Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer - Restaurant & Food Retail

Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer – Restaurant & Food Retail

Location: London

Salary: Up to £180,000 + Equity

We are working with a well-funded hospitality and retail business preparing to launch a flagship site in London.

The founders are looking for a builder. Someone who has taken a business from small to meaningful scale, can create structure without unnecessary layers and is comfortable making decisions. This is a hands-on leadership role for an individual who enjoys being close to the operation, developing people and creating the foundations for long-term growth.

The business already has a proven proposition and a clear growth plan. The successful candidate will be responsible for building the team, creating the infrastructure and leading the next stage of growth across the UK.

The role:

Lead the overall UK business strategy and growth plan.Build, develop and inspire a high-performing leadership team.Drive commercial performance and profitability.Work closely with investors and board stakeholders.Lead the launch of a flagship operation and future site openings.Create scalable systems, processes and ways of working.Develop a strong culture centred around accountability, development and empowerment.Act as the face of the business internally and externally.

The Person:

Experience scaling a hospitality & food retail business.Has taken a business through genuine growth rather than simply inheriting an established platform.Strong commercial and operational capability.Strong Restaurant and Retail experience at a quality, premium levelConfident making decisions and taking ownership.Comfortable working in entrepreneurial environments.Highly credible with teams, stakeholders and investors.Passionate about coaching, mentoring and developing people.A visible and hands-on leader who enjoys being close to the operation.Based in London or able to commute regularly.

Get in touch – kate@corecruitment.com



  • Location: London, Greater London, England
  • Salary: £180k per year + Equity
  • Type: Permanent
  • Recruiter: COREcruitment
  • Posted: 24-Jun-2026
  • Posted on: careers4a.com