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Operations & Compliance Manager – Cloud Kitchen & QSR
Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Experience Required:
Posted:
6 June 2026 (30+ days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
4 September 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
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
Company Industry
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing / Industrial Gases / Petrochemicals
Key Skills
- Culinary Experience
- Restaurant Experience
- Kitchen Management Experience
- Food Preparation Experience
- Kitchen Experience
- Hospitality Experience
- Food Safety Experience
- Management Experience
- Conflict Management
- Cooking
- Sanitation
- Restaurant Management
