Chief Operating Officer

Reports to: CEO Location: Antwerp (HQ – approx. 3 days/week), with regular presence across Belgium and the Netherlands Direct Reports: Country Director BE, Country Director NL, Excellence & Quality Director, Strategic Growth Project Manager, Operations Intelligence Expert Indirect Reports: Regional Managers, Quality, Supply Chain, Customer Care, and Operations Support teams (Product, People, Marketing, Digital & Operations Intelligence)1. Role Context & Mission Hawaiian is a fast-growing restaurant chain that combines healthy fast casual dining with operational excellence and a strong culture rooted in "caring meritocracy." With rapid expansion in Belgium and the Netherlands—and further international growth on the horizon—the company is entering a new phase of scale. As part of the Executive Leadership Team, the COO translates the company vision and strategic objectives, defined by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, into a profitable, scalable and high-quality operational reality. This role requires a balance of strategic vision and hands-on execution: the COO ensures that growth never compromises quality, culture, or profitability. 2. Strategic Responsibilities Develop and execute the operational strategy that supports the company vision and enables sustainable growth. Ensure strategic alignment between all operational departments and overall company goals. Lead the Operations Committee (Country Directors BE & NL, Excellence & Quality Director, Strategic Growth Project Manager, Operations Intelligence Expert), ensuring cohesion, decision-making, and focus. Build a scalable expansion model for new markets and locations, in collaboration with the CEO, Finance, and the Board of Directors. Manage the operational P&L, focusing on revenue growth, margin optimization and cost efficiency. Safeguard quality, brand consistency and guest experience through close collaboration with Excellence & Quality. Integrate data and technology (via Operations Intelligence) to improve decision-making, forecasting and performance management. 3. Tactical & Leadership Responsibilities Lead and develop the members of the Operations Committee, building a strong, high-performing leadership team. Create synergy between Belgium and the Netherlands, driving knowledge-sharing, scale benefits and operational consistency. Ensure effective collaboration between Operations, People, Finance, Marketing and Product. Drive continuous improvement through clear KPI structures, performance reviews and data-driven decision-making. Support Country Directors in optimizing restaurants, coaching regional teams and developing talent. Strengthen supporting processes such as Supply Chain and Customer Care to empower restaurant teams. Lead strategic projects in digitalization, sustainability, efficiency and organizational scalability. 4. KPIs & Success Metrics Operational profitability per country, region and restaurant. Expansion of profitable stores according to the growth plan. Consistent quality and guest experience scores. Employee engagement, retention and leadership strength within operations. Optimization of cost structures, staffing levels and supply chain efficiency. Customer satisfaction and speed of issue resolution. Strategic alignment and result-driven collaboration within the Executive Committee. 5. Profile Requirements Master's degree or equivalent experience in business, operations management or hospitality management. Minimum 10 years of experience in multi-site operations, ideally in fast casual, hospitality or retail with a strong brand focus. Strong affinity for business intelligence, data analytics and digital tools. You understand how to leverage technology and data to increase operational efficiency, scalability and brand consistency. Proven experience leading and developing ambitious leadership teams, including full P&L responsibility. Strategic and analytical skillset, with a track record in scaling operations (incl. franchise), process optimization and performance management—ideally within a food, hospitality or retail environment. Experience with international expansion models. A coaching, decisive and execution-driven leadership style. Excellent command of Dutch, English and French; German is a plus. 6. Personality & Culture Fit Hawaiian is not just growing fast—we are growing with purpose. We are not building a chain; we are building a community. The right COO understands that sustainable growth requires balance between people, processes and culture. Our values are not slogans—they guide everything we do: Be Real – Authentic leadership: honest, transparent and genuine. Act as One – One brand, one tribe, united across countries and teams. Take Ownership – Do what is right, not what is easy. Never Settle – Improve continuously, learn fast, perform better. Make a Difference – Use leadership to create impact on people, guests and the world. We are on a mission to bring healthy fast food to as many people as possible7. Compensation & Benefits A competitive, full executive compensation package with annual bonus linked to company results. Participation in a long-term incentive plan (LTI).