Job Description

Head of People & Operations

- Artist Residence

Full-Time | Bristol-based with travel

We're looking for a people-focused operations leader to join our group team at Artist Residence.

As Head of People & Operations, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring that our five hotels, restaurants, bars and event spaces are running smoothly, consistently, and with heart.

This is a group-level leadership role based at our Bristol office, with regular travel to our sites across the UK.

You'll lead on training, HR oversight, operational support, standards, and team development - working closely with the Founder, the site-level Heads of Department, and the Group Sales, Marketing & Events Manager.

You'll be hands-on, practical and values-led - as comfortable helping a team member grow in confidence as you are spotting inefficiencies in rota planning or resolving a tricky guest situation. You'll help protect and promote the culture that makes Artist Residence special.

We're a hands-on, real-world kind of business -- creative collaboration, site visits, and face-to-face energy are a big part of how we work. This role isn't remote or hybrid, so you'll need to be ready to be on the ground, in the mix, and part of the day-to-day buzz.

Key Responsibilities: People, Culture & Training

Lead on recruitment, onboarding and induction across the group.

Ensure team members are trained to a consistent, high standard - with clear expectations and structured learning.

Create and manage training materials and brand standards handbooks.

Develop strong relationships with each team and HOD - mentoring, coaching and guiding where needed.

Handle or support HR matters including disciplinaries, grievances and conflict resolution.

Support site managers in ensuring documentation, staff files, and right-to-work checks are maintained.

Run performance reviews and feedback processes, ensuring progression is encouraged and managed.

Support wellness and engagement initiatives that make Artist Residence a great place to work.

Key Responsibilities: Operations & Standards

Monitor product quality, consistency, and guest feedback across sites -collaborating with chefs, bar managers, and the Sales & Marketing team to resolve issues and improve.

Work alongside the founder and group leads on new initiatives - such as stocktaking, system improvements, or process changes - trialling them at site level (e.g. Bristol), refining them, and then leading roll-out across all locations.

Take ownership of ensuring these initiatives are fully adopted, smooth in practice, and delivering results, with clear follow-up and troubleshooting.

Constantly assess daily operations for efficiency, service quality, and guest experience - proactively identifying risks and preventing dips in brand standards or satisfaction.

Oversee operational standards across all locations - from service and presentation to maintenance, rotas and safety.

Work with site managers to ensure rotas are built effectively and aligned to budgeted labour targets.

Visit each site regularly for audits, team meetings, and support.

Lead or support training in customer service, brand values, guest experience and problem resolution.

Own or coordinate Health & Safety, Fire Safety and compliance checklists.

Ensure the group's policies and procedures are up to date, clear, and followed.

Collaborate with the founder and senior team to develop and implement a clear site-level operational framework across all locations - including:

- Who does what, when (clear roles & responsibilities)

-Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and service checklists

- Training packs and scheduled refreshers for each role

- Induction and leaver processes

- Person specifications and behavioural expectations

- Tools to drive operational efficiency, clarity and consistency

Own the upkeep, communication and rollout of these frameworks, ensuring they're practical, inspiring, and consistently followed on site.

Key Responsibilities: Performance & Site Support

Collaborate with the founder and HODs to review and influence site-level financial performance, including P&L, budgets, and profitability.

Support Heads of Department in understanding and managing labour costs, GP targets, and operational efficiency.

Play a key role in holding sites accountable to budgeted financial goals while maintaining a focus on team wellbeing and guest experience.

Work closely with the Sales & Marketing lead to ensure brand experience is aligned with guest reviews and service delivery.

Track site-level KPIs including team retention, mystery guest reports, guest feedback, and cleanliness/ maintenance standards.

Attend weekly meetings with the founder and HODs to review issues and support actions.

Troubleshoot operational challenges and help ensure site teams are well supported and unblocked.

KPIs & Success Measures:

Team retention across group (year-on-year improvement) Mystery guest performance and review scores Compliance audits (H&S, training records, onboarding) Rota & labour cost efficiency by site Time-to-hire for key roles Staff onboarding experience & satisfaction Guest service consistency and recovery rate

Who you are:

A natural people person and organiser who loves hospitality

Experienced in hotels, F&B or boutique group operations

Calm, consistent, empathetic and grounded - but not afraid to make the tough calls

Familiar with HR processes and able to handle sensitive matters confidentially

Motivated by high standards, smooth operations and happy teams

What We Offer:

Salary: 45,000-55,000 DOE + Travel + Benefits

A senior group-level role based in our Bristol office

The opportunity to positively impact culture, guest experience, and people development across all sites

A fun, down-to-earth company that values creativity, individuality and hard work

Support from the founder and a growing group team

Travel expenses covered for site visits

Staff discounts and the opportunity to spend time across our locations

Ready to bring the vibes?

If you're all about big energy, brilliant people, and creating unforgettable experiences that guests rave about, it's time to make your move!

Join the

Artist Residence

team- where no two days are the same, and personality is everything.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 45,000.00-55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Discounted or free food Employee discount Free or subsidised travel
Schedule:

Monday to Friday Weekend availability
Experience:

Operations management: 2 years (required)
Willingness to travel:

25% (required)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Head of People & Operations - Artist Residence Group