Pre-Opening Operations Manager – QSR (Spanish or French Speaker)

Black Pearl Consult; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Black Pearl Consult seeks an experienced Pre-Opening Operations Manager QSR to lead launch and readiness of new Quick Service Restaurant outlets across Dubai and the UAE. The role requires hands-on operations leadership with a proven pre-opening track record.

You will coordinate opening plans, licensing, vendor onboarding, POS and delivery integrations, staffing, and SOPs, ensuring compliant, fully functional outlets from day one.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in QSR fast-casual, cloud kitchen, or multi-unit operations.
• Experience managing multiple pre-opening projects from planning to launch.
• In-depth UAE/Dubai market knowledge and licensing workflows.
• Excellent organizational and timeline management skills.
• Strong communication with landlords, inspectors, and leadership.
• Willingness to attend interviews in UAE on short notice; based in UAE.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end pre-opening activities for new outlets.
• Develop opening plans, timelines, and readiness checklists.
• Coordinate with landlords, contractors, authorities, and vendors.
• Manage licensing, permits, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee onboarding, hiring, and training for new teams.
• Ensure POS, delivery, and tech readiness before launch.
• Audit pre-opening readiness and address issues.
• Monitor budgets, timelines, risks, and report to senior management.
• Coordinate aggregator onboarding (Talabat, Deliveroo, Noon, etc.).
• Collaborate with culinary/ops for menu readiness and inventory.

Skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Attention to timelines

Tech-savvy

Pre-opening experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

POS systems

Delivery platform onboarding

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Pre-Opening Operations Manager QSR to lead the successful launch and operational readiness of new Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) outlets across Dubai and the UAE.

This role is ideal for a hands‑on operations professional with a proven track record in pre‑opening projects within the QSR fast‑casual cloud kitchen or multi‑site restaurant sectors. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the entire pre‑opening lifecycle ensuring outlets are fully operational, compliant, staffed and ready to deliver exceptional customer experiences from day one.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end‑to‑end pre‑opening activities for new restaurant outlets ensuring timely and successful launches.
• Develop and execute detailed opening plans, project timelines, and operational readiness checklists.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, landlords, contractors, consultants, and government authorities to ensure all opening requirements are met.
• Oversee licensing, permits, approvals, and regulatory compliance processes required for outlet openings.
• Manage vendor onboarding, supplier setup, equipment procurement, and operational infrastructure readiness.
• Ensure all operational systems (POS platforms, delivery channels, and technology solutions) are fully functional before launch.
• Coordinate recruitment activities, workforce planning, onboarding, and training programs for new outlet teams.
• Develop, implement, and standardize operational policies, procedures, and SOPs to ensure consistency across locations.
• Collaborate with culinary and operations teams to ensure menu readiness, product availability, quality standards, and inventory planning.
• Manage aggregator onboarding and setup including platforms such as Talabat, Deliveroo, Noon, FoodCareem, and other delivery channels.
• Conduct pre‑opening audits, operational testing, and launch readiness assessments to identify and resolve potential issues.
• Monitor opening budgets, timelines, risks, and project milestones while providing regular progress updates to senior management.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience strictly within QSR fast‑casual, cloud kitchen, or multi‑unit restaurant operations.
• Proven verifiable experience managing multiple pre‑opening projects from planning through to successful commercial launch.
• Deep UAE/Dubai market experience; current working knowledge of local municipality regulations, food safety codes, and licensing workflows.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage complex timelines and multiple site launches simultaneously.
• Highly articulate with strong communication skills to manage landlords, contractors, government inspectors, and executive leadership.
• A hands‑on leader who rolls up their sleeves during the high‑pressure days leading up to an opening.
• Prior experience scaling recognized regional or international QSR fast‑casual or cloud kitchen brands during rapid growth phases is highly desirable.
• Tech‑savvy profile with advanced understanding of modern kitchen logistics, POS systems, and aggregator algorithms.
• Candidates must be currently based in the UAE and ready to attend interviews at short notice; immediate availability or short‑notice periods will be heavily prioritized.
• Fluency in Spanish or French would be highly preferred.

Required Education

A bachelor's degree is preferred.