Watermelon Catering
We are a successful and growing multi-site hospitality business with seven cafés and one street food operation based in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. We are now seeking a strategic, hands-on Operations/Area Manager to lead our venue teams, drive operational excellence and prepare the business for further expansion. This is a key leadership role, replacing our outgoing Area Manager but with an expanded focus on venue quality, systems, people, and growth.
Key Responsibilities
1. Operational Leadership
Lead and support Venue Managers across all locations
Ensure venues are consistently delivering high standards of food, service, cleanliness, and customer experience
Identify and act on performance issues quickly and constructively
2. Commercial Performance
Analyse monthly reports with Director
Manage labour and COGS across venues to protect margins
Set and track KPIs for sales, profitability, and efficiency
3. Team Development & Culture
Recruit, coach, and develop Venue Managers and supervisors
Build a positive, accountable, high-performance culture
Lead weekly/fortnightly Ops meetings and monthly 1:1s
4. Systems & Scalability
Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) across sites with the support of Director & Facilities Manager
Establish repeatable systems for training, onboarding, audits, and reviews
Prepare the business operationally for new site openings
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work with the Marketing & Events Manager on campaigns and local activations
Work with the Facilities Manager to manage reactive and planned maintenance
What We're Looking For
Proven experience managing multi-site operations (ideally 3+ hospitality sites). Must have hands one experience to operate in a catering environment.
Strong commercial mindset. Capable to read financial reports and act on financial data
Excellent people leader. Capable of mentoring, developing, and holding managers accountable
Systematic and process-oriented. Create strong in SOPs, quality control, and execution
Comfortable with both strategic thinking and hands-on leadership
Full driving licence and ability to travel between venues
Bonus Skills/Nice to have
Experience with new site launches or franchising
Barista/Kitchen experience
Company Perks Competitive Salary
Use of Company Van
One Week Free Stay per annum in Company Cottage in Royal Deeside
Free Meals on Shift
Discount in all venues
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