Senior Area Operations Manager

About Us: Founded in 1878 by Silviano Venchi, Venchi has become a global leader in chocolate and gelato, blending Italian tradition with a commitment to craftsmanship and well-being. With over 145 years of history, Venchi offers more than 350 chocolate recipes and 90 gelato flavors, adhering to the highest quality standards while embracing the principles of the Mediterranean diet. The company focuses on enhancing life quality, social connections, and environmental respect through its products. Supported by over 1,600 employees, Venchi operates more than 180 stores in over 70 countries, with headquarters in Milan, a factory in Cuneo and 4 regional offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, New York, and Beijing. Join us at Venchi and be part of a story that celebrates moments of cheerfulness with indulgent products crafted for your well-being. Mission: We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Area Operations Manager to join our team based in London! Reporting to the Head of UK , you will manage the the London/ Greater London area (our entire UK presence), with a development trajectory extending to UK airports and nationally by 2027. With two direct reports (Cluster Managers) you will have a broad scope, able to manage with agility and strategic involvement. Based primarily in stores, you will work 40 hours with one day from home. Our Retail channel is very dynamic and growing quickly, and is central for the development of our company, with direct stores in Italy, UK, France, Germany and planned openings in other European countries. It's a great opportunity for an ambitious talent who wants to make a difference in the Retail world. Key Responsibilities :

• Support the Head of UK in executing strategic operations plan.
• UK P&L Accountability with a strong focus on top line sales, cost of goods and productivity.
• Manage the Store Manager team in collaboration with Cluster Managers (biannual reviews, pay reviews, performance management).
• Set an aspirational example when serving clients; promote and encourage execution of the Venchi Service Model standards of customer experience and presentation.
• Proactively develop, train and motivate those around you, particularly Cluster Managers and members of store management.
• Monitor and report on shop KPIs/ team performance in order to reach country goals, providing ad hoc analysis when required.
• Ensure the execution of visual merchandising is in line with company guidelines.
• Optimize and monitor operations calendar (shifts, orders, deliveries, sales & product forecast and inventory management).
• Assist HQ in ensuring that furniture/ equipment is properly maintained according to priorities.
• Promote sales initiatives, practical solutions and strategies to fill possible gaps and leverage business building opportunities.
• Manage recruitment of Store Managers/ Assistant Managers in collaboration with Store Managers and Cluster Managers.
• Oversight of all legislative requirements in store (HACCP, Food Hygiene, Fire Regs, Allergen Training, Employee Documentation) to ensure compliance.

• 3 years of Retail management, some to be multi-site/ cluster management
• 2 years’ experience of managing direct reports successfully
• Result oriented with ability to drive sales and influence profit, effectively multitasking in an agile work environment with a hands-on approach
• Strong relation, negotiation and organizational skills with attention to detail and performance
• Confident with Microsoft Excel/ Dynamics or similar
• Problem solving and decision-making mindset combined with ability to manage both independent and teamwork
• Ability to create and develop data-driven business strategies
• International mindset, fluent in English and other languages are considered a plus
• International experience will be considered a plus
• Positive, flexible
• …and of course a chocolate and gelato lover!

• Celebration of success: on top of the fixed salary, we offer a competitive variable bonus of up to 30% of the salary.
• Private Health Care Insurance with BUPA.
• Inspiring Work Environment: You'll work in a friendly environment where you can learn, experiment, and grow every day. We value both individual development and teamwork.
• Growth Opportunities: We offer professional development opportunities, including potential international assignments, to support your career growth.
• Diversity & Inclusion: We’re proud to foster an inclusive and collaborative workplace where diversity is a true asset.
• Flexibility and Balance: Benefit from flexible working hours and remote work options.
• Sweet Exclusive Benefits: Enjoy a 30% discount in our stores and a 40% discount on our e-commerce platform, plus complimentary gelato, and coffee during shifts (where available).
• Global Vision, Local Flavor: Join a creative team committed to excellence and product quality, sharing joyful moments with customers around the world.