Operations & Expansion Manager - Cafe Chain

About the Role

This position requires leadership responsibility over the culture, team engagement, and direction of retail stores within a cafe chain. The role focuses on driving brand development, expansion through new location scouting and project supervision, and ensuring alignment with core company values promoting team success, guest satisfaction, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies reflecting the brand’s image and identity.
• Set clear objectives for operations, including planning, execution, control, and necessary adjustments.
• Keep abreast of industry trends and integrate relevant best practices.
• Lead Branch Managers and the retail stores team in delivering superior customer experiences aligned with brand values.
• Analyze financial performance data to establish and execute plans that meet daily key results.
• Conduct accurate sales forecasting at various intervals (annual to daily) to support comprehensive store and country-level profit and loss management.
• Prepare and manage annual, seasonal budgets, and detailed business operating plans.
• Set and present targets for revenue, profit, and cash flow across monthly, quarterly, and yearly periods.
• Achieve financial KPIs established by senior management.
• Identify and propose strategic business partnerships and collaborative planning efforts.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, local laws, safety, and security regulations to maintain business stability and sustainability.
• Maintain quality, customer service, and health & safety standards across locations.
• Exercise sound judgment in anticipating operational challenges, resolving issues proactively, and reporting to Retail Operations Manager as appropriate.
• Oversee store appearance, ensuring visual merchandising conforms to company planograms.
• Manage inventory levels and stock control decisions efficiently.
• Plan and propose special promotions, displays, and events to boost store performance.
• Monitor local market trends, competitor activities, and customer initiatives to keep the stores competitive.
• Implement operational changes such as adjusting store hours, staff allocation, and inventory density to enhance competitiveness.
• Engage with local authorities, media outlets, malls, and community stakeholders.
• Develop and implement systems to identify and capture growth opportunities.
• Manage day-to-day operational activities comprehensively.

Project Management Duties

• Oversee projects from concept design through occupancy phases.
• Review project designs and scope; address and resolve issues promptly.
• Represent the company in all project-related meetings.
• Ensure timely delivery of all necessary information, designs, and materials to construction teams.

Candidate Requirements

• 10 to 15 years of professional experience in the coffee industry.
• Proven record in launching projects from inception, building a brand, or establishing a cafe chain.
• Bachelor’s degree or a higher diploma.
• Strong skills in reporting, organization, networking, and analysis.