Hospitality Chief Operations Officer

Key Strategic & Operational Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Holding Company Board to refine and execute long-term vision, brand identity, and multi-site expansion strategies.
  
• Identify new café site opportunities, evaluate new revenue streams, and analyse market trends to maintain a competitive edge.
  

• Hold ultimate P&L ownership, driving revenue while strictly managing prime costs (COGS, labour, and controllable store overheads).
  
• Partner with the group Financial Manager to review monthly financial performance, cash flow forecasts, and detailed variance reports against budget.
  
• Negotiate commercial leases, vendor contracts, and supplier agreements to maintain targeted gross profit margins despite supply chain fluctuations.
  
• Implement rigorous inventory audits, labour scheduling protocols, and waste management controls without compromising product quality.
  

• Oversee daily operational checklists, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality assurance programmes.
  
• Conduct periodic spot-checks on store opening procedures and maintain strict compliance with municipal bylaws, health & safety regulations, and F&B licensing requirements.
  
• Optimise Front-of-House (FOH) and Back-of-House (BOH) workflows to maximise throughput and customer efficiency during peak morning/lunch trading hours.
  

• Direct, mentor, and retain top-tier talent across all store managers and field operations teams using a "firm but fair" leadership style.
  
• Establish a high-performance culture built on clear authority, accountability, and open communication.
  
• Set staff KPIs, conduct regular performance coaching, oversee payroll scheduling, and hold final authority over all staff disciplinary matters.
  

• Maintain ultimate accountability for customer touchpoints, escalated feedback, and structural service improvements.
  
• Ensure FOH furniture and BOH commercial equipment (espresso machinery, kitchen hardware, HVAC) are maintained and repaired promptly.
  
• Take overall responsibility for twice-yearly seasonal menu rollouts (Spring and Autumn), ensuring items are on-trend, accurately costed, and aligned with brand identity.
  

• Oversee outsourced marketing teams to execute campaigns that maximise foot traffic, ROI, and brand visibility.
  
• Guide digital marketing strategies (social media, influencer partnerships, targeted ads) and seasonal loyalty programmes.
  
• Develop local B2B relationships and community partnerships across the Winelands and Cape Town.
  

• Oversee end-to-end project management for new store builds—from site selection and lease signing through to grand opening.
  
• Collaborate with architects, interior designers, and contractors to ensure physical layouts optimize customer flow and meet brand aesthetic.
  
• Manage capital expenditure (capex) fit-out budgets, securing local zoning, heritage, health, and fire clearances.
  

Requirements

• Proven Track Record: 10+ years of senior operational leadership experience within multi-unit F&B, premium casual dining, or high-volume café/QSR groups.
  
• Education & Qualifications: A relevant tertiary qualification in Business Management, Hospitality Management, or Commerce is advantageous, but substantial hands-on multi-site F&B operational leadership (10+ years) is the primary requirement.
  
• Leadership Style: A visible, "lead-by-example" executive with the gravitas to command respect, stamp authority on store teams, and navigate complex labour dynamics.
  
• Entrepreneurial Ownership Mindset: Thinks like a business owner—exhibits razor-sharp attention to detail, excels at delegating tasks while tracking accountability, and manages multi-faceted operational priorities simultaneously.
  
• Field Mobility: Cape Town or Winelands based with a valid driver's license and full mobility to travel between stores. 
  

Benefits

• Package: R75,000 – R80,000 CTC per month (dependent on experience).
  
• Incentives: Annual performance-linked bonus structured around group P&L targets and operational KPIs.
  
• Travel Reimbursement: Business travel paid for store visits.
  
• Work Structure: Flexible hybrid option for admin and financial reporting.
  
• Lifestyle Advantage: Exclusive daytime trading windows (no late-night restaurant shifts).