QSR Cloud Kitchen Operations & Compliance Lead

Black Pearl Consult; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Black Pearl is expanding its UAE footprint in QSR and Cloud Kitchen formats and is recruiting an Operations & Compliance Manager who will take full ownership of setting up, regulating, and running multi-location operations from the ground up.

The role demands hands-on leadership, superb organization, and deep familiarity with UAE/GCC F&B regulations; you will drive pre-opening readiness, licensing, procurement and supplier audits, central kitchen setup, SOPs, and KPI tracking across sites.

Qualifications

• Experience in F&B operations, preferably QSR or cloud kitchens.
• Strong knowledge 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 cloud kitchen and central kitchen setups in the UAE/GCC.
• Secure 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 readiness.
• Identify and validate sites for cloud kitchens and QSR outlets based on footfall, access and cost.
• Lead lease negotiations, contract renewals and landlord coordination.
• Drive central kitchen setup, including workflows, equipment planning, and hygiene procedures.
• Establish SOPs for production, dispatch, storage and waste control.
• Collaborate with culinary teams to ensure consistent output.
• Identify and onboard suppliers; conduct audits and ensure HACCP/ISO/Halal compliance.
• Support procurement with cost-efficient supply-chain models and last-mile plans.
• Manage pre-opening processes from regulatory filings to site setup and launch.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with procurement, HR, finance, marketing and culinary teams.
• Track KPIs including COGS, waste, supplier performance and opening timelines.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Vendor management

Food safety

Job description

Black Pearl is expanding its UAE footprint in QSR and Cloud Kitchen formats and is recruiting an Operations & Compliance Manager who will take full ownership of setting up, regulating, and running multi-location operations from the ground up.

The role demands hands-on leadership, superb organization, and deep familiarity with UAE/GCC F&B regulations; you will drive pre-opening readiness, licensing, procurement and supplier audits, central kitchen setup, SOPs, and KPI tracking across sites.