Pre-Opening Manager – QSR Operations

Our client is seeking an experienced Pre-Opening Manager to lead the successful launch and operational readiness of new Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) outlets across Dubai and the UAE.

This role is ideal for a hands-on operations professional with a proven track record in pre-opening projects within the QSR, fast-casual, cloud kitchen, or multi-site restaurant sectors. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the entire pre-opening lifecycle, ensuring outlets are fully operational, compliant, staffed, and ready to deliver exceptional customer experiences from day one.

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead and manage end-to-end pre-opening activities for new restaurant outlets, ensuring timely and successful launches.

· Develop and execute detailed opening plans, project timelines, and operational readiness checklists.

· Coordinate with internal stakeholders, landlords, contractors, consultants, and government authorities to ensure all opening requirements are met.

· Oversee licensing, permits, approvals, and regulatory compliance processes required for outlet openings.

· Manage vendor onboarding, supplier setup, equipment procurement, and operational infrastructure readiness.

· Ensure all operational systems, POS platforms, delivery channels, and technology solutions are fully functional before launch.

· Coordinate recruitment activities, workforce planning, onboarding, and training programs for new outlet teams.

· Develop, implement, and standardize operational policies, procedures, and SOPs to ensure consistency across locations.

· Collaborate with culinary and operations teams to ensure menu readiness, product availability, quality standards, and inventory planning.

· Manage aggregator onboarding and setup, including platforms such as Talabat, Deliveroo, Noon Food, Careem, and other delivery channels.

· Conduct pre-opening audits, operational testing, and launch readiness assessments to identify and resolve potential issues.

· Monitor opening budgets, timelines, risks, and project milestones while providing regular progress updates to senior management.

Requirements

· Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience strictly within QSR, fast-casual, cloud kitchen, or multi-unit restaurant operations.

· Proven, verifiable experience managing multiple pre-opening projects from planning through to successful commercial launch.

· Deep UAE/Dubai market experience is non-negotiable; candidates must possess current, working knowledge of local municipality regulations, food safety codes, and licensing workflows.

· Exceptional organization skills with the ability to manage complex timelines and multiple site launches simultaneously.

· Highly articulate with the communication skills to manage landlords, contractors, government inspectors, and executive leadership.

· A hands-on leader who rolls up their sleeves during the high-pressure days leading up to an opening.

· Prior experience scaling recognized regional or international QSR, fast-casual, or cloud kitchen brands during rapid growth phases is highly desirable.

· Tech-savvy profile with advanced understanding of modern kitchen logistics, POS systems, and aggregator algorithms..

Additional Information

This is a pivotal, high-impact role within a rapidly growing F&B business. For a launch specialist, this position offers the autonomy to build operational ecosystems from the ground up, leave a tangible stamp on the region's food scene, and directly fuel a brand's multi-site expansion strategy.

Candidates must be currently based in the UAE and ready to attend interviews at short notice. Immediate availability or short notice periods will be heavily prioritized.

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