Operations & Compliance Leader - Cloud Kitchens & QSR

Job Title: Operations & Compliance Manager – Cloud Kitchen & QSRLocation: Middle East (UAE / KSA / GCC)Employment Type: Full-TimeDepartment: Operations & ExpansionRole OverviewWe are looking for a high-caliber Operations & Compliance Manager to lead theadministrative, regulatory, and operational backbone of our expanding QSR andCloud Kitchen network across the Middle East.This role will oversee regulatory approvals, location scouting, rental negotiations,supply chain setup, vendor qualification, and central kitchen coordination. The idealcandidate is someone who thrives in a fast-paced scale-up environment,understands F&B regulatory frameworks in the region, and has hands-on experiencebuilding operational systems from the ground up.Key Responsibilities1. Regulatory Compliance, Licensing & Liassonï· Manage end-to-end compliance across all locations (Dubai Municipality, FTA,Food Safety, Civil Defense, DED, Trade License, and GCC equivalents).ï· Ensure timely approvals for all kitchens (QSR & cloud): Food License, KitchenApprovals, Health & Safety, HACCP, Fire Safety Certificates, andEnvironmental Permits.ï· Maintain updated compliance calendars and proactively renew leases,licenses, permits, and insurance.ï· Liaise with consultants, government portals, free zones, and regulatory bodiesto expedite approvals.ï· Look at all statutory compliances for opening a cloud kitchen/ QSR/Centralkitchen in Middle East market2. Location Scouting & Rental Agreement Managementï· Identify, evaluate, and shortlist potential locations for cloud kitchens, QSRstorefronts, and central kitchens.ï· Conduct location validation assessments, including footfall, delivery-radiusanalytics, access, zoning laws, and operational viability.ï· Negotiate rental contracts, renewals, exit clauses, and manage legaldocumentation with landlords.ï· Assess flexible kitchen options (shared kitchens, franchised kitchens, 3Pcommissaries) and evaluate viability and cost impact.3. Central Kitchen & Operations Integrationï· Support planning, setup, and operational structuring of central kitchens (ERP,workflows, hygiene, equipment planning).ï· Coordinate with culinary and production teams to ensure seamless,standardized operations across multiple kitchens.ï· Implement SOPs for prep, dispatch, receiving, stock rotation, waste control,hygiene, and food safety.4. Supply Chain Management & Vendor Developmentï· Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers for proteins (meat, poultry, seafood),vegetables, sauces, spices, condiments, and dry goods.ï· Build relationships with certified suppliers in UAE/GCC for reliable, cost-efficient sourcing.ï· Validate vendors through quality checks, facility visits, documentation audits,and compliance verification (HACCP, ISO, Halal).ï· Oversee contract manufacturing partners and outsourced supply chainmodels when necessary.ï· Develop transportation and last-mile logistics plans for raw materialdistribution and finished product dispatch.5. Company Operations & Expansion Supportï· Manage the full lifecycle of opening new outlets—from regulatory filing tophysical setup and operational go-live.ï· Coordinate between kitchen teams, procurement, finance, HR, andmanagement to ensure smooth pre-opening and post-opening operations.ï· Ensure every site meets brand, safety, cost, and quality standards beforelaunch.ï· Track operational KPIs such as COGS, wastage, supplier performance,logistics reliability, and on-time store opening.6. Continuous Improvement & Operational Governanceï· Build operational dashboards and documentation for traceability andcompliance.ï· Identify bottlenecks in supply chain, regulatory workflows, or operations andimplement corrective action.ï· Maintain strong cross-functional collaboration with Finance, HR, Culinary, andMarketing.ï· Ensure kitchens operate at optimum efficiency with minimum waste andmaximum consistency.Qualifications & Experienceï· 8–10+ years of experience in F&B operations, preferably in QSR, cloudkitchens, or FMCG supply chain in the Middle East.ï· Strong understanding of UAE/GCC regulatory frameworks (Municipalities,FTA, Food Safety, Trade License, HACCP).ï· Experience in location selection, rental negotiations, and pre-openingoperations.ï· Knowledge of central kitchen operations, cold chain logistics, procurementprocesses, and vendor qualification.ï· Strong negotiation and documentation skills.ï· Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple projects simultaneously.ï· Valid UAE/GCC driving license preferred.Key Competenciesï· Regulatory Compliance & Documentationï· Vendor Assessment & Procurementï· Supply Chain & Logistics Planningï· Location Scouting & Commercial Evaluationï· Negotiation & Contract Managementï· Project Management & Pre-Opening Executionï· Problem Solving & Continuous Improvementï· Strong communication & interpersonal skills#J-18808-Ljbffr