Chief Retail Operations Officer

• Lead the performance, capability & evolution of a national network
• Lead a high-performing, nationally dispersed operations function
• Report to the CEO in a key executive position at a much-loved brand

Bakers Delight is entering its next phase of growth and is seeking a skilled executive to lead the continued success of the retail icon.

The Chief Retail Operations Officer will lead the performance, capability and evolution of a 520+ store national network, with a clear runway to 700 stores by 2030.

This is a pivotal executive role reporting to the CEO - owning the performance, capability and readiness of the national network to deliver that growth. This is not a turnaround; it’s about elevating an already strong business to the next level.

The role:

This Melbourne based position optimising growth and driving performance and profitability across a large, multi-site franchise network by:

• Leading a high-performing, nationally dispersed operations function, ensuring a continued great culture and operational alignment.
• Optimising franchisee profitability and franchisee outcomes.
• Embedding operational discipline and brand standards at scale.
• Ensuring the network is structurally and operationally ready for expansion.
• Lifting like-for-like sales and network performance to ensure sustainable growth.

You will work cross-functionally to ensure the franchisee perspective is embedded in key decisions and that growth is both commercially sound and operationally executable.

About you:

• A retail executive and multi-dimensional leader who is dynamic, adaptable, and emotionally intelligent, with the ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution.
• Demonstrated success leading large, multi-site retail networks.
• Proven P&L ownership and strong commercial instincts - a track record of driving sales and operational performance.
• Ability to drive performance through influence, not control.
• Experience in growth or transformation environments.
• A leadership style that balances standards, accountability and empowerment.
• Understand brand standards and consistency are critical to business success.
• Experience across both franchise and corporate-owned models is highly valued.

This role offers a genuine platform to shape the future of one of Australia’s most recognised retail franchise networks. Bakers Delight is a rare combination of scale, brand strength and genuine care for its people and franchisees.

You’ll be joining a business that lives its values - We are Brave. We Own It. We Do What’s Right.

Bakers Delight have partnered with Orchard HRO to lead this Executive Search. Please apply online to connect with the team at Orchard HRO.