Open to opportunities

George Ehlers

@georgeehlers

Head of Operations at Auntie Anne’s UK, leading a 52-store franchise estate and contributing to network growth from 32 to 52 stores.

United Kingdom

Message

What I'm looking for

I want to focus on international operations, developing franchise partners and leadership teams, coaching performance, improving operational standards and supporting market growth. I’m particularly motivated by senior operational roles with hands-on collaboration across countries and cultures, rather than running a single estate day to day.

At Auntie Anne’s UK, I lead operational delivery across a 52-store franchise estate, working with franchise partners and field teams to improve performance and consistency. I prepare quarterly board reports and take approved initiatives from business case through implementation and review.

I’ve supported franchise growth and openings across international markets, including launch assignments in Jordan and the Maldives. My work has included supply-chain setup, store builds, local team training and operational readiness, and I want to focus on international operations, developing franchise partners and supporting market growth.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Head of Operations

Current

Auntie Anne's UK

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 10 months)

Lead operational delivery across a 52-store franchise estate, overseeing network operations, commercial performance, and growth from under £12m to an expected £18m in annual turnover. Prepare board reports, develop business cases, and lead new product development and implementation.

Franchise Business Consultant

Auntie Anne's UK

Oct 2021 - Dec 2024 (3 years 2 months)

Worked directly with franchise partners to improve operational standards, commercial performance, and brand compliance. Led new-store openings, implemented a new POS system, and supported regional sales growth through commercial planning and franchisee coaching.

Franchise Management Operational Standards Brand compliance Store Review Brand Audits Commercial Planning Franchise Business Coach New Store Openings POS Implementation Data Migration Configuration Marketing Initiatives Local Trading Plans

Multi-Site Manager

Krispy Kreme

Oct 2019 - Oct 2021 (2 years)

Managed two fresh stores with full P&L accountability, leading a 14-person team. Oversaw financial forecasting, labour planning, purchasing, cost management, gross profit performance, waste reduction, and operational compliance.

P&L management Team Leadership Financial Forecasting Labour Planning Purchasing Cost Management Profit Management Waste Reduction Operational Compliance Performance Reviews

Regional Business Operations Manager

Imperium Franchise Holdings

Apr 2014 - Sep 2019 (5 years 5 months)

Provided regional oversight of 23 franchise locations across national and international territories, with regional P&L accountability. Led two Franchise Managers, contributed to the rollout of 35 new franchise locations, and conducted franchise health checks.

Regional Management Franchise Management P&L management Performance Management Team Leadership Site Procurement Lease Negotiation Territory Analysis Franchise Health Checks Cloud Based Reporting Operational Governance New Product Introduction Financial Viability Renegotiations Closure

Front of House / Operations Manager

Café 41

Jan 2011 - Mar 2014 (3 years 2 months)

Promoted internally from Kitchen Manager into broader operational leadership, managing 45 FTE across front-of-house and operational teams. Led cost-control initiatives, supplier negotiations, stock control, purchasing, competitor analysis, and menu development.

Operations Management Team Leadership Cost Control Supplier Negotiation Stock Control Purchasing Competitive Analysis Menu Development Kitchen operations

Finance & Operations Manager

Sandton Aquatics

Feb 2010 - Nov 2010 (9 months)

Managed financial forecasting, budget controls, procurement, and seasonal stock planning.

Financial Forecasting Budget control Procurement seasonal planning

General Manager

Champion Sports Bar

Jan 2009 - Jan 2010 (1 year)

Managed a team of 16 and two junior managers, with responsibility for financial reporting, supplier negotiations, event programming, and promotional marketing.

Team Management Financial Reporting Supplier Negotiation Event Programming Promotional Marketing