Operations Manager

Validation (New Brands) Operations Manager

Founded in 2020, Sessions has launched and scaled 10 unique food brands, partnered with over 300 licensee kitchens, and delivered more than 3 million orders. We're now expanding rapidly into franchising, using our own technology to grow our portfolio across high streets throughout the UK.

Our line-up includes cult favourites like SoBe Burger and Little Bao Boy, alongside collaborations with globally recognised names—such as Netflix-associated experiences like the Squid Game Korean Chicken menu—and internationally acclaimed concepts like Ivan Ramen (featured on Chef's Table).

Led by former executives from Deliveroo, BrewDog and Soho House, Sessions is backed by industry-leading investors Imbiba and Guinness Ventures.

We are Agile - Customer-obsessed, adapting quickly to meet their needs We are Ambitious - We create on-trend brands and aim to be tastemakers We are Fun - Playfulness is at the heart of our culture We are Data-Driven - We challenge assumptions and focus on insights

The Role

As the Validation Operations Manager at Sessions, you will play a crucial role within the team responsible for identifying and launching new brands within our portfolio. You'll be responsible for guiding them through the critical first phase—rolling out to their first 10 sites—before data determines their potential to scale nationwide as part of our Core estate.

Working closely with our Head of Partnerships and Chief of Staff, you will oversee launch prep and execution for each brand entering validation and ensuring continuous success thereafter. From site launch to performance monitoring, you'll ensure every operational detail is planned and executed to maximise each brand's chance of success.

Your responsibilities will include preparing and training validation sites alongside monitoring performance and continually improving operations to maintain brand standards. This role requires a strong mix of leadership, strategic thinking, and hands-on operational expertise within the QSR, restaurant, or hospitality industry.

Responsibilities

Host Operators Support & Relationship Management:

• Identify the right sites for validation, ensuring they have the right kitchen set up
• Ensuring hosts have everything they need ahead of launch including ingredients
• Build and maintain strong relationships with hosts and their managers, serving as the primary point of contact for operational support, guidance, and issue resolution.
• Conduct regular visits to host locations to assess operational performance, provide feedback, and offer assistance in areas of improvement.
• Attend host site to train the team on how to successfully run the brand that will be launching in their site
• Help to ensure success of new brand launches into sites

Operational Excellence:

• Ensure hosts adhere to company standards and operating procedures, including quality control, customer service, cleanliness, and compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Implement strategies to optimise operational efficiency such as labour management, streamline processes, and enhance overall performance of host locations.

Performance:

• Monitor financial performance and all success metrics of host locations, analysing key metrics such as GMV, Reviews and Delivery Platform metrics.
• Work collaboratively with hosts to develop and implement strategies to maximise revenue, control costs, and achieve financial targets and brand standards.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with our Studio (Culinary Development) in an effort to make the execution of the validation brands a success. This will include receiving operational documentation to prepare sites for launch and implementing a clear feedback mechanism to tweak culinary / operational processes of the validation brands.
• Collaborate with various departments within the 'Licensing' sector of Sessions such as Partner Success and Sales, to optimise resource allocation.

What You'll Need

Senior management experience within QSR, Food Delivery or Hospitality Culinary experience, comfortable preparing food within a professional kitchen Willingness to travel extensively to visit host locations and attend meetings and conferences as needed but ability to be regularly in the London office Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and effectively resolve conflicts Highly organised with a strength in process and procedures Ambitious with a drive to join a fast paced, high growth company Strong ability to showcase Project Management experience Delivery platform experience preferred but not essential Analytical mindset with a strong understanding of financial management and business metrics Charismatic and energetic with a passion for food Expert level of English language Right to Work in the UK

Benefits

Financial Wellbeing:

• Bonus Scheme – Bi-annual OKR based Bonus Scheme
• Payday on Demand – Get paid for days worked whenever suits you.
• Expense Card – Get a company card so you're never left out of pocket.

Social, Mental & Physical Wellbeing:

• 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays – freedom to switch bank holidays
• Healthcare Cash Plan – 24/7 GP services & medical reimbursements.
• Volunteering Day – A paid day to support a charity.
• Employee Assistance Programme – Support for health, finance, and legal matters.
• Socials – Weekly team activities, from sports days to movie nights.
• Dog-Friendly Office – We love your furry friends!
• Wear What You Like – Express yourself, no suits required.

Technology Perks:

• Laptop – Choose between Apple Mac or Windows.
• Company Phone – Apple iPhone and SIM (where needed).

Progression & Development:

• High Growth Start-Up – Be part of an exciting, fast-scaling company.
• Management & Leadership Training – Regular sessions to level up your skills.
• Be Inspired – Work alongside industry legends from Deliveroo, Brewdog & Soho House.
• Professional Development Support – We fund work-based qualifications and memberships.

Join us as we change the face of hospitality.

Sessions is a Living Wage & Equal Opportunity Employer. We review applications anonymously—hiring based on experience and skills alone. Everyone is welcome, regardless of background, gender, neurodiversity, or any other factor.