Operations Manager – Business Setup & Launch

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager – Business Setup & Launch to lead the end-to-end operational planning and execution of new business openings across multiple sectors, including restaurants, motorcycle retail businesses, and beauty salons .

This role is responsible for ensuring that new ventures are launched on time, within budget, fully compliant, and operationally ready . The ideal candidate is highly organized, execution-focused, and confident managing multiple workstreams in fast-paced environments.

Experience in restaurants, motorcycle retail, and/or beauty salons is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Opening Planning & Business Setup

• Develop and manage detailed launch plans, including timelines, milestones, and resource tracking.
• Coordinate trade licensing, regulatory approvals, and compliance with relevant authorities.
• Oversee pre-opening readiness, including fit-out handovers, snagging, equipment installation, and utilities activation.
• Manage vendor onboarding and service setup (POS, maintenance, logistics, cleaning, security, staffing support, etc.).
• Track progress weekly, manage risks, and provide structured updates to stakeholders.

Operational Design & SOP Implementation

• Develop and implement operational policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Establish workflows covering customer service, inventory management, cash handling, scheduling, staffing, and reporting.
• Ensure operational standards are consistent, measurable, and scalable across multiple business models.

Hiring, Training & Operational Readiness

• Support hiring coordination, onboarding, and staffing readiness for new openings.
• Coordinate training plans to ensure teams are fully prepared prior to launch.
• Implement shift structures, productivity benchmarks, and performance monitoring processes.

Launch Execution & Post-Opening Support

• Lead soft openings, trial runs, and readiness checks to ensure smooth go-live.
• Manage opening-week operations and resolve issues quickly to maintain service standards.
• Support stabilization and continuous improvement during the first 30–60 days post-launch.
• Deliver structured handover documentation and operational reporting to long-term operators.

Compliance, Quality & Operational Controls

• Ensure full operational compliance with industry regulations, including:
• Restaurants: food safety, hygiene standards, municipality approvals, supplier compliance
• Motorcycle retail: showroom readiness, customer documentation, warranty and service workflows
• Beauty salons: licensing requirements, hygiene protocols, staff certification, booking controls
• Conduct operational audits and implement corrective actions.
• Establish controls to reduce waste, shrinkage, and preventable operational errors.

Reporting & Performance Management

• Track and report launch and operational KPIs, including readiness status, staffing completion, budget variance, audit results, and vendor performance.
• Support procurement planning and cost control.
• Provide regular progress reports, risk assessments, and action plans to management.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in operations, business setup, pre-opening, or launch management roles.
• Proven ability to manage end-to-end business launches , from planning through execution and handover.
• Strong experience in SOP development and operational workflow design.
• Background in fast-paced service or retail environments.
• Strong project management, vendor coordination, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Excellent planning, reporting, and problem-solving capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in restaurants, motorcycle retail, and/or beauty salons .
• Knowledge of UAE licensing processes and regulatory compliance.
• Fit-out handover experience and contractor/vendor coordination.
• Familiarity with operational systems (POS, inventory systems, booking platforms, payments, CRM).
• Advanced skills in Excel / Google Sheets for reporting and dashboards.

Core Competencies

• Strong execution mindset with high attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Structured, process-driven approach
• Clear and confident communication
• Comfortable working in dynamic, deadline-driven environments