Pre Opening Manager
Job Description
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.
• 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.
Responsibilities Duties:
• 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.