Reports to: CEO Location: Antwerp (HQ – approx. 3 days/week), with regular presence across Belgium and the Netherlands
Country Director BE, Country Director NL, Excellence & Quality Director, Strategic Growth Project Manager, Operations Intelligence Expert
Regional Managers, Quality, Supply Chain, Customer Care, and Operations Support teams (Product, People, Marketing, Digital & Operations Intelligence)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Consistent quality and guest experience scores.
Optimization of cost structures, staffing levels and supply chain efficiency.
Strategic alignment and result-driven collaboration within the Executive Committee.
Master’s degree or equivalent experience in business, operations management or hospitality management.
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.
franchise), process optimization and performance management—ideally within a food, hospitality or retail environment.
Experience with international expansion models.
Excellent command of Dutch, English and French; German is a plus.
The right COO understands that sustainable growth requires balance between people, processes and culture.
Act as One – One brand, one tribe, united across countries and teams.
A competitive, full executive compensation package with annual bonus linked to company results.