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

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

Job summary

A fast-growing QSR and Cloud Kitchen group in the UAE is seeking an experienced Operations & Compliance Manager to oversee multi-location QSR operations. This role requires expertise in regulatory compliance, supply chain development, and location management. The ideal candidate will have 8–10 years of experience in the F&B sector, specifically within QSR environments. You will be responsible for ensuring smooth pre-opening operations and driving operational excellence across all sites. A UAE/GCC driving license is preferred.

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.

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 and processes.
• Onboard suppliers and ensure compliance with food safety certifications.
• Manage full pre-opening processes and coordinate cross-functionally.

Skills

F&B operations management

Regulatory compliance

Location scouting

Supply chain development

Project management

Job description

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.