F&B Operations Lead Job Sheffield area,England UK,Hospitality / Hotel / Catering

Quest Search & Selection is recruiting a National F&B Operations Manager for a leading UK leisure and hospitality business with a nationwide portfolio of company-operated and franchised restaurants, QSR outlets, takeaways, cafés, pubs and casual dining venues.

This senior leadership role will focus on driving commercial performance, operational excellence and profitable growth across high-footfall tourist destinations.

The successful candidate will lead operational support teams, work closely with General Managers and franchise partners, and oversee new openings, ensuring consistent standards, strong profitability and an exceptional guest experience.

Key Responsibilities of this National F&B Operations Manager role:

Lead Food & Beverage operations across a multi-site and hospitality business, driving commercial performance and operational excellence.
Develop and implement operational strategies, business cases and improvement plans.
Oversee seasonal operations, franchise launches and proposition development.
Ensure consistent implementation of operational procedures, food safety, health and safety and brand standards.
Manage franchise partnerships, maintaining strong relationships with franchisors and ensuring compliance.
Drive profitability, cost control, operational efficiency and an exceptional guest experience.
Monitor performance metrics, audits, reporting and operational standards, addressing areas for improvement.
Lead, coach and develop operational support teams, supporting talent development and succession planning.
Identify franchise growth opportunities and ensure successful implementation of new concepts and openings.
Champion best practice, continuous improvement and consistent operating standards across all sites.

Key Requirements of this National F&B Operations Manager role:

Ideally having experience in QSR, casual dining, pubs, leisure and other large, multi-site F&B operations.
Strong F&B knowledge, executive-level credibility and hands‑on operational experience across multi‑site businesses.
Experience managing both company-operated and franchised businesses would be advantageous.
Strong commercial, P&L and margin management skills.
Having international experience can be considered; UK experience is beneficial but not essential.
Excellent communication, analytical, organisational and project management skills.
Proven leadership, coaching and performance management abilities.
Food Hygiene qualification preferred but not essential.
Comfortable with travel at least every other week.

Benefits of this National F&B Operations Manager role:

Hybrid - this is a nationwide role so expectations are 3 days in the field or head office and x2 days WFH
Salary is dependent on experience - please note we are open to candidates higher the salary range as there is room for negotiation.
30% bonus
20% friends and family discount.
Free parking.
Learning and development support.