Pre-Opening Operations Manager – QSR (Spanish or French Speaker)

About the role

A client of Black Pearl Consult is looking for an experienced Pre-Opening Operations Manager for Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) to lead the launch and operational readiness of new outlets across Dubai and the UAE. The role suits a hands-on operations professional with a proven track record in pre-opening projects within QSR, fast-casual, cloud kitchen or multi-site restaurant sectors. Candidates must be currently based in the UAE and able to attend interviews at short notice.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end pre-opening activities for new restaurant outlets, ensuring timely and successful launches.
• Develop opening plans, project timelines and operational readiness checklists.
• Coordinate with landlords, contractors, consultants and government authorities to meet opening requirements.
• Oversee licensing, permits, approvals and regulatory compliance.
• Manage vendor onboarding, supplier setup, equipment procurement and infrastructure readiness.
• Ensure POS platforms, delivery channels and technology solutions are functional before launch.
• Coordinate recruitment, workforce planning, onboarding and training for new outlet teams.
• Standardize operational policies, procedures and SOPs across locations.
• Work with culinary and operations teams on menu readiness, quality standards and inventory planning.
• Set up aggregator platforms such as Talabat, Deliveroo, Noon Food and Careem.
• Run pre-opening audits, operational testing and launch readiness checks, and monitor budgets, timelines, risks and milestones.

Required profile

• Minimum 8+ years of progressive experience in QSR, fast-casual, cloud kitchen or multi-unit restaurant operations.
• Proven experience managing multiple pre-opening projects from planning to commercial launch.
• Current, working knowledge of UAE/Dubai municipality regulations, food safety codes and licensing workflows.
• Ability to manage complex timelines and multiple site launches at once, and to communicate with landlords, contractors, inspectors and executives.
• Hands-on leadership style; prior experience scaling regional or international QSR brands is highly desirable.
• Fluency in Spanish or French is highly preferred.