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