Job Description

Head of Operations - Orto Pizza

Location: Multi-Site + Central Production

Reports to: Company Directors

Role Type: Senior Leadership | Position Level: Top of Operational Org Chart

Role Overview

The Head of Operations is the most senior operational role within Orto Pizza, sitting at the top of the operational org chart and reporting directly to the company directors. This role holds full strategic and executional responsibility for our multi-site restaurant portfolio and central production kitchen. It is accountable for driving brand consistency, profitability, and innovation across all locations, while ensuring Orto's values--craftsmanship, community, and warm hospitality--are reflected in every aspect of the business.

This is a hands-on leadership role that blends strategic oversight with operational execution. The successful candidate will be a systems thinker, a culture builder, and a results-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Multi-Site Operational Leadership

Oversee daily operations across all restaurant locations, ensuring consistency in service, quality, and guest experience. Conduct regular site visits and audits to uphold brand standards and identify opportunities for improvement. Lead and support Area Managers and General Managers, setting clear KPIs and providing coaching to drive performance and accountability. Develop and refine SOPs for all retail operations, ensuring efficiency and consistency across sites. Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and food hygiene regulations.
2. Central Production Oversight

Direct operations within the central kitchen, ensuring efficient, high-volume production of core ingredients (e.g., dough, sauces, toppings). Standardize recipes and preparation methods to guarantee product consistency across all locations. Manage inventory and procurement across both production and retail sites, leveraging economies of scale. Optimise logistics and distribution schedules to ensure freshness, reduce waste, and streamline delivery.
3. Financial Strategy & Performance

Own the P&L across all operational units, using data to drive decisions and improve profitability.
Implement cost control strategies for food, labour, and overheads.

Collaborate with senior leadership on growth planning, including new site openings and operational innovation. Track and analyse performance metrics across sites and production, using insights to guide strategic decisions.
4. Team Leadership & Culture

Lead recruitment, training, and development of managers across both restaurant and production teams. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture aligned with Orto's values. Conduct regular performance reviews and support career development across the operational team. Champion internal communication and cross-site collaboration.
5. Innovation & Sustainability

Encourage innovation in menu development, service delivery, and operational systems. Implement sustainable practices across all locations, including ethical sourcing and waste reduction. Stay ahead of industry trends and technology to enhance operational efficiency and guest experience

Qualifications & Skills

Proven experience in senior operations leadership within a multi-site hospitality or restaurant group. Strong understanding of central production or commissary operations. Exceptional leadership and team-building skills across distributed teams. Financial acumen with experience managing budgets, P&L, and cost control. Operational expertise in both front-of-house and back-of-house systems. Proficiency in POS, inventory management, and data analytics tools. Passion for high-quality food, guest experience, and community-driven hospitality.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 40,000.00-60,000.00 per year

Experience:

similar role: 4 years (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Willingness to travel:

75% (preferred)
Work Location: In person