Operations & Compliance Manager – QSR / Cloud Kitchen (Newly Established QSR Group)

Black Pearl Consult; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing QSR and Cloud Kitchen group in Dubai is seeking an Operations & Compliance Manager to oversee the establishment and regulation of multi-location QSR operations. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with UAE/GCC regulations, manage site selection, and drive operational excellence. With a minimum of 8 years of experience in food and beverage operations, this role demands strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of experience in F&B operations, preferably in QSR or cloud kitchens.
• Strong understanding of UAE/GCC municipality and food safety regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage all regulatory requirements for QSR and cloud kitchen setups.
• Identify and validate potential sites for cloud kitchens and QSR outlets.
• Drive the setup and integration of central kitchen workflows.
• Manage full pre-opening processes from regulatory filings to launch.
• Track operational KPIs including supplier performance and waste control.

Skills

F&B operations experience

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Vendor management skills

Project management

Strong organizational skills

Job description

About the Role

A newly established and fast-growing QSR and Cloud Kitchen group in the UAE is expanding its footprint across the Middle East. To support this growth, Black Pearl is recruiting an experienced Operations & Compliance Manager who will take full ownership of setting up, regulating, and running multi-location QSR operations from the ground up.

This role is ideal for someone who is hands‑on, highly organized, operationally strong, and deeply familiar with the UAE/GCC F&B regulatory environment. You will be responsible for ensuring smooth pre‑opening operations, supply chain readiness, kitchen compliance, and continuous operational excellence across all sites.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance & Licensing

• Manage all regulatory requirements for QSR, cloud kitchen, and central kitchen setups in the UAE/GCC.
• Ensure timely approvals for food licenses, HACCP, municipality permits, Civil Defense, and trade licenses.
• Maintain compliance calendars for renewals, inspections, and legal documentation.
• Liaise with authorities, consultants, free zones, and government portals to ensure operational readiness.

Location Scouting & Rental Management

• Identify and validate potential sites for cloud kitchens and QSR outlets based on footfall, accessibility, delivery zones, and cost efficiency.
• Lead lease negotiations, contract renewals, exit terms, and landlord coordination.
• Conduct feasibility assessments for shared kitchens, commissary kitchens, and regional expansion opportunities.

Central Kitchen & Operations Setup

• Drive the setup and integration of central kitchen workflows, equipment planning, hygiene procedures, and production systems.
• Establish SOPs for production, dispatch, receiving, storage, waste control, and food safety.
• Work closely with culinary teams to ensure consistent output across all locations.

Supply Chain & Vendor Development

• Identify and onboard suppliers across proteins, vegetables, sauces, condiments, and QSR raw materials.
• Conduct supplier audits and ensure compliance with HACCP, ISO, and Halal certifications.
• Support procurement by developing cost‑efficient supply‑chain models and last‑mile distribution plans.

Operational Governance & Pre‑Opening Execution

• Manage full pre‑opening processes—from regulatory filings to site setup and operational launch.
• Coordinate cross‑functionally with procurement, HR, finance, marketing, and culinary teams.
• Track operational KPIs including COGS, waste control, supplier performance, and opening timelines.

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of experience in F&B operations, preferably in QSR, cloud kitchens, or FMCG.
• Strong understanding of UAE/GCC municipality and food safety regulations.
• Proven experience in location selection, lease negotiation, and pre‑opening operations.
• Experience building supply chain systems and managing vendors.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• UAE/GCC driving license preferred.