Operations Director - QSR / F&B (Arabic Brand)

Job Purpose:

We are looking to hire an Operations Director to lead an Arabic QSR brand across regions and support ambitious multi country expansion plans, significantly scaling the brand across new markets over the coming years.

Scope:

Oversees multi-unit operations across assigned markets, ensuring consistency of standards, operational efficiency, and achievement of all business KPIs, while supporting rapid growth and expansion into new regions.

Key Responsibility Areas:

Ensure operations are executed efficiently, cost-effectively, and in alignment with organizational standards.

Lead operational performance with senior leadership to maximize profitability and uphold service and quality benchmarks.

Build, coach, and retain high-performing operational teams, overseeing performance, capability development, and succession planning to support an expanding store network.

Optimize labor deployment, scheduling, productivity, and cost efficiency across business channels.

Support production planning, quality control routines, and implementation of operational KPIs.

Execute pricing, merchandising, product, and promotional strategies to enhance operational effectiveness and sales growth.

Analyze operational and financial data to identify opportunities, reduce inefficiencies, and improve profitability.

Manage operational budgets, forecasts, and expenditures in alignment with annual operating plans, including expansion-related requirements.

Ensure timely communication of operational direction, updates, and priorities across teams.

Monitor operational KPIs and support teams in achieving performance and productivity targets.

Participate in financial performance reviews to identify gaps and develop actionable improvements.

Partner with cross-functional teams to implement initiatives that drive cost efficiencies and operational optimization, including new store rollout initiatives.

Ensure resource allocation aligns with business needs and performance commitments.

Embed organizational purpose, values, and strategy across operations to foster ownership and engagement.

Ensure adoption of operational tools, systems, and processes with adherence to policies, safety standards, and internal controls.

Role model compliance with company guidelines, business ethics, and operational excellence expectations.

Coach team members on performance standards, talent development, and career growth.

Support workforce planning, hiring, onboarding, training, development, and retention of operational teams in line with regional expansion and new store opening plans.

Education, Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Hospitality Management, or related field; MBA preferred.

15+ years of progressive multi-unit operations leadership experience.

Proven track record in delivering operational KPIs, P&L ownership, and driving business performance.

Experience managing large teams across multiple regions with strong capability in talent development.

Background in labour planning, productivity optimisation, and operational cost control.

Strong cross-functional partnership experience with HR, Finance, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Development functions.

Prior experience in fast-paced, high-volume industries such as restaurants, retail, or hospitality.

Professional certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence are an advantage.

Demonstrated ability to lead change, improve operational processes, and successfully implement systems and tools.

Skills & Competencies:

Strong analytical thinking, operational problem-solving, and commercial acumen.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.

Strategic planning strength with a disciplined execution mindset.

Deep financial understanding of budgets, cost structures, and P&L performance.

Ability to lead through influence and manage complex multi-unit operations.

Strong coaching, mentoring, and leadership development skills.

Effective organizational, prioritization, and decision-making capability.

Ability to lead change, navigate ambiguity, and drive alignment.

High emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability in dynamic environments.

Strong cross-functional collaboration and partnership mindset.