Job Title: Operations & Compliance Manager – Cloud Kitchen & QSR
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<\/div>Location: Middle East (UAE / KSA / GCC)
<\/div>Employment Type: Full-Time
<\/div>Department: Operations & Expansion
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<\/div>Role Overview
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<\/div>We are looking for a high-caliber Operations & Compliance Manager to lead the
<\/div>administrative, regulatory, and operational backbone of our expanding QSR and
<\/div>Cloud Kitchen network across the Middle East.
<\/div>This role will oversee regulatory approvals, location scouting, rental negotiations,
<\/div>supply chain setup, vendor qualification, and central kitchen coordination. The ideal
<\/div>candidate is someone who thrives in a fast-paced scale-up environment,
<\/div>understands F&B regulatory frameworks in the region, and has hands-on experience
<\/div>building operational systems from the ground up.
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<\/div>Key Responsibilities
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<\/div>1. Regulatory Compliance, Licensing & Liasson
<\/div> Manage end-to-end compliance across all locations (Dubai Municipality, FTA,
<\/div>Food Safety, Civil Defense, DED, Trade License, and GCC equivalents).
<\/div> Ensure timely approvals for all kitchens (QSR & cloud): Food License, Kitchen
<\/div>Approvals, Health & Safety, HACCP, Fire Safety Certificates, and
<\/div>Environmental Permits.
<\/div> Maintain updated compliance calendars and proactively renew leases,
<\/div>licenses, permits, and insurance.
<\/div> Liaise with consultants, government portals, free zones, and regulatory bodies
<\/div>to expedite approvals.
<\/div> Look at all statutory compliances for opening a cloud kitchen/ QSR/Central
<\/div>kitchen in Middle East market
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<\/div>2. Location Scouting & Rental Agreement Management
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<\/div> Identify, evaluate, and shortlist potential locations for cloud kitchens, QSR
<\/div>storefronts, and central kitchens.
<\/div> Conduct location validation assessments, including footfall, delivery-radius
<\/div>analytics, access, zoning laws, and operational viability.
<\/div> Negotiate rental contracts, renewals, exit clauses, and manage legal
<\/div>documentation with landlords.
<\/div> Assess flexible kitchen options (shared kitchens, franchised kitchens, 3P
<\/div>commissaries) and evaluate viability and cost impact.
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<\/div>3. Central Kitchen & Operations Integration
<\/div> Support planning, setup, and operational structuring of central kitchens (ERP,
<\/div>workflows, hygiene, equipment planning).
<\/div> Coordinate with culinary and production teams to ensure seamless,
<\/div>standardized operations across multiple kitchens.
<\/div> Implement SOPs for prep, dispatch, receiving, stock rotation, waste control,
<\/div>hygiene, and food safety.
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<\/div>4. Supply Chain Management & Vendor Development
<\/div> Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers for proteins (meat, poultry, seafood),
<\/div>vegetables, sauces, spices, condiments, and dry goods.
<\/div> Build relationships with certified suppliers in UAE/GCC for reliable, cost-
<\/div>efficient sourcing.
<\/div> Validate vendors through quality checks, facility visits, documentation audits,
<\/div>and compliance verification (HACCP, ISO, Halal).
<\/div> Oversee contract manufacturing partners and outsourced supply chain
<\/div>models when necessary.
<\/div> Develop transportation and last-mile logistics plans for raw material
<\/div>distribution and finished product dispatch.
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<\/div>5. Company Operations & Expansion Support
<\/div> Manage the full lifecycle of opening new outlets—from regulatory filing to
<\/div>physical setup and operational go-live.
<\/div> Coordinate between kitchen teams, procurement, finance, HR, and
<\/div>management to ensure smooth pre-opening and post-opening operations.
<\/div> Ensure every site meets brand, safety, cost, and quality standards before
<\/div>launch.
<\/div> Track operational KPIs such as COGS, wastage, supplier performance,
<\/div>logistics reliability, and on-time store opening.
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<\/div>6. Continuous Improvement & Operational Governance
<\/div> Build operational dashboards and documentation for traceability and
<\/div>compliance.
<\/div> Identify bottlenecks in supply chain, regulatory workflows, or operations and
<\/div>implement corrective action.
<\/div> Maintain strong cross-functional collaboration with Finance, HR, Culinary, and
<\/div>Marketing.
<\/div> Ensure kitchens operate at optimum efficiency with minimum waste and
<\/div>maximum consistency.
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<\/div>Qualifications & Experience
<\/div> 8–10+ years of experience in F&B operations, preferably in QSR, cloud
<\/div>kitchens, or FMCG supply chain in the Middle East.
<\/div> Strong understanding of UAE/GCC regulatory frameworks (Municipalities,
<\/div>FTA, Food Safety, Trade License, HACCP).
<\/div> Experience in location selection, rental negotiations, and pre-opening
<\/div>operations.
<\/div> Knowledge of central kitchen operations, cold chain logistics, procurement
<\/div>processes, and vendor qualification.
<\/div> Strong negotiation and documentation skills.
<\/div> Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
<\/div> Valid UAE/GCC driving license preferred.
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<\/div>Key Competencies
<\/div> Regulatory Compliance & Documentation
<\/div> Vendor Assessment & Procurement
<\/div> Supply Chain & Logistics Planning
<\/div> Location Scouting & Commercial Evaluation
<\/div> Negotiation & Contract Management
<\/div> Project Management & Pre-Opening Execution
<\/div> Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement
<\/div> Strong communication & interpersonal skills
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