Director of Operations

Daikan Hospitality Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Daikan Hospitality Group seeks a dynamic Director of Operations to lead daily operations and shape the Group's vision and financial performance. This senior role oversees Daikan Izakaya and Daikan Ramen with full P&L accountability, expansion, brand development and organizational growth.

You’ll work with the Board and leadership to protect brand integrity and guest experience while driving profitability. The Director will guide strategy, oversee site openings, budgeting, and stakeholder

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, Finance or related field; MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Group's strategy and major decisions to drive revenue and profitability.
• Protect and grow brands while ensuring quality, guest experience and standards.
• Oversee UAE, GCC and international expansion including new openings and partnerships.
• Own Group P&L performance, driving revenue, cost control and ROI.
• Ensure operational excellence, regulatory compliance and high service standards.
• Build and lead a high-performing leadership team and manage key stakeholder relationships.

Skills

P&L management

Strategic leadership

Budgeting

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decisions

Brand & guest experience

Expansion planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Hospitality/Finance

MBA preferred

Job description

Daikan is actively seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Operations to lead our team and oversee the daily operations of our esteemed establishment. The Director is the most senior executive of Daikan Hospitality Group, responsible for setting and delivering the Group's vision, strategy and financial performance. The director will lead the growth of Daikan Izakaya and Daikan Ramen, with full P&L accountability across the Group and oversight of expansion, operations, brand development, financial management and organisational growth. Working closely with the Board, Shareholders and leadership team, the director will build a scalable, high-performing business while protecting Daikan's brand integrity, guest experience and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Group's strategy, growth plans and major business decisions to drive revenue, profitability, brand value and market position.
• Protect and strengthen the Daikan Izakaya and Daikan Ramen brands while ensuring consistent quality, guest experience and brand standards.
• Lead UAE, GCC and international expansion, overseeing site selection, investment feasibility, partnerships and successful new outlet openings.
• Own Group P&L performance, driving revenue, profitability, cost efficiency, cash flow, ROI and key commercial relationships.
• Ensure operational excellence, consistent service and food quality, effective performance systems and full regulatory compliance across the Group.
• Build and lead a high-performing leadership team while managing key relationships with the Board, investors, landlords, suppliers, authorities and strategic partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality, Finance or related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of F&B/hospitality experience, including 8+ years in a senior executive/group leadership role.
• Proven experience scaling independent restaurant concepts across the UAE/GCC, including new openings, markets or franchises.
• Strong knowledge of casual and premium-casual dining, with a passion for Japanese/Asian cuisine and culture.
• Excellent commercial and financial acumen, including P&L, budgeting, unit economics, feasibility and negotiations.
• Strong understanding of the UAE market, regulations, landlords and hospitality sector.
• Strategic, entrepreneurial and execution-focused leader with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Tech- and data-savvy, with high integrity, professionalism and willingness to travel as required.