Toby Appleby
London
Summary
Operations-focused leader with extensive experience delivering team performance, process optimisation, and multi-site operational improvements across fast-paced service environments. Proven track record of leading teams of up various sizes, launching new sites under tight deadlines, improving KPI visibility through automated reporting systems, and driving commercial growth while sustaining excellent customer experience standards. Recognised for strong cross-functional leadership, data-driven decision making, and the ability to translate strategic priorities into scalable operational execution.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Assistant / General Manager
Pizzarova
Brixton, London
09.2025 - Current
- Responsible for opening the company's first site outside Bristol within a 5-week launch timeline, coordinating cross-functional workstreams across design, marketing, hardware procurement, systems setup, staffing, and launch readiness to ensure successful on-time delivery
- Optimised an automated reporting matrix spanning 10+ operational KPIs, improving performance visibility and enabling faster, data-driven decision-making across teams
- Support wider business operations through process optimisation, cross-site coordination, and leadership support, overseeing launch of table booking softwares and new POS platforms
- Work across both site leadership and central operational functions, improving consistency, compliance, and performance standards
- Partner with senior leadership to resolve site-level issues, optimise workflows, and improve business-wide execution
- Act as a key link between frontline teams and senior management, ensuring strategic priorities are delivered effectively
General Manager
Pizzarova
Bristol
08.2024 - 08.2025
- Held full accountability for site operations, financial control, compliance, and leadership of a team of up to 15
- Managed rotas, labour budgets, stock, and KPI performance
- Led recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management within a recently rebuilt team, including the hiring of 2 Assistant Managers and 6 new team members
- Implemented operational and team performance improvements that drove a 21% increase in gross revenue while sustaining a 4.6 Google rating across 800+ customer reviews
- Built a high-performance culture centred on accountability, communication, and commercial outcomes
Assistant Manager
Pizzarova
Bristol
09.2023 - 08.2024
- Supported daily site operations across established and newly opened sites, ensuring smooth shift execution and strong team coordination
- Owned implementation of new revenue tracking, workforce scheduling, and stock systems, improving reporting accuracy and decision-making
- Partnered with the Operations Manager to redesign the hiring process, improving recruitment efficiency and onboarding quality
- Assisted with staffing, stock management, compliance, and performance monitoring
- Trained new team members and managers, reinforcing operational standards
- Took ownership of shift delegation, issue resolution, and team motivation in fast-paced environments, improving team communication and overall efficiency
Management Intern
Castille Hotel
Valletta
01.2023 - 04.2023
- Reviewed and improved operational procedures around cleanliness, dietary compliance, and chemical storage systems, delivering associated staff training
- Managed day-to-day financial administration, reconciliation, and record accuracy
- Coordinated front-desk workflows including bookings, room allocation, guest issue resolution, and occupancy optimisation
- Worked across teams to improve service delivery and operational readiness
Shift Manager
Honest Burgers
Bristol
08.2021 - 04.2023
- Led cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment, ensuring smooth daily operations, strong delegation, and consistent performance delivery
- Drove a 50% increase in weekly sales over 12 months through team coordination, service process improvements, and performance-led leadership
- Owned shift-level responsibility for compliance, health & safety, financial controls, and legal standards, helping maintain a 5 EHO rating
- Supported wider business operations through audit preparation, recruitment, onboarding, and cross-training across multiple functions
- Trained and developed 6+ new managers across Bristol and nationally
- Managed cash reconciliation, reporting, stock accountability, and shift performance metrics
Shift Leader
The George Hotel
Castle Cary
11.2017 - 01.2020
- Supervised day-to-day venue operations across hotel, restaurant, and bar functions
- Managed rotas, labour budgets, stock control, and shift delegation to maximise efficiency
- Reduced wastage through stronger stock management and ordering processes
- Trained and supported new staff in operational procedures and service standards
Waiter
The Shepton Montague Inn
04.2015 - 11.2017
- Supported smooth end-to-end service through strong communication across front and back-of-house teams
- Delivered consistent customer service standards in a fast-paced environment
Education
Level 3 Diploma in Management -
Twin Internships
Malta01-2023
BSc - Politics and International Relations
University of Bristol
01-2022
A-Levels - History (A), Biology (A), Mathematics (A)
Gryphon Sixth Form
01-2019
10 GCSEs, A*-B -
Ansford Academy
Castle Cary06-2017
Skills
- Operational leadership
- Service delivery
- Process optimisation
- KPI reporting
- Automated performance dashboards
- Cross-functional project coordination
- Team leadership
- Coaching
- Performance management
- Recruitment
- Onboarding
- Workforce planning
- SOP development
- Compliance
Additional Information
First Aid qualified, Strong interest in football, environmental sustainability, AI, and languages, Independently developing German and Italian proficiency
References
Available upon request
Hobbies and interests
Outside of work, I am an avid football follower and former coach, with a strong interest in team culture and performance. I also enjoy history, gardening, film, and independently exploring languages.
Timeline
Operations Assistant / General Manager
Pizzarova
09.2025 - Current
General Manager
Pizzarova
08.2024 - 08.2025
Assistant Manager
Pizzarova
09.2023 - 08.2024
Management Intern
Castille Hotel
01.2023 - 04.2023
Shift Manager
Honest Burgers
08.2021 - 04.2023
Shift Leader
The George Hotel
11.2017 - 01.2020
Waiter
The Shepton Montague Inn
04.2015 - 11.2017
Level 3 Diploma in Management -
Twin Internships
BSc - Politics and International Relations
University of Bristol
A-Levels - History (A), Biology (A), Mathematics (A)
Gryphon Sixth Form
10 GCSEs, A*-B -
Ansford Academy