Director of Operations

Food People; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Food People in Dubai seeks a senior leader to own operational performance across a growing multi-brand restaurant portfolio in the UAE, with an eye on international expansion.

You will lead Brand Managers, drive growth, profitability, and scalability, and partner with executive leadership on strategy and key decisions. GCC experience and travel readiness are preferred as the group expands across markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational and commercial performance across a sizeable multi-brand restaurant portfolio.
• Manage and develop Brand Managers, driving accountability and performance.
• Own day-to-day operational agenda and independently lead key areas of the business.
• Identify opportunities to improve growth, profitability and operational effectiveness.
• Combine hands-on operational leadership with strategic and commercial thinking.
• Support UAE and international growth, working across multiple markets.
• Strengthen structures, processes and operating standards as the organisation scales.
• Partner with executive leadership on strategy, growth and key business decisions.
• Proven experience managing a sizeable, multi-brand and multi-site portfolio.
• Strong track record leading senior operational teams or Brand Managers.
• Commercially minded with strong strategic capability.
• Hands-on leadership style with excellent operational knowledge.
• GCC experience and international/multi-market exposure are advantageous.
• Comfortable with international travel and capable of progressing into broader executive leadership over time.

Job description

A senior leadership opportunity within a growing multi-brand restaurant group with a significant UAE portfolio and expanding international presence. This role will take ownership of operational performance while playing a key part in shaping growth, strategy and the continued development of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead operational and commercial performance across a sizeable multi-brand restaurant portfolio.
• Manage and develop Brand Managers, driving greater accountability and performance.
• Take ownership of the day-to-day operational agenda and independently lead key areas of the business.
• Identify opportunities to improve growth, profitability and operational effectiveness.
• Combine hands-on operational leadership with strong strategic and commercial thinking.
• Support UAE and international growth, working across multiple markets.
• Strengthen structures, processes and operating standards as the organisation scales.
• Partner with executive leadership on strategy, growth and key business decisions.
• Proven experience managing a sizeable, multi-brand and multi-site portfolio.
• Strong track record leading senior operational teams or Brand Managers.
• Commercially minded with strong strategic capability.
• Hands-on leadership style with excellent operational knowledge.
• GCC experience and international/multi-market exposure are advantageous.
• Comfortable with international travel and capable of progressing into broader executive leadership over time.