*** This role is available as a fixed term contract or permanent contract***
About us
Loungers is a substantial and growing operator in the UK hospitality sector, operating over 250 sites in England and Wales across three distinct but complementary brands, Lounges, Cosy Club, and Brightside. Founded in 2002 by three friends who wanted to create a neighbourhood café-bar that they would want to go to, the Group is now the only growing all-day operator of scale in the UK and has consistently outperformed the wider UK hospitality sector over the past three years. Despite being the fastest growing café/restaurant group in the Country, Loungers has retained its entrepreneurial spirit and quirky 'Loungey' local community atmosphere.
The role in a nutshell
* Reporting into the Chief Financial Officer, you will drive our critical systems transformation initiatives in 2025, leading projects that reduce administrative workload, optimise labour usage, improve stock management, and ensure scalability as we continue our rapid growth.
* You will drive forward both the day-to-day actions, everything from process mapping, RFI/RFP, communication, trial then implementation and roll out. In addition you'll also report to the Technology Steer Co to ensure decisions and changes continue to align to the strategic goals, and bring forward recommendations/resolutions.
* This key transformation role will work closely with the Head of IT to balance both detailed project execution and contribute to strategic conversations about Loungers' future technology roadmap.
Getting into the detail
* Drive the detailed creation of project/programme plans. Encompassing project timelines, budgets, comms, training requirements, trials, evaluation
* Responsible for shaping how the day to day activities detailed in the Programme Plan are delivered, monitoring and ensuring timely completion; Working collaboratively with functions/individuals to ensure they are on track.
* Collaborate with finance to provide detailed preparation of any required business cases especially around additional resource, new supplier Opex/Capex, and impact on hours/time saving. Own any budget tracking and work closely with finance to evaluate trials or implementation.
* If required drive a RFP/RFI process for a WFM system which includes the incumbent, working closely with functional SMEs across Ops, HR, Finance, IT and Commercial/Supply Chain to ensure that all requirements and considerations have been thoroughly considered, and process changes mapped out.
* Drive the successful trials of any new stocks and WFM products gathering extensive qualitative and quantitate information on the success or failure of the trials and giving clear recommendations to the Technology Steer Co.
* Partner with the CFO/Head of IT to ensure that there are clear data governance structures in place to enable the introduction of new vendors successfully, or enhance the effectiveness of existing incumbents.
* Work with new suppliers to ensure effective project/implementation support and clear ways of working are set up. Monitoring the performance of any new vendors in line with agreed SLAs/performance outcomes.
* Make sure that any process change/new process is underpinned by clear workflows where every department understands what's required, and that our operations and site teams have been thoroughly consulted - where necessary work with functions to change existing roles/responsibilities in support of the technology changes
* Engage and communicate with a wide range of internal SMEs and 3rd parties, from vendors to supply chain - making sure everyone knows their role, understands the why and that our teams feel excited and energized by any potential changes.
* Prepare and present regular progress reports to the Loungers Executive Committee and Senior Leadership Team and/or Loungers Technology Steering Committee. Highlight key risks, commercial considerations.
* Drive a matrix team, building an environment of collaboration, and working with the Directors to ensure when required, there is resource there to support change projects.
Skills and experience required
* Significant experience driving and delivering large-scale technology transformation programmes/change projects
* Project Management qualifications PMI / PMP / Prince2 or suitable track record in a similar role
* Familiarity with digital transformation initiatives and the integration of technology.
* From a Digital, IT or Change Management background, and preferably also with hospitality operations experience
* Proven track record of managing complex projects from scoping and initiation to completion and sustained change
* Technical experience in change management, stakeholder engagement, and driving organisational change.
* Strong interpersonal leadership skills, capable of inspiring and guiding diverse teams and stakeholders within a unique and entrepreneurial environment
* Ideally professional qualification in programme or project management (e.g., APM, PRINCE2, PMP).
* Able to bring strategic challenge/thought leadership to the senior team to ensure that we're avoiding potential pitfalls and making sure we're future proofed
What's in it for you?
* A culture that appreciates ideas and celebrates individuality Founder-led business - we might have 280+ sites, but we still maintain an entrepreneurial spirit through everything we do
* 50% off food at all Lounges, Cosy Clubs and Brightsides
* Bonus scheme
* Pension contribution
* 24/7 mental health support
* Amazing events including LoungeFest - our annual company festival - Christmas parties and more
* We want to work with nice people so if you want to work hard, have fun and be part of the Loungers ride, we'd love to have you.
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