Overview
Chief Operating Officer Jobs in Barrow-In-Furness, England, United Kingdom at The Eats Group (Local Eats)
Title: Chief Operating Officer
Company: The Eats Group (Local Eats)
Location: Barrow-In-Furness, England, United Kingdom
Company Description:
Local Eats, part of The Eats Group Limited, is a UK-based, technology-led food ordering and marketplace platform that delivers digital infrastructure for local hospitality markets at scale.
Founded in 2019, the company offers a comprehensive “business in a box” franchise model, providing custom-branded platforms, mobile apps, and operational tools that help regional entrepreneurs and independent restaurants compete with global delivery brands.
Operating across multiple UK markets, Local Eats leverages a scalable licensing model, diversified revenue streams, and strong unit economics to drive sustainable growth. The company manages 24/7 customer service, delivery network integration, legal coverage, and bespoke app development to support its partners.
Recognized as the UK’s fastest-growing franchise in 2022 and a top high-growth startup, Local Eats is on a mission to empower local businesses and communities with technology-led solutions that enhance profitability and strengthen local economies.
Role Description:
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will oversee the day-to-day operations of The Eats Group (Local Eats), ensuring that strategy, processes, and teams are aligned to deliver scalable, high-quality services across all markets. This is a full-time, hybrid role based in Barrow-In-Furness, with the flexibility to work from home part of the week.
The COO will work alongside the CEO to lead operational planning and execution, manage cross-functional teams (including operations, customer support, business development managers, franchisees, and logistics partners), and continuously improve systems, workflows, and performance metrics. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing operational frameworks for franchise and licensing growth, optimising delivery and support processes, and ensuring adherence to regulatory and contractual obligations.
The COO will collaborate closely with the CEO and leadership team on long-term business planning, oversee budgets and resource allocation, support investor reporting, and represent operations in strategic partnerships and key stakeholder meetings.
Qualifications:
- Strong operations leadership experience with proven capability in Operations Management and Business Planning, ideally within technology, marketplace, franchise, or food-tech environments.
- Advanced Analytical Skills with the ability to interpret data, define KPIs, and drive performance improvement across processes and teams.
- Robust Finance and Budgeting skills, including experience managing P&L, forecasting, and resource allocation in a high-growth setting.
- Demonstrated experience scaling multi-site or multi-market operations, preferably within the UK, with an understanding of regulatory and contractual frameworks.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with founders, franchisees, partners, and internal teams.
- Track record of building and leading high-performing, diverse teams, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, with strong problem-solving abilities
