Strategic Operations Director – Restaurants & Expansion

DAIKAN; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

Daikan Hospitality Group is seeking an Operations Manager to lead restaurant operations, HO functions, and strategic growth. You will partner with HR, marketing, finance, procurement, and training to ensure consistent guest experiences and strong governance across outlets.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in F&B operations, proven P&L control, and pre-opening experience, with ability to scale systems across markets while upholding brand standards.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in F&B or hospitality operations.
• At least 3 years at senior/executive level leading multi-unit and cross-border operations.
• Experience in high-growth or multi-brand environments is preferred.
• Proven track record improving operational KPIs and delivering strong financial results.
• Strategic, decisive, collaborative, and capable of leading through complexity and change.
• Deep operational knowledge across front- and back-of-house functions.
• Menu engineering and product cost control knowledge.
• Expertise in restaurant P&L management and financial forecasting.
• Strong project management and pre-opening experience.
• Ability to build scalable systems and structures across diverse markets.
• Clear, influential communicator at all levels of the business.
• Knowledge of POS systems, inventory platforms, and restaurant tech.
• Strong vendor negotiation and supply chain management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead performance of all outlets with quality, service, efficiency, and profitability.
• Directly manage and guide Restaurant Managers and Supervisors; oversee expansion and pre-opening activities.
• Ensure compliance with brand standards, financial targets, and regulatory requirements.
• Work with HO teams on goals; oversee HR, marketing, finance, procurement, and training.
• Drive strategic leadership and cross-functional alignment for scalable growth.
• Set KPIs for outlets and regularly review financial and operational metrics.
• Build a high-performing leadership team across outlets and HO; foster culture and succession.
• Oversee vendor contracts and purchasing to balance value and quality.

Skills

Leadership

Hospitality ops

P&L management

Strategic thinking

Cost control

Vendor management

Team building

Communication

Pre-opening

Project management

Cross-border ops

Analytics

Education

Bachelor's in hospitality management

MBA

Master's in Hospitality Management

Tools

POS systems

Inventory platforms

Restaurant tech

Job description

Daikan Hospitality Group is seeking an Operations Manager to lead restaurant operations, HO functions, and strategic growth. You will partner with HR, marketing, finance, procurement, and training to ensure consistent guest experiences and strong governance across outlets.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in F&B operations, proven P&L control, and pre-opening experience, with ability to scale systems across markets while upholding brand standards.