Maintenance Operations Manager

The Company:

Our Client is one of the leading quick service retail and grocery brands in their specific group with plans for continued growth. With its best-in-class-Food, latest technology, innovation and talented workforce, our client is the future of healthy eating Fast Food.

The Position:

As Maintenance Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and delivery of repair and maintenance operations across our client’s UK restaurant estate, including Academy and Learning Academy sites.

Reporting to the Property Director, you will manage a small in-house team and work closely with external contractors to ensure repairs, compliance, and preventative maintenance are delivered efficiently, safely, and within budget.

This is a hands-on operational leadership role, focused on execution, prioritisation, and continuous improvement.

Skill and Responsibility Overview:

• Operations Management: Manage and deliver repair and maintenance operations across the estate, ensuring work is prioritised, completed on time, and delivered cost-effectively.
• Team Leadership: Lead, support, and develop a team of Maintenance Technicians and Helpdesk Coordinator, providing clear direction, coaching, and performance management.
• Budget Management: Monitor and manage the repair and maintenance budget, ensuring cost control, accurate forecasting, and adherence to agreed budgets.
• Operational Planning & Improvement: Contribute to the development and implementation of maintenance plans and improvements that enhance the efficiency, reliability, and performance of restaurant operations.
• Health & Safety and Statutory Compliance: Ensure all repair, maintenance, and statutory compliance activities are delivered in line with legal requirements and best practice, maintaining a safe environment for teams and customers.

Operations & delivery

• Lead and optimise repairs and maintenance activity across the UK estate, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and cost-effectively.
• Coordinate and prioritise reactive and planned maintenance work through the helpdesk function.
• Ensure restaurants, and academy are safe, compliant, and operationally sound at all times.

People & team leadership

• Manage and support a small team of Maintenance Technicians and a Maintenance Helpdesk Coordinator.
• Oversee onboarding, performance reviews, and development plans in line with our clients processes.
• Build strong, trusted working relationships with Operations, shop and academy teams.

Contractors & suppliers

• Manage external contractors and service providers, ensuring quality, value for money, and adherence to SLAs.
• Maintain positive, professional relationships while holding suppliers to account.

Compliance & safety

• Ensure all statutory maintenance, health and safety, and compliance requirements are met across the estate.
• Maintain clear records and governance around inspections, certifications, and remedial actions.

Budget & control

• Manage the repairs and maintenance budget, including cost control and forecasting.
• Coordinate and manage the annual “upgrade” programme and associated budget.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce avoidable costs.

Improvement & sustainability

• Drive continuous improvement in maintenance processes, response times, and quality.
• Support ESG initiatives through energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable maintenance practices.
• Provide clear reporting and insight to the Property Director on performance, risks, and priorities.

The Candidate Profile:

• Proven experience in a maintenance or repairs leadership role within retail, hospitality, or a similarly fast-paced environment.
• Experience managing technicians, helpdesk functions, and external contractors.
• Strong working knowledge of health, safety, and statutory maintenance requirements.
• Confidence managing budgets, priorities, and competing demands.
• A practical, solutions-focused mindset with strong organisational skills.
• Clear, calm communication and the ability to work effectively with Operations teams.
• Relevant technical or maintenance qualifications are desirable, but not essential.

This job description reflects the current scope of the role. As our client continues to grow and evolve, you will be expected to adapt, support the wider business, and take on new responsibilities where it makes sense.

The Location:

The person will spend up to 4 days a week in London

The Salary & Supporting Benefits:

Attractive base salary based on experience, Bonus of up to 25% based on both Company and Personal performance, excellent range of Core and Flexible Benefits including Private Health, Life Assurance, Critical Illness Cover, Dental Insurance, Pension, Food Allowance, Discounts, 34 days holiday including Bank Holidays etc.

The above are principal elements in an attractive and comprehensive package reflecting our client’s determination to appoint a first class candidate.

It is our policy to practice equal opportunities in recruitment and selection for all candidates.

We have a responsibility to avoid unlawful discrimination.