Freelance QSR Operations Consultant – Grounded Kitchen Metrocentre
Location: Grounded Kitchen Metrocentre, Gateshead (Hybrid)
Commitment: 10–20 hours per week
Contract Type: Freelance / Self-Employed Consultant
About the Role
Grounded Kitchen is looking for an experienced QSR Operations Consultant to support the ongoing development and performance of our Metrocentre restaurant in Gateshead.
This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in Quick Service Restaurants or Fast Casual dining who understands how to improve team performance, enhance guest experience, strengthen operational controls, and drive profitability.
The successful candidate will spend one day per week on-site at Grounded Kitchen Metrocentre, working directly with the management team and crew, with the remaining hours focused on remote coaching, KPI reviews, operational support, and performance analysis.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the restaurant management team in delivering operational excellence.
- Conduct weekly site visits to review standards, coach team members, and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Develop and deliver training programmes for managers and frontline teams.
- Monitor and analyse key operational KPIs, identifying trends and recommending actions.
- Support labour management, productivity planning, and wage control.
- Review customer feedback and implement initiatives to improve guest satisfaction.
- Conduct operational audits and ensure compliance with company standards.
- Hold regular remote coaching and accountability calls with management.
- Produce clear action plans and track progress against agreed objectives.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and team development where required.
Experience Required
- Minimum 5 years' experience within a QSR, Fast Casual, or multi-site hospitality environment.
- Previous experience as an Operations Manager, Area Manager, Regional Manager, Business Consultant, or similar leadership role.
- Strong understanding of:
- Team training and development
- Team management and leadership
- Customer service and guest experience
- Labour management and productivity
- KPI reporting and operational controls
- Food safety and compliance
- Cost management and profitability
- Strong coaching and communication skills.
- Ability to identify operational opportunities and implement practical solutions.
Key Performance Areas
The consultant will support improvements across:
- Sales performance
- Labour cost %
- Customer satisfaction and guest feedback
- Team engagement and retention
- Training completion and capability
- Operational audit scores
- Food cost control
- Compliance standards
- Overall restaurant profitability
Working Arrangement
- 10–20 hours per week.
- One day per week on-site at Grounded Kitchen Metrocentre.
- Remaining hours completed remotely through:
- KPI reviews and reporting
- Management coaching calls
- Training support
- Operational audits
- Performance tracking
- Project work
Ideal Candidate
We're looking for a hands-on operator who can quickly build credibility with the team, identify opportunities for improvement, and support the restaurant in delivering consistent operational standards and commercial performance.
Compensation
Competitive freelance rate based on experience and track record.
To Apply
Please send your CV together with a brief summary of your QSR experience, examples of operational improvements you have delivered, your preferred day rate or hourly rate, and your availability.
Pay: £15.00-£18.00 per hour
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Gateshead NE11 9YR
