Deputy Operations Manager

Deputy Operations Manager F&B Location: Kuwait Company: Shamiya International Catering Department: Operations Experience: 10 15+ years in Food & Beverage Operations Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Deputy Operations Manager to oversee the operational performance of approximately 15 outlets, a Central Kitchen, and multiple virtual brands in Kuwait. The ideal candidate will have extensive multi-unit restaurant or QSR operations experience, strong leadership capabilities, commercial awareness, and a proven track record in managing Area Managers, improving profitability, maintaining operational standards, and executing new outlet openings. Key Responsibilities • Oversee day-to-day operations across all outlets, virtual brands, and the Central Kitchen. • Manage and monitor Area Managers, Central Kitchen Manager, and Outlet Head Chefs. • Establish and enforce SOPs, service standards, food safety, hygiene, and operational compliance. • Monitor sales, food costs, labour costs, wastage, inventory, and outlet-level P&L performance. • Lead new outlet openings, including pre-opening planning, recruitment coordination, training, systems setup, and launch execution. • Handle escalated employee issues, disciplinary matters, performance management, and workforce planning. • Coordinate with Supply Chain, Finance, HR, and Culinary teams to improve operational efficiency. • Manage relationships and negotiations with suppliers, landlords, delivery aggregators, and service providers. • Implement operational KPIs, audits, dashboards, and regular performance reviews. • Identify operational gaps, implement corrective actions, and ensure consistent standards across all locations. Preferred Industries: QSR chains, casual dining, multi-cuisine restaurants, contract catering, cloud kitchens, and large-scale food service operations. • 10 15+ years of experience in Food & Beverage, restaurant, QSR, or multi-unit catering operations. • Proven experience overseeing 10+ outlets or a comparable multi-site operation. • Previous experience as Operations Manager, Deputy Operations Manager, Regional Operations Manager, or Head of Operations. • Experience managing Area Managers and outlet-level leadership teams. • Strong knowledge of P&L, food cost, labour cost, inventory control, and profitability improvement. • Proven experience in new outlet openings and operational expansion. • Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene, SOPs, and regulatory compliance. • Excellent leadership, employee relations, negotiation, and decision-making skills. • Experience with POS systems, operational reporting, and KPI monitoring. • GCC or Middle East experience is preferred.