Job Description

north england📍 | competitive + car allowance + 40% bonus

as one of two operations directors, this role is really important to us. you’ll have strategic and commercial ownership of our north region, leading 7 area managers across a region generating up to £350m in sales and £40m ebita. reporting directly to the board, you’ll help shape the direction of the wider business, set the strategy for your region and turn our ambitions into outstanding performance across every restaurant

we’re looking for an operations director to lead our north region 🌱

sound like the challenge for you? apply today.

purpose |

at wagamama, food is life 🥢 and we’re here to make every bite count. with over 170 restaurants across the UK (and growing fast) we’ve been dishing up vibrant, fresh asian inspired flavours since ‘92. it’s all about good food, good vibes, and good company 🍜🔥

as one of two operations directors, you’ll have full accountability for the commercial performance, operational excellence, guest experience, people and culture of your region. you’ll set the vision and strategic direction for the north, ensuring our priorities drive sustainable growth, strong returns and an exceptional experience for every guest

this is a role for a leader who can see beyond the day-to-day, anticipate what’s next and influence the wider business. you’ll shape strategy, challenge thinking, identify opportunities and lead through a team of area managers to deliver long-term success. you’ll create the conditions for great leaders to thrive, build a strong and sustainable talent pipeline, and ensure our ambitions translate into consistent, outstanding execution across every restaurant

what you'll own |

leading through others

lead, develop and inspire a team of 7 area managers, setting the vision, direction and expectations for your region. build leadership capability, empower great decision-making and create a culture of accountability and ownership, ensuring performance is delivered through others rather than through day-to-day intervention.

commercial performance

own the commercial performance of your region, driving sales, ebit and sustainable, profitable growth. set clear priorities, use insight to anticipate trends and unlock opportunities, and work closely with finance and other business partners to make informed decisions that balance commercial returns with the guest and team experience.

great hospitality

set the standard for exceptional hospitality across the north, championing and embedding our make it real framework. build a region recognised for outstanding guest experiences, bringing our brand to life consistently and raising the bar for hospitality both within wagamama and across the wider market.

safety and compliance

protect the wagamama brand and reputation through uncompromising standards in food safety, health and safety, legal compliance and restaurant operations. establish clear accountability across your region, use audit and performance insight to drive continuous improvement, and personally lead the response to significant guest issues, ensuring we learn, act and continually improve.

people and talent

shape a high-performing, caring culture where people can thrive and do their best work. build organisational capability, strengthen retention and team stability, and develop a robust leadership pipeline and succession plan. set clear expectations, address performance with honesty and purpose, and ensure we have the leaders and talent needed to deliver our future ambitions.

strategy and change

shape the long-term strategy and priorities for your region, bringing commercial insight, operational expertise and a clear point of view to wider business decisions. lead significant business-wide initiatives and transformation, translating strategic ambition into clear priorities, measurable outcomes and lasting change at pace.

one wagamama

partner with the other operations director, the board and senior business leaders to shape decisions that are right for the whole business. bring the voice of our restaurants into company-wide strategy, challenge constructively, influence across functions and ensure our plans deliver joined-up, sustainable success.

growth and market

use customer insight, competitor intelligence and local market understanding to identify opportunities for growth and strengthen our position in the market. shape regional sales and brand-building activity, influence new restaurant design and openings, and ensure operational expertise informs investment decisions and supports the long-term success of our estate.

what you'll need |

• significant senior leadership experience in a large, complex, multi-site consumer business, ideally hospitality, restaurants or retail.
• proven ownership of a substantial p&l, with a track record of driving profitable growth, strong commercial returns and operational excellence at scale.
• experience leading and developing experienced multi-site leaders across a large and diverse geography, delivering results through others.
• a strong track record of shaping regional or business-wide strategy, influencing board-level and executive decisions, and leading complex change.
• the commercial acumen to interpret performance, customer, competitor and market insight and turn it into strategic priorities and sustainable growth.
• a proven ability to build high-performing leadership teams, strengthen organisational capability and develop succession for long-term business success.
• experience influencing estate growth, restaurant openings, local market strategy or property and design decisions.
• a strong understanding of the commercial drivers behind multi-site performance, including labour, budgeting, investment and the balance between profitability, operational standards and guest experience.
• the credibility, judgement and influence to work as a senior business leader, balancing regional accountability with the needs and ambitions of the wider organisation.

what’s in it for you |

• come as you are culture, with modern offices, fresh fruit and soft drinks
• £200 monthly wagamama food allowance — enjoy all your favourite dishes on us!
• private healthcare cover for family
• 6% pension contribution
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• + further discounts across retail, hospitality & leisure — perks that make life sweeter
• supporting you every step of the way! family-friendly pay: 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents

nothing brings people together like great food. no matter where you’re from or who you are, you’ve got a seat at our table | because food is the ultimate connector, and here everyone belong