Director of Operations

Daikan Hospitality Group is actively seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Operations to lead their team and oversee the daily operations of their esteemed establishment in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This is a senior executive role responsible for setting and delivering the Group's vision, strategy, and financial performance, driving the growth of Daikan Izakaya and Daikan Ramen.

Daikan Hospitality Group is a pioneering force in authentic Japanese cuisine within the UAE's Food and Beverage Services industry. Founded in 2017, the brand is celebrated for its signature ramen, creative Japanese specialties, and a casual yet elegant dining experience across four locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Join us to shape the future of our brand.

We are looking for a strategic, entrepreneurial, and execution-focused leader with strong communication and stakeholder management skills to protect Daikan's brand integrity, guest experience, and profitability. Apply now to lead our expansion and operational excellence.

Company Overview

Pioneering authentic Japanese cuisine within the UAE's Food and Beverage Services industry, Daikan has journeyed from a small 2017 pop-up to the country's most beloved ramen destination. Founded by two German brothers, our brand is built on signature ramen, creative Japanese specialties, and a casual yet elegant vibe that feels like home. We invite you to experience our unique hospitality at four locations: the fully licensed Daikan Izakaya in Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi and City Walk, Dubai, and the fun, casual Daikan Ramen in Nakheel Mall and JLT, Dubai.

Quick Details

• Salary Range: Not Applicable
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience: 10 Year+
• Qualifications: bachelors-degree

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Group's strategy, growth plans and major business decisions to drive revenue, profitability, brand value and market position.
• Protect and strengthen the Daikan Izakaya and Daikan Ramen brands while ensuring consistent quality, guest experience and brand standards.
• Lead UAE, GCC and international expansion, overseeing site selection, investment feasibility, partnerships and successful new outlet openings.
• Own Group P&L performance, driving revenue, profitability, cost efficiency, cash flow, ROI and key commercial relationships.
• Ensure operational excellence, consistent service and food quality, effective performance systems and full regulatory compliance across the Group.
• Build and lead a high-performing leadership team while managing key relationships with the Board, investors, landlords, suppliers, authorities and strategic partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality, Finance or related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of F&B/hospitality experience, including 8+ years in a senior executive/group leadership role.
• Proven experience scaling independent restaurant concepts across the UAE/GCC, including new openings, markets or franchises.
• Strong knowledge of casual and premium-casual dining, with a passion for Japanese/Asian cuisine and culture.
• Excellent commercial and financial acumen, including P&L, budgeting, unit economics, feasibility and negotiations.
• Strong understanding of the UAE market, regulations, landlords and hospitality sector.
• Strategic, entrepreneurial and execution-focused leader with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Tech- and data-savvy, with high integrity, professionalism and willingness to travel as required.

Benefits

• Full P&L accountability across the Group.
• Oversight of expansion, operations, brand development, financial management and organisational growth.
• Opportunity to protect and strengthen the Daikan Izakaya and Daikan Ramen brands.
• Lead UAE, GCC and international expansion initiatives.
• Drive revenue, profitability, cost efficiency, cash flow, ROI and key commercial relationships.
• Build and lead a high-performing leadership team.