Operations Manager

At Old Spike, our mission is simple: great coffee that changes lives.

We’re the UK’s first social enterprise specialty coffee roastery — and every cup we serve helps create training and employment opportunities for people affected by homelessness.

We’re proud to now have 8 locations across central London, with more in the pipeline. As we grow, we’re looking for an Operations Manager who shares our passion for outstanding coffee, meaningful impact, and building teams that thrive.

The Role As an Operations Manager at Old Spike, you’ll oversee a cluster of cafés, supporting your teams to deliver brilliant coffee, exceptional service, and a positive social impact every day.

You’ll play a hands-on role in driving performance, coaching our people, and making sure our cafés run like clockwork. This is a chance to help shape the future of a growing brand with big ambitions — and make a difference while you do it.

What You’ll Do

Drive Growth & Performance

• Develop tailored growth plans for each site, always balancing commercial targets with our, people and our social mission.

• Dive into sales data to spot trends and opportunities.

• Keep an eye on the local market and competitors — stay one step ahead.

Champion Operational Excellence

• Own your area’s P&L — manage costs smartly and keep standards high.

• Regularly visit sites to ensure compliance with health & safety, quality, and brand guidelines.

• Support teams with clear training, using our tools and resources to set everyone up for success.

Lead & Develop Our People

• Inspire, coach, and support Store Managers — build teams that feel motivated and valued.

• Create a culture where everyone feels welcome, supported, and encouraged to grow.

• Work with our Café managers to deliver in-store training and development that sticks.

• Old Spike Barista Trainee Programme — Support the growth and development of trainees who have experienced homelessness through our Barista training programme.

Elevate the Customer Experience

• Make sure every Old Spike café feels welcoming, consistent, and rooted in our values.

• Lead teams to deliver exceptional service and amazing coffee every single time.

• Bring our social impact story to life — every cup should feel part of something bigger.

Support Growth & Expansion

• Help onboard new cafés and get teams ready to hit the ground running.

• Share your operational know-how to support smooth openings and strong starts.

• Recruit, induct and develop a team to help drive Old Spike forward.

Be the Link

• Be the bridge between your stores, the roastery team and the senior team — share updates, champion ideas, and keep everyone connected.

Who We’re Looking For

• Proven experience running multiple sites in specialty coffee.

• Strong commercial sense — comfortable with budgets, sales targets, and P&L responsibility.

• A people-first leader who builds teams that stay, grow, and perform.

• Passionate about specialty coffee, sustainability, and creating positive change.

• Organised and adaptable — you thrive when spinning a few plates at once.

• Ready to roll your sleeves up — you love being hands-on and present with your teams.

What’s in it for you? • Salary range between £37,000 - £40,000 depending on experience plus bonus scheme.

• 28 days holidays including public holidays (+ 1 additional day for each year at the company)

• Cycle to work scheme

• Employee referral scheme

• Code Hospitality discount app

• Flexible office working

• Free coffee at all sites and a 50% discount on bags of coffee and 30% friends and family discount

• An inclusive working culture.