Operations Director - Quick Service Restaurants

Job PurposeThe Operations Director / Operations Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing the performance of multiple Quick Service Restaurant locations, ensuring operational excellence, profitability, brand consistency, and exceptional guest experience.The role provides strategic and operational leadership to Area Managers and restaurant teams, driving sales growth, cost efficiency, people development, compliance, and continuous improvement across the business.Key ResponsibilitiesOperations ManagementOversee the day-to-day operations of multiple QSR locations and ensure consistent execution of company and brand standards.Ensure restaurants achieve required standards for food quality, service speed, cleanliness, guest experience, and operational efficiency.Conduct regular store visits and operational reviews to identify performance gaps and improvement opportunities.Develop and implement operational plans, processes, and initiatives to improve restaurant performance.Ensure successful execution of new restaurant openings, renovations, product launches, and operational projects.Business & Financial PerformanceTake ownership of sales, profitability, labor productivity, food cost, controllable expenses, and overall operational performance.Review P&L statements, budgets, forecasts, and operational reports.Identify opportunities to increase revenue while controlling operating costs.Develop action plans for underperforming restaurants and monitor progress.Partner with Finance and other departments in annual budgeting and business planning.Sales & Guest ExperienceDrive initiatives that improve sales, average transaction value, customer satisfaction, and repeat business.Ensure restaurants consistently deliver fast, accurate, and friendly service.Monitor guest feedback, complaints, ratings, and service-related KPIs.Implement corrective actions to address recurring customer experience concerns.People Leadership & DevelopmentLead, coach, and develop Area Managers, Restaurant Managers, and operational leadership teams.Establish clear performance expectations and hold managers accountable for results.Identify high-potential employees and support succession planning and career development.Partner with People & Culture on manpower planning, recruitment, training, engagement, retention, and performance management.Promote a positive, accountable, and high-performance work culture.Operational Standards & ComplianceEnsure compliance with food safety, hygiene, health and safety, municipality, licensing, and company requirements.Maintain high standards of operational discipline across all restaurants.Ensure adherence to SOPs, brand guidelines, cash handling procedures, inventory controls, and loss-prevention practices.Monitor audit results and ensure corrective actions are completed within agreed timelines.Inventory & Cost ControlMonitor food cost, wastage, inventory variance, purchasing, and stock management.Work closely with Supply Chain and Procurement to maintain product availability and cost efficiency.Ensure restaurants maintain appropriate stock levels while minimizing waste and overstocking.Cross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with Marketing, Finance, HR, Supply Chain, Training, Quality Assurance, and other support departments.Support promotional campaigns, menu launches, pricing initiatives, and business improvement projects.Provide operational insights and recommendations to senior management.Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Operations Management, or a related field is preferred.Minimum 8–12 years of experience in restaurant operations, with significant experience in the QSR / fast-food industry.Minimum 3–5 years in a multi-unit leadership position such as Operations Manager, Area Manager, Regional Manager, or Operations Director.Strong experience managing multiple restaurant locations.UAE or GCC restaurant operations experience is highly preferred.Proven experience managing P&L, budgets, food cost, labor cost, and operational KPIs.Experience working within established QSR brands, franchise operations, or large restaurant groups is an advantage.Experience supporting restaurant expansion and new store openings is preferred.