Job Description

Loungers is an operator of caf/bar/restaurants with over 290 sites across England and Wales, under three distinct but complementary brands, Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside. Each Lounge is individually named.


It is the only growing all-day operator of scale in the UK, with a strong reputation for value-for-money and sites that offer something for everyone regardless of age, demographic or gender. This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting, dynamic and rapidly growing company.


As part of the Property leadership team, led by the Property Director you will live by the values and vision of the Property team. As a senior leader you will take complete ownership of ensuring all sites at the construction phase are delivered on time and within budget whilst keeping build and design quality at the same outstanding levels as today. Equally you will ensure all planned and reactive maintenance is dealt with efficiently, cost effectively and in a safe and compliant manner.

Ultimately you will be responsible for:

Defining and leading the build and maintenance strategy with a sharp focus on cost efficiency. Strategically leading 6 build teams and a decorating team to consistently deliver projects on time, within budget, and compliant with Health & Safety standards. Driving end-to-end optimisation of build and fit-out processes, with a relentless focus on reducing Capex through smarter procurement of materials, process innovation, and labour efficiency. Owning and managing the Capex budget for all fit-outs, embedding commercial discipline to maximise value and minimise waste across every project. 8m of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance across 300 sites, support the Head of Maintenance to drive a culture of cost control and efficiency across maintenance spend. Foster a high-performance culture across build teams-focused on cost consciousness, continuous improvement, and internal talent development.

What's involved in the role?

Be a key stakeholder in setting the Capex budgets for the Board Approval of each new site. Quickly highlight to the Property Director any timeline or financial risks and simultaneously ensure there are a range of possible solutions in order to overcome these challenges Ensure all sites are built to required H&S/legal standards for our customers and team and that safety is never compromised. Putting H&S at the heart of the Business and Property Team. Manage all 3rd party build relationships (contractors and suppliers) to ensure Loungers are receiving the best value for money and the highest levels of service quality. Have a clear 3rd party strategy that enables high levels of flexibility and to mitigate risk Take a lead on sustainability in line with Loungers' ESG agenda, progressing build activities which deliver for the environment and provide the best commercial pay-back Coach and develop the construction team to grow talent for the future and ensure there is a clear environment of high performance, with clear succession planning. Set clear objectives for internal and external teams to ensure there is absolute clarity on the deliverables and timescales and take clear action where objectives and expectations are not being delivered. Where necessary, recruit high performing property employees who fit with the Lounge culture and can enhance the overall department effectiveness. Build strong internal teams, reducing the amount of agency labour used. Thoroughly review people, process and financial performance of each site build and ensure there is a culture continuous improvement where learnings are taken and applied to in process builds as well as helping to improve the overall build strategy Review equipment and material purchasing to drive down Capex costs and recommend changes that could be made without sacrificing build time or quality. Maintain strong links with Operational colleagues, updating them on Builds and ensuring any snagging is closed out as efficiently as possible. Work closely with the Head of Maintenance to ensure all Builds are built with full consideration of future Opex costs, add value to Contractor negotiations and cost reduction initiatives. Support the Head of Maintenance in owning contractor relationships and their performance, and partnering with our Senior Operations Team.

Key Measures of Success

Opening the target number of Loungers sites on time and under budget Every last of capex is effectively utilised to drive the highest levels of ROI Efficient and high performing internal Property and third party teams

What we're looking for?

Able to be extremely hands on and in the detail where required as well as a strategic thought leader to drive change. Amazing attention to detail, to be all over programmes, budgets, and labour Excellent commercial acumen and understanding of capital cost Highly effective negotiator and adept at problem solving Thrive when working under pressure and tight timescales Strong leader of people and can confidently motivate, develop and lead a team Excellent communicator and can manage expectations honestly and clearly at every level of the business.

About You

Experience as a Head of Constructions/Head of Build/Construction Director (or equivalent) capacity or leading a construction or fit out business Extensive leadership and management experience of internal and external teams A significant track record of delivering multiple fast-paced construction projects Ability to develop and manage operational working relationships between the Company and vendors/contractors/3rd party suppliers. Advanced knowledge and experience of construction management processes and methods Experience of managing a significant capex/opex budget Experience/management of Maintenance/FM.

What's in it for you?

Discretionary annual bonus Family private medical insurance Vibrant office in the centre of Bristol A culture that appreciates ideas and celebrates individuality Founder-led business - we might have c300 sites, but we still maintain an entrepreneurial spirit through everything we do 50% off food and drink at all Lounges, Cosy Clubs and Brightsides Employer pension contribution 24/7 mental health support * Amazing events including LoungeFest - our annual company festival - Christmas parties and more