Operations & Compliance Manager – Cloud Kitchen & QSR

Ultiwise Consult; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food and beverage firm is seeking an experienced Operations & Compliance Manager to oversee regulatory and operational management for their expanding cloud kitchen and QSR network in the UAE. The ideal candidate will have 8-10 years of experience in F&B operations, with a strong grasp of the regulatory frameworks in the region. Responsibilities include managing compliance, scouting locations, and supporting new outlet openings, ensuring all operations meet brand standards and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in F&B operations, preferably in QSR or FMCG supply chain.
• Strong understanding of UAE/GCC regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in location selection and rental negotiations.
• Knowledge of cold chain logistics and procurement processes.
• Strong negotiation and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Valid UAE/GCC driving license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end compliance across all locations.
• Identify and evaluate potential locations for cloud kitchens.
• Support planning and setup of central kitchens.
• Identify and onboard suppliers for raw materials.
• Manage the lifecycle of opening new outlets.
• Build operational dashboards for compliance and efficiency.

Skills

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

Vendor Assessment & Procurement

Supply Chain & Logistics Planning

Location Scouting & Commercial Evaluation

Negotiation & Contract Management

Project Management & Pre-Opening Execution

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

Strong communication & interpersonal skills

Job description

Job Title: Operations & Compliance Manager Cloud Kitchen & QSR

Location: Middle East (UAE / KSA / GCC)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Department: Operations & Expansion

Role Overview

We are looking for a high-caliber Operations & Compliance Manager to lead the administrative regulatory and operational backbone of our expanding QSR and Cloud Kitchen network across the Middle East.

This role will oversee regulatory approvals, location scouting, rental negotiations, supply chain setup, vendor qualification, and central kitchen coordination. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a fast-paced scale-up environment, understands F&B regulatory frameworks in the region, and has hands‑on experience building operational systems from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

1. Regulatory Compliance Licensing & Liaison

   Manage end‑to‑end compliance across all locations (Dubai Municipality, FTA, Food Safety, Civil Defense, DED Trade License, and GCC equivalents). Ensure timely approvals for all kitchens (QSR & cloud): Food License, Kitchen Approvals, Health & Safety HACCP, Fire Safety Certificates and Environmental Permits.

   Maintain updated compliance calendars and proactively renew leases, licenses, permits and insurance.

   Liaise with consultants, government portals, free zones and regulatory bodies to expedite approvals.

   Look at all statutory compliances for opening a cloud kitchen/QSR/Central kitchen in Middle East market.

2. Location Scouting & Rental Agreement Management

   Identify, evaluate and shortlist potential locations for cloud kitchens, QSR storefronts and central kitchens.

   Conduct location validation assessments including footfall, delivery‑radius analytics, access, zoning laws and operational viability.

   Negotiate rental contracts, renewals, exit clauses and manage legal documentation with landlords.

   Assess flexible kitchen options (shared kitchens, franchised kitchens, 3P commissaries) and evaluate viability and cost impact.

3. Central Kitchen & Operations Integration

   Support planning, setup and operational structuring of central kitchens (ERP workflows, hygiene equipment planning).

   Coordinate with culinary and production teams to ensure seamless standardized operations across multiple kitchens.

   Implement SOPs for prep, dispatch, receiving, stock rotation, waste control, hygiene and food safety.

4. Supply Chain Management & Vendor Development

   Identify, evaluate and onboard suppliers for proteins (meat, poultry, seafood), vegetables, sauces, spices, condiments and dry goods.

   Build relationships with certified suppliers in UAE/GCC for reliable, cost‑efficient sourcing.

   Validate vendors through quality checks, facility visits, documentation audits and compliance verification (HACCP, ISO, Halal).

   Oversee contract manufacturing partners and outsourced supply chain models when necessary.

   Develop transportation and last‑mile logistics plans for raw material distribution and finished product dispatch.

5. Company Operations & Expansion Support

   Manage the full lifecycle of opening new outlets from regulatory filing to physical setup and operational go‑live.

   Coordinate between kitchen teams, procurement, finance, HR and management to ensure smooth pre‑opening and post‑opening operations.

   Ensure every site meets brand safety, cost and quality standards before launch.

   Track operational KPIs such as COGS, wastage, supplier performance, logistics reliability and on‑time store opening.

6. Continuous Improvement & Operational Governance

   Build operational dashboards and documentation for traceability and compliance.

   Identify bottlenecks in supply chain, regulatory workflows or operations and implement corrective action.

   Maintain strong cross‑functional collaboration with Finance, HR, Culinary and Marketing.

   Ensure kitchens operate at optimum efficiency with minimum waste and maximum consistency.

Qualifications & Experience

• 8-10 years of experience in F&B operations, preferably in QSR, cloud kitchens or FMCG supply chain in the Middle East.
• Strong understanding of UAE/GCC regulatory frameworks (Municipalities, FTA, Food Safety, Trade License, HACCP).
• Experience in location selection, rental negotiations and pre‑opening operations.
• Knowledge of central kitchen operations, cold chain logistics, procurement processes and vendor qualification.
• Strong negotiation and documentation skills.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Valid UAE/GCC driving license preferred.

Key Competencies

• Regulatory Compliance & Documentation
• Vendor Assessment & Procurement
• Supply Chain & Logistics Planning
• Location Scouting & Commercial Evaluation
• Negotiation & Contract Management
• Project Management & Pre‑Opening Execution
• Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement
• Strong communication & interpersonal skills