Kitchen Operation Manager

Company Description NEOM Hospitality Group specializes in authentic Bukhari cuisine and modern Middle Eastern dining experiences, with operations in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Our portfolio includes Dunia Al Bukhari and Uzbek Bukhari, bringing together authentic flavors, quality ingredients, and modern hospitality standards. We are committed to delivering consistent food quality, memorable guest experiences, and operational excellence across our restaurant brands. Role Description We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee daily operations across multiple restaurant branches in Kuwait. The successful candidate must combine proven restaurant operations management experience with previous professional experience as a Chef. This position is based in Kuwait and is open only to candidates currently residing in Kuwait who can join immediately. This role requires a leader who can manage both kitchen and front-of-house teams, maintain consistent food and service standards, improve profitability, and support the group’s growth. Key Responsibilities Oversee daily operations across restaurant branches, ensuring consistent food quality, service standards, hygiene, and operational efficiency. Lead Branch Managers, Chefs, and service teams, establishing clear responsibilities, performance targets, and accountability. Manage staffing levels, scheduling, and workforce planning in coordination with HR. Apply practical culinary expertise to evaluate cooking methods, recipes, portion sizes, presentation, and kitchen workflow. Standardize recipes and operating procedures to maintain consistent taste and quality across branches. Monitor sales, budgets, food costs, labor costs, inventory, and wastage, taking corrective action to meet financial targets. Conduct regular branch visits and operational audits, following up on issues until resolved. Ensure compliance with applicable food safety and hygiene requirements and company policies. Coordinate with Procurement and Supply Chain to maintain ingredient quality, availability, and cost efficiency. Monitor delivery platform availability, order accuracy, preparation times, and customer feedback. Coordinate promotions, discounts, and menu changes with Marketing, Finance, and other relevant departments before implementation. Coach and develop teams, address performance gaps, and promote effective communication across departments. Resolve customer complaints and operational incidents promptly, implementing measures to prevent recurrence. Support new restaurant openings, menu launches, and operational improvements. Submit performance reports and action plans to senior management. Qualifications Currently residing in Kuwait and available to join immediately. Proven experience in restaurant operations management, including responsibility for multiple branches. Previous professional experience as a Chef is mandatory, with practical expertise in kitchen operations, food preparation, recipe standardization, and food costing. Strong leadership skills, with experience managing kitchen and front-of-house teams. Strong understanding of restaurant profitability, budgeting, cost control, inventory management, and financial performance. Knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards, and quality assurance. Experience implementing standard operating procedures and improving operational performance. Excellent communication, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to work on-site in Kuwait and travel regularly between branches. Previous Kuwait or GCC restaurant experience is preferred. Experience with Bukhari, Central Asian, or Middle Eastern cuisine is an advantage. A qualification in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or Culinary Arts is preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered. Show more Show less