Cloud Kitchen Operations Manager

MadaHR; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an ambitious startup as an Operations Manager to lead the launch and operations of a cloud kitchen specializing in premium pasta. You will oversee production, quality assurance, and the supply chain while fostering a team-focused culture. This role requires strong leadership and innovative thinking in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Operations Management, Food Technology, or related field.
• 5–8 years of operations management experience in food production or cloud kitchens.
• Strong analytical skills and proficient in operational technologies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations, production workflow, and HACCP compliance.
• Manage supply chain, inventory, and negotiate with suppliers.
• Lead team recruitment, training, and performance management.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal communication

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management

Tools

Cloud kitchen operational technologies

Data dashboards

HACCP compliance tools

Job description

Role Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Operations Manager to lead the launch and day-to-day operations of our cloud kitchen specializing in premium pasta manufacturing and recipes.

The ideal candidate will have strong operational leadership, food production experience (preferably in cloud kitchens or fast-paced food manufacturing setups), and a proactive mindset to build and continuously optimize the operational processes, supply chain, and team culture.

This is a unique opportunity to join an ambitious startup dedicated to quality, innovation, speed, and exceptional teamwork.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Daily Operations and Production Oversight

• Supervise the production workflow, including preparation, cooking, packaging, and delivery.
• Conduct daily kitchen inspections to ensure hygiene, safety, and operational readiness.
• Coordinate daily production meetings with the head chef and preparation teams to review production schedules and volume forecasts.
• Monitor and enforce adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), recipe consistency, food safety (HACCP), and hygiene standards.
• Directly oversee peak operational periods (lunch, dinner rushes), ensuring fast and flawless execution.
• Manage the daily post-shift reporting, performance analytics, and plan for the next day's operations.

2. Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Establish and monitor quality control measures at all production stages.
• Ensure compliance with local food regulatory authorities and internal HACCP programs.
• Lead food safety audits, health inspections, and internal quality evaluations.

3. Supply Chain and Inventory Management

• Manage inventory levels using digital inventory management tools
• Monitor ingredient quality, raw material usage, and order replenishment based on forecasts.
• Negotiate with suppliers to maintain cost control without compromising quality.

4. Team Leadership and Culture Development

• Recruit, train, and develop a high-performance kitchen operations team.
• Foster a culture of quality, teamwork, transparency, and continuous learning aligned with company values.
• Lead regular team briefings, feedback sessions, and structured operational training.

5. Performance Management and Reporting

• Track and analyze KPIs such as order fulfillment time, production efficiency, customer rating improvements, waste reduction, and cost per order.
• Utilize digital analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Google Analytics) to generate operational insights.
• Prepare weekly and monthly performance reports for senior management.

6. Technology and Systems Management

• Oversee the usage and optimization of operational systems including:
• Order Management Systems
• Inventory Management Systems
• Scheduling and Workforce Management Tools
• Collaboration Platforms
• Quality Management Systems (HACCP compliance tools)

7. Continuous Improvement Initiatives

• Lead projects to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.
• Drive initiatives for recipe innovation, packaging improvement, and service delivery upgrades.
• Foster a mindset of innovation and proactive problem-solving within the operations team.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management, Food Technology, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• 5–8 years of experience in operations management, preferably within cloud kitchens, food production, or quick-service restaurant environments.
• Prior experience launching or scaling food manufacturing units/startups is a major advantage.

Skills

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in cloud kitchen operational technologies (POS, OMS, Inventory Systems).
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to leverage data dashboards and KPIs to drive decisions.
• Advanced understanding of food safety (HACCP, ISO 22000 standards).

Soft Skills:

• Ability to lead in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product consistency.
• High adaptability, resilience under pressure, and excellent interpersonal communication.
• Team-first leadership style, valuing collaboration, discipline, and innovation.