Operations Manager

Role overview

Location

• The description lists Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE, as role locations.

Outlet operations and expansion

• Lead outlet performance across quality, service, efficiency, and profitability; guide restaurant managers and supervisors.
• Oversee expansion and pre-openings from market analysis and site selection through feasibility, planning, staffing, training, and launch.
• Ensure brand-standard, financial-target, and regulatory compliance; partner with the executive chef on food quality and kitchen operations.

Head-office and strategic leadership

• Coordinate head-office teams and align functions with company goals.
• Lead workforce planning, organizational design, succession, performance management, engagement, and UAE labour-law compliance.
• Oversee brand strategy, campaigns, PR, digital channels, and promotional activity.
• Coordinate P&L, budgets, forecasting, cost control, procurement, and supply chain with relevant functions.
• Oversee employee training and leadership development; maintain governance, licenses, audits, and legal compliance.
• Set operational strategy, align departments, advise board or ownership, and lead franchising, partnerships, and international expansion.

Performance and people

• Set outlet KPIs and review revenue, margins, guest satisfaction, operational metrics, HR dashboards, and marketing ROI.
• Build and lead a high-performing team; develop succession and leadership programs and strengthen employee engagement.
• Oversee vendor contracts and purchasing, balancing value and quality; embed company values across markets and functions.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, business administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years in F&B or hospitality operations, including at least 3 years in senior or executive leadership of large, multi-unit, cross-border operations.
• Proven success managing large teams, improving operational KPIs, and delivering strong financial results.
• Deep knowledge of front- and back-of-house operations, menu engineering, and product cost control.
• 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.
• Knowledge of POS systems, inventory platforms, and restaurant technology; strong vendor negotiation and supply-chain management skills.

Preferred qualification

• MBA or master's degree in business administration or hospitality management is preferred.
• Experience in high-growth or multi-brand environments is preferred.

Key success metrics