Lead performance management, recruitment, and onboarding processes
Operational Excellence
Ensure consistent standards in food quality, service, cleanliness, and presentation
Collaborate with Head Chefs on menu development, seasonal innovation, and customer feedback
Oversee compliance with HACCP, food safety, and allergen protocols
Commercial Focus
Manage budgets, labour costs, and margins to meet KPIs
Analyse performance data to drive decisions on staffing, pricing, and promotions
Lead supplier relationships, stock control, and waste reduction initiatives
Customer Experience
Champion a customer-first mindset across all cafés
Respond to feedback and implement improvements that enhance the guest journey
Align hospitality standards with Arboretum's brand values and retail experience.
What You'll Bring
Proven experience in hospitality or foodservice management (multi-site or retail café experience a plus)
Strong leadership and people management skills, with a track record of building high-performing teams
Commercial acumen and experience managing budgets, margins, and KPIs
Passion for food, customer service, and creating memorable experiences
Excellent communication, organisation, and problem-solving abilities
Resilience, adaptability, and a proactive mindset
A culinary background is welcome but not essential - we're looking for a strategic leader who can empower our chefs and elevate our hospitality offering.
Why Join Arboretum?
At Arboretum, we believe cafés should be places of inspiration and connection.
We're a forward-thinking, family-run business where your leadership will make a real impact.
We offer:
Daytime working hours for better work-life balance
A supportive and values-led culture focused on Communication, Commitment, Customer Service, Reputation, and Leadership
Opportunities for professional development and career progression
Employee discounts across Arboretum retail and cafés
Employee Referral bonus scheme and recognition initiatives
A chance to work in beautiful surroundings with an award-winning Irish brand.
Why This Role Stands Out
This isn't just a hospitality role - it's a leadership opportunity to shape the future of food and customer experience in a unique retail and lifestyle environment.
You'll be supported, challenged, and appreciated as part of a passionate team that's redefining daytime hospitality in Ireland.
Ready to lead with purpose and passion?
Apply now to join the Arboretum family.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
Company events
Employee discount
On-site parking
Work Location: In person