Operations & Compliance Manager - Cloud Kitchen & QSR

Job Title: Operations & Compliance Manager Cloud Kitchen & QSR

Location: Middle East (UAE / KSA / GCC)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Department: Operations & Expansion

Role Overview

We are looking for a high-caliber Operations & Compliance Manager to lead the

administrative regulatory and operational backbone of our expanding QSR and

Cloud 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 ideal

candidate is someone who thrives in a fast-paced scale-up environment

understands F&B regulatory frameworks in the region and has hands-on experience

building operational systems from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

1. Regulatory Compliance Licensing & Liasson

Manage end-to-end compliance across all locations (Dubai Municipality FTA

Food Safety Civil Defense DED Trade License and GCC equivalents).

Ensure timely approvals for all kitchens (QSR & cloud): Food License Kitchen

Approvals Health & Safety HACCP Fire Safety Certificates and

Environmental Permits.

Maintain updated compliance calendars and proactively renew leases

licenses permits and insurance.

Liaise with consultants government portals free zones and regulatory bodies

to expedite approvals.

Look at all statutory compliances for opening a cloud kitchen/ QSR/Central

kitchen in Middle East market

2. Location Scouting & Rental Agreement Management

Identify evaluate and shortlist potential locations for cloud kitchens QSR

storefronts and central kitchens.

Conduct location validation assessments including footfall delivery-radius

analytics access zoning laws and operational viability.

Negotiate rental contracts renewals exit clauses and manage legal

documentation with landlords.

Assess flexible kitchen options (shared kitchens franchised kitchens 3P

commissaries) and evaluate viability and cost impact.

3. Central Kitchen & Operations Integration

Support planning setup and operational structuring of central kitchens (ERP

workflows hygiene equipment planning).

Coordinate with culinary and production teams to ensure seamless

standardized operations across multiple kitchens.

Implement SOPs for prep dispatch receiving stock rotation waste control

hygiene and food safety.

4. Supply Chain Management & Vendor Development

Identify evaluate and onboard suppliers for proteins (meat poultry seafood)

vegetables sauces spices condiments and dry goods.

Build relationships with certified suppliers in UAE/GCC for reliable cost-

efficient sourcing.

Validate vendors through quality checks facility visits documentation audits

and compliance verification (HACCP ISO Halal).

Oversee contract manufacturing partners and outsourced supply chain

models when necessary.

Develop transportation and last-mile logistics plans for raw material

distribution and finished product dispatch.

5. Company Operations & Expansion Support

Manage the full lifecycle of opening new outletsfrom regulatory filing to

physical setup and operational go-live.

Coordinate between kitchen teams procurement finance HR and

management to ensure smooth pre-opening and post-opening operations.

Ensure every site meets brand safety cost and quality standards before

launch.

Track operational KPIs such as COGS wastage supplier performance

logistics reliability and on-time store opening.

6. Continuous Improvement & Operational Governance

Build operational dashboards and documentation for traceability and

compliance.

Identify bottlenecks in supply chain regulatory workflows or operations and

implement corrective action.

Maintain strong cross-functional collaboration with Finance HR Culinary and

Marketing.

Ensure kitchens operate at optimum efficiency with minimum waste and

maximum consistency.

Qualifications & Experience

810 years of experience in F&B operations preferably in QSR cloud

kitchens or FMCG supply chain in the Middle East.

Strong understanding of UAE/GCC regulatory frameworks (Municipalities

FTA Food Safety Trade License HACCP).

Experience in location selection rental negotiations and pre-opening

operations.

Knowledge of central kitchen operations cold chain logistics procurement

processes and vendor qualification.

Strong negotiation and documentation skills.

Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Valid UAE/GCC driving license preferred.

Key Competencies

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

Vendor Assessment & Procurement

Supply Chain & Logistics Planning

Location Scouting & Commercial Evaluation

Negotiation & Contract Management

Project Management & Pre-Opening Execution

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

Strong communication & interpersonal skills