General Manager

About the role

Al Gahwa Al Arabiya is looking for an experienced and performance-focused General Manager to steer and grow its coffee retail business in the United Arab Emirates. This senior leadership position is suited to someone with deep experience in the coffee shop and wider coffee sector who can improve operations, strengthen profitability, and support business expansion.

The person in this role will oversee the full network of coffee shop operations, make sure customers receive a consistently strong experience, uphold high quality standards, and guide teams across functions toward the company’s business goals.

Key responsibilities

• Take ownership of the day-to-day and strategic management of all coffee shop outlets.
• Create and implement plans that improve sales, profitability, and brand reach.
• Maintain excellent customer service and smooth operations across every branch.
• Supervise store performance, staffing, stock control, purchasing, upkeep, and quality assurance.
• Set operational rules, processes, and measurable performance benchmarks.
• Build annual budgets, forecast financial performance, and drive cost-saving measures.
• Review sales, operational, and financial results, then introduce ongoing improvements.
• Hire, coach, and develop managers and team members to foster a strong performance culture.
• Ensure adherence to UAE laws, health and safety rules, food safety standards, and internal policies.
• Coordinate with suppliers and business partners to keep products available and operations efficient.
• Spot opportunities for growth, new offerings, and better processes.
• Prepare management updates and present operational insights and strategic suggestions to senior leadership.

Required qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Food & Beverage Management, or a closely related discipline is preferred.
• 5 to 10 years of successful senior-level experience in a coffee shop, café, or coffee industry environment.
• Proven ability to manage multiple outlets and lead sizeable operational teams.
• Solid knowledge of coffee shop operations, specialty coffee standards, inventory planning, procurement, budgeting, and financial tracking.
• Background in shaping business strategies and meeting revenue and profit goals.
• Strong leadership, organization, analysis, and decision-making capabilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate teams.
• Comfortable with operational reporting, performance analysis, and business planning.
• Able to perform well in a fast-moving, customer-oriented workplace.

Benefits and employment terms

The package includes a competitive salary aligned with qualifications and experience. The employer also provides an employment visa in line with UAE Labour Law.

Additional benefits include annual leave and other entitlements as per UAE Labour Law and company policy. The role offers room for professional development, career progression, and the chance to work in a lively, collaborative environment within a growing organization.

Who should apply

This opportunity is best suited to strategic leaders with a strong passion for the coffee business and a proven background in successfully managing coffee retail operations.

Additional information

Location: Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates.

Company: Al Gahwa Al Arabiya.

The role is full-time and onsite.