Operations Executive jobs in South Africa

Head of Operations, UAE
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Full-Time, Senior Leadership

Global Indian street-food café brand with over 130 locations across the UK, Canada, and the UAE. The UAE represents a key strategic market for the brand’s international growth, and we are focused on building a high-performing, profitable operation that reflects companies global standards while embracing local market dynamics.

We are seeking a hands‑on and commercially driven Head of Operations to lead recalibration in the UAE. Based in Dubai, the role oversees one corporate store and two franchised locations, with a focus on improving profitability, operational excellence, and brand consistency. The successful candidate will combine strong on‑the‑ground leadership with strategic thinking to deliver sustainable performance and future growth.

• Lead daily operations across all UAE locations, ensuring quality, consistency, and service excellence.
• Implement operational standards and KPIs aligned with Group benchmarks.
• Build accountability and continuous improvement across both corporate and franchised stores.

• Work with the global team to refine and localise the menu for the UAE market.
• Balance authenticity with local consumer preferences.
• Oversee product testing, seasonal launches, and pricing to drive profitability and frequency.

• Coordinate local marketing initiatives and partnerships to strengthen brand awareness and customer engagement.
• Ensure cohesive messaging across franchisee and corporate channels, with a focus on digital and in‑store activation.

• Optimise the local supply chain for quality, cost, and reliability.
• Build relationships with regional suppliers, ensuring continuity and compliance with Chaiiwala standards.
• Improve inventory management and vendor performance.

• Lead the refurbishment of the existing mall location, managing design, contractors, and approvals.
• Liaise with mall authorities and regulatory bodies to ensure timely delivery and brand compliance.

• Manage P&Ls across all UAE stores, delivering consistent profitability and performance.
• Control costs across labour, supply chain, and operations.

• Support UAE franchise partners with training, audits, and operational guidance.
• Ensure adherence to brand standards and operational excellence.
• Help shape the framework for future GCC growth once the UAE model is stabilised.

• 6‑Month Target: Operational standards stabilised, refurbishment completed, and all sites profitable.
• 12‑Month Target: Menu refined, supply chain optimised, and marketing driving measurable growth.
• 18‑Month Target: UAE operations performing as a strong foundation for further regional expansion.

• 5+ years in QSR or café operations, with experience in the UAE or wider GCC region.
• Proven ability to turn around and scale multi‑site operations. Strong background in foodservice, marketing, and supply chain.
• Experience managing both corporate and franchised stores.

• Hands‑on operator with strong commercial and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communicator who can engage franchisees, vendors, and regulators.
• Organised, results‑oriented, and capable of balancing execution with strategy.

You will shape the local strategy, rebuild the operational framework, and create a profitable platform for sustainable regional growth under the group umbrella.

Up to 33700 AED Total Cost to Company.