Head of Operations Fast Casual Cafe Brand

Hospitalio Recruitment; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A global café brand is seeking a Head of Operations in Dubai to enhance profitability and operational excellence across its UAE franchise. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of QSR experience in the GCC, demonstrating effective leadership. Key responsibilities include managing daily operations, supply chain optimisation, and financial performance. This full-time role offers a competitive total salary package of up to 33,700 AED.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in QSR or café operations, with experience in the UAE or wider GCC region.
• Proven ability to turn around and scale multi-site operations.
• Experience managing both corporate and franchised stores.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations across all UAE locations, ensuring quality and service excellence.
• Implement operational standards and KPIs aligned with Group benchmarks.
• Manage P&Ls across all UAE stores, delivering consistent profitability.
• Support UAE franchise partners with training and operational guidance.

Skills

Commercial skills

Problem-solving skills

Effective communication

Strong leadership

Organisational skills

Job description

Head of Operations, UAE
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Full-Time, Senior Leadership

Global Indian street-food café brand with over 130 locations across the UK, Canada, and the UAE. The UAE represents a key strategic market for the brand’s international growth, and we are focused on building a high-performing, profitable operation that reflects companies global standards while embracing local market dynamics.

The Role

We are seeking a hands‑on and commercially driven Head of Operations to lead recalibration in the UAE. Based in Dubai, the role oversees one corporate store and two franchised locations, with a focus on improving profitability, operational excellence, and brand consistency. The successful candidate will combine strong on‑the‑ground leadership with strategic thinking to deliver sustainable performance and future growth.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Excellence

• Lead daily operations across all UAE locations, ensuring quality, consistency, and service excellence.
• Implement operational standards and KPIs aligned with Group benchmarks.
• Build accountability and continuous improvement across both corporate and franchised stores.

Menu Development & Localisation

• Work with the global team to refine and localise the menu for the UAE market.
• Balance authenticity with local consumer preferences.
• Oversee product testing, seasonal launches, and pricing to drive profitability and frequency.

Marketing & Brand Visibility

• Coordinate local marketing initiatives and partnerships to strengthen brand awareness and customer engagement.
• Ensure cohesive messaging across franchisee and corporate channels, with a focus on digital and in‑store activation.

Supply Chain & Procurement

• Optimise the local supply chain for quality, cost, and reliability.
• Build relationships with regional suppliers, ensuring continuity and compliance with Chaiiwala standards.
• Improve inventory management and vendor performance.

Refurbishment & Site Development

• Lead the refurbishment of the existing mall location, managing design, contractors, and approvals.
• Liaise with mall authorities and regulatory bodies to ensure timely delivery and brand compliance.

Financial Performance

• Manage P&Ls across all UAE stores, delivering consistent profitability and performance.
• Control costs across labour, supply chain, and operations.

Franchise Support & Development

• Support UAE franchise partners with training, audits, and operational guidance.
• Ensure adherence to brand standards and operational excellence.
• Help shape the framework for future GCC growth once the UAE model is stabilised.

What Success Looks Like

• 6‑Month Target: Operational standards stabilised, refurbishment completed, and all sites profitable.
• 12‑Month Target: Menu refined, supply chain optimised, and marketing driving measurable growth.
• 18‑Month Target: UAE operations performing as a strong foundation for further regional expansion.

Requirements

• 5+ years in QSR or café operations, with experience in the UAE or wider GCC region.
• Proven ability to turn around and scale multi‑site operations. Strong background in foodservice, marketing, and supply chain.
• Experience managing both corporate and franchised stores.

Skills & Attributes

• Hands‑on operator with strong commercial and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communicator who can engage franchisees, vendors, and regulators.
• Organised, results‑oriented, and capable of balancing execution with strategy.

You will shape the local strategy, rebuild the operational framework, and create a profitable platform for sustainable regional growth under the group umbrella.

Package

Up to 33700 AED Total Cost to Company.