Managing Director / CEO – Restaurant & Food Retail

About the role

We are seeking a hands‑on Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer to lead a well‑funded hospitality and food‑retail business as it launches its flagship site in London and expands across the UK. The role combines strategic oversight with day‑to‑day operational involvement, building a high‑performing team and establishing scalable systems for long‑term growth.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute the overall UK business strategy and growth plan.
• Build, develop and inspire a high‑performing leadership team.
• Drive commercial performance, profitability and operational excellence.
• Collaborate closely with investors and board stakeholders.
• Lead the launch of the flagship operation and subsequent site openings.
• Create scalable systems, processes and ways of working.
• Foster a culture centred on accountability, development and empowerment.
• Represent the business internally and externally as its public face.

Required profile

• Proven experience scaling a hospitality or food‑retail business from small to meaningful size.
• Track record of genuine growth, not just inheriting an established platform.
• Strong commercial and operational capability at a premium, quality level.
• Confident decision‑maker comfortable with ownership and entrepreneurial environments.
• Highly credible with teams, stakeholders and investors.
• Passionate about coaching, mentoring and developing people.
• Visible, hands‑on leader who enjoys being close to operations.
• Based in London or able to commute regularly.

Required skills