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Job description
Operations Trainer
Location: Based – UK
& International Travel Required
Reporting To: Operations Director / Head of Operations
Salary: Competitive Salary + Travel Expenses + Company Benefits
About Us
Southern Fried Chicken is an established international quick-service restaurant brand with franchise operations across the UK and overseas markets. We are committed to delivering exceptional food quality, customer service, operational excellence, and brand consistency across our growing network of restaurants.
Due to continued expansion, we are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Operations Trainer to support franchisees, restaurant managers, and team members through training, coaching, operational support, and new store opening programmes.
This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with a passion for hospitality, people development, and operational excellence who enjoys travelling and working with diverse teams across multiple locations.
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Job Summary
The Operations Trainer will be responsible for delivering training, guidance, and operational support to franchisees, managers, and team members across new and existing restaurants.
The role focuses on ensuring operational excellence, food safety compliance, customer service standards, brand consistency, and team development. The successful candidate will play a key role in restaurant openings, operational audits, performance improvement initiatives, and the implementation of company systems, including POS systems, digital ordering platforms, and Local Store Marketing (LSM) programmes.
The role will involve supporting both UK and international franchise operations, requiring regular travel to deliver training, operational support, restaurant opening assistance, and performance improvement initiatives.
The Operations Trainer will act as a brand ambassador, helping restaurants achieve operational, customer service, and financial performance targets while maintaining the highest standards of quality and consistency.
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Key Responsibilities
Training & Development
* Deliver structured training programmes for franchisees, managers, supervisors, and team members.
* Train employees on food preparation, food safety, customer service, operational procedures, and company standards.
* Support new restaurant openings through pre-opening and on-site training.
* Conduct refresher training and coaching sessions to maintain operational consistency.
* Assess employee competency and identify training requirements.
* Maintain accurate training records and employee development plans.
* Provide ongoing coaching and mentoring to improve team performance and productivity.
Operational Excellence
* Ensure restaurants operate in accordance with company operational manuals and brand standards.
* Conduct operational audits and site reviews, identifying opportunities for improvement.
* Monitor food quality, cleanliness, customer service, and operational compliance.
* Support restaurants in achieving operational KPIs, including sales growth, labour efficiency, food cost control, and customer satisfaction.
* Assist management teams in resolving operational challenges and implementing corrective action plans.
* Lead by example and promote professionalism, accountability, and teamwork.
Food Safety & Compliance
* Ensure compliance with food safety legislation, HACCP procedures, and company food safety standards.
* Conduct food safety audits and support restaurants in maintaining required records and documentation.
* Promote a culture of safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence.
* Support restaurants in achieving and maintaining health and safety compliance standards.
Systems & Technology
* Train team members in the effective use of Point of Sale (POS) systems.
* Support restaurants with digital ordering platforms, delivery aggregators, loyalty programmes, and mobile applications.
* Ensure promotions, discounts, loyalty offers, and marketing campaigns are correctly configured and executed.
* Assist management teams in utilising reporting systems to improve operational performance.
Marketing & Business Development
* Support Local Store Marketing (LSM) initiatives, including community engagement, local partnerships, sampling activities, promotional events, and customer engagement programmes.
* Assist restaurants in driving sales through local marketing initiatives.
* Ensure national marketing campaigns are implemented consistently across all locations.
* Support store launch events and promotional activities.
International Franchise Support
* Provide operational support, training, and coaching to franchise partners and restaurant teams across UK and international markets.
* Assist with international restaurant openings, operational assessments, and franchise development projects.
* Deliver on-site and remote training programmes to ensure consistency of brand standards across all territories.
* Support franchisees in implementing operational procedures, food safety standards, marketing initiatives, and business improvement plans.
* Work closely with international partners to identify opportunities for operational improvement and sales growth.
* Act as a liaison between franchisees and the support office to ensure effective communication and continuous improvement.
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Qualifications & Experience
Essential
* Minimum 2 years’ experience within the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), fast-food, hospitality, or food service sector.
* Previous experience training, supervising, or leading restaurant teams.
* Strong understanding of restaurant operations and customer service.
* Good knowledge of food safety legislation and HACCP principles.
* Experience using POS systems and restaurant technology.
* Full UK driving licence.
* Valid passport and ability to travel internationally.
Desirable
* Multi-site restaurant experience.
* Experience supporting franchise operations.
* Experience opening new restaurants.
* Food Safety Level 3 qualification.
* Training, coaching, or leadership qualification.
* Experience working within a franchise environment.
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Skills & Competencies
* Excellent coaching and training skills.
* Strong leadership and people development capability.
* Excellent communication and presentation skills.
* Strong organisational and planning skills.
* Ability to identify operational issues and implement practical solutions.
* Commercial awareness and understanding of restaurant KPIs.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital restaurant systems.
* Excellent customer service skills.
* Ability to build positive relationships with franchisees and restaurant teams.
* Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
* Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
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Physical Requirements
* Ability to stand for extended periods.
* Ability to lift and carry items up to 23kg (50 lbs).
* Ability to work effectively in a busy restaurant environment.
* Ability to travel extensively throughout the UK and internationally.
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Availability
* Flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends when required.
* Regular travel throughout the UK and overseas to support restaurant openings, training programmes, operational audits, franchise development, and business initiatives.
* Ability to spend extended periods away from home when supporting new restaurant launches and international projects.
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Why Join Us?
* Be part of an expanding international restaurant brand.
* Opportunity to travel and work across multiple countries.
* Play a key role in new restaurant openings and franchise development.
* Work with a passionate and supportive team.
* Contribute directly to the growth and success of the business.
* Ongoing opportunities for professional development and career progression.
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and why you would be a great fit for the role.