Joe Powell
Liverpool
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in multi-site operations management and KPI performance management. Demonstrates strong people leadership through coaching Store Managers, capability building, and succession planning. Proven track record in recruitment, training, and retention to foster a high-performance culture. Skilled in enhancing customer experience and operational excellence while adept at problem-solving in fast-paced environments. Committed to compliance and risk management, including health and safety audits, policies, and procedures.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work history
General Manager
Five Guys
Liverpool
2020.06 - 2026.05
- Drove strong commercial performance, including breaking weekly sales record across different asset types through disciplined execution, team leadership and keeping teams engaged and accountable.
- Led two new store openings end-to-end (pre-opening readiness, hiring and training, set-up, launch execution), supporting rapid stabilisation and standards from day one.
- Successfully supported opening of numerous drive-thru locations, supporting launch readiness, operational set-up and early trading performance.
- Provided wider district support across multiple asset types, sharing best practice, coaching peers and supporting operational priorities to improve consistency and results.
- Managed daily operations across high-volume service, maintaining brand standards, food safety and health & safety compliance in a fast-paced environment.
- Recruited, trained and developed a high-performing team; coached shift leaders/managers to build capability, improve retention and strengthen succession. Developed talent and shared with district.
General Manager (New Store Opening)
Burger King
New Brighton, The Wirral
2018.08 - 2019.12
- Led end-to-end new store opening for Burger King New Brighton (The Wirral), ensuring operational readiness for launch (people, process, equipment, standards and compliance).
- Recruited, trained and coached opening team, embedding clear routines and performance standards to deliver a consistent customer experience from day one.
- Managed day-to-day operations in a fast-paced environment, focusing on labour control, food safety, and health & safety compliance.
- Worked closely with stakeholders during the opening period to resolve issues quickly and support early trading stability.
General Manager
KFC
2008.09 - 2018.07
- Promoted from crew to GM in 2015, won GM of the year 2015 and broke weekly sales record of 50k
Education
A Level - Mathematics, Biology, Psychology
Birkenhead Sixth Form College
BirkenheadSkills
- Multi-site operations management
- KPI performance management
- People leadership: coaching Store Managers, capability building, succession planning
- Recruitment, training and retention; creating a high-performance culture
- Customer experience & operational excellence; problem-solving in fast-paced environments
- Compliance & risk: H&S, audits, policies and procedures
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
General Manager
Five Guys
2020.06 - 2026.05
General Manager (New Store Opening)
Burger King
2018.08 - 2019.12
General Manager
KFC
2008.09 - 2018.07
A Level - Mathematics, Biology, Psychology
Birkenhead Sixth Form College