Head of Operations - Fast Casual Cafe Brand (UAE)

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations across all UAE locations (corporate + franchised) to ensure quality, consistency and service excellence
• Implement operational standards, KPIs and accountability frameworks aligned with Group benchmarks
• Manage P&Ls for UAE stores; drive profitability and cost control across labour, supply chain and operations
• Oversee menu development and localisation for the UAE market, including product testing, seasonal launches and pricing
• Coordinate local marketing and brand activation (digital and in-store) to grow awareness and footfall
• Optimise local supply chain and procurement; build strong relationships with regional suppliers and improve inventory/vendor performance
• Lead refurbishment and site development activities including design, contractors, mall approvals and regulatory liaison
• Support franchise partners with training, audits and operational guidance to ensure brand standards
• Establish processes and frameworks to stabilise UAE operations and prepare for GCC expansion

Requirements

• QSR experience
• Multi-site ops
• UAE/GCC experience
• P&L management
• Franchise ops
• Supply chain
• Menu localisation
• Vendor management
• Refurbishment oversight
• Commercial acumen

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years in QSR, café or fast-casual operations with demonstrable UAE/GCC experience
• Proven track record of turning around and scaling multi-site operations
• Experience managing both corporate and franchised stores
• Strong background in foodservice operations, procurement and local marketing
• Excellent communication skills to engage franchisees, vendors and regulators
• Organised, results-oriented and comfortable balancing hands-on execution with strategic planning

Benefits

• Up to 33,700 AED Total Cost to Company (monthly)
• Annual leave
• Health insurance
• End-of-service gratuity (as per UAE law)

About the Company

Hospitalio Recruitment is hiring on behalf of a global Indian street-food café brand with over 130 locations across the UK, Canada and the UAE. The UAE is a strategic market for the brand's international growth. This senior leadership role is based in Dubai and is focused on rebuilding operations, improving profitability and creating a scalable, high-performing platform for regional expansion. The role requires a hands-on operator with strong commercial instincts and the ability to lead both corporate and franchised operations.