Managing Director / Business Development Manager

About the Company We are preparing to launch a new, modern Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) in Abuja, combining an affordable Nigerian food concept with a distinctive Chinese/Asian fast-food offering. The business will operate from a strategically located takeaway-focused outlet, offering a carefully curated Nigerian menu alongside Chinese/Asian-inspired dishes. The concept is designed around affordability, speed, quality, consistency and high-volume takeaway/delivery sales. We are seeking an experienced and highly entrepreneurial Managing Director / Business Development Manager to take responsibility for setting up the business from the ground up and subsequently managing its day-to-day operations and growth. The Opportunity This is not a conventional restaurant management position. The successful candidate will be expected to take ownership of the entire business setup process, working directly with the Owner/Investor from the planning stage through opening and into full operations. The successful candidate will have significant influence over: Location selection Restaurant concept development Equipment selection and procurement Kitchen design and workflow Menu development and pricing Supplier identification and negotiation Recruitment and training Operating procedures Branding and customer experience POS and inventory systems Food-cost management Launch strategy Marketing and business development Delivery operations Financial and operational performance Subsequent expansion of the business Key Responsibilities Business Setup & Pre-Opening Lead the establishment of the QSR from concept to opening, including: Identifying and evaluating suitable locations in Abuja based on footfall, demographics, competition, accessibility, rent and commercial potential. Conducting competitor and market analysis. Advising the Owner on the most commercially viable location. Developing the restaurant's operational model and workflow. Preparing equipment requirements and specifications. Identifying, evaluating and negotiating with equipment suppliers. Supervising kitchen design, equipment installation and commissioning. Developing supplier relationships for food, beverages, packaging and other consumables. Assisting with menu development, costing and pricing. Developing opening budgets and operational forecasts. Establishing appropriate operating policies, procedures and controls. Coordinating the recruitment and onboarding of the initial team. Developing training programmes and service standards. Coordinating pre-opening activities and ensuring the restaurant is ready for launch. Restaurant Operations Following launch, take overall responsibility for the successful operation of the restaurant, including: Managing daily restaurant operations. Ensuring fast, efficient and consistent customer service. Maintaining high standards of food quality, hygiene and presentation. Managing kitchen productivity and service times. Monitoring food preparation, portion control and wastage. Controlling food and operating costs. Managing inventory and procurement. Managing suppliers and negotiating favourable commercial terms. Monitoring sales and profitability. Managing staff performance, attendance and productivity. Ensuring compliance with health, safety and regulatory requirements. Managing cash, POS and financial controls. Managing takeaway, pickup and delivery operations. Resolving customer complaints and maintaining high customer satisfaction. Business Development & Growth The successful candidate will also be responsible for growing the business. This will include: Developing and implementing sales-growth strategies. Identifying new customer segments and revenue opportunities. Developing corporate lunch and bulk-order opportunities. Developing delivery and online sales channels. Implementing promotional campaigns. Monitoring competitors and market trends. Analysing sales data and customer behaviour. Introducing new products where commercially justified. Identifying opportunities for additional outlets. Developing the business for potential expansion into multiple locations. Candidate Profile We are looking for an individual who is commercially minded, operationally strong and entrepreneurial. The ideal candidate should have: At least 2 years' relevant experience in the Quick Service Restaurant, fast-food, restaurant or hospitality industry. Demonstrable experience managing a high-volume QSR operations. Experience with well-established Nigerian QSR/food brands will be highly advantageous. Proven experience managing restaurant operations, staff, suppliers and budgets. Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management and portion control. Experience in restaurant setup, opening or expansion will be strongly preferred. Demonstrable knowledge of the QSR market. Strong understanding of customer behaviour. Experience with POS, inventory and restaurant management systems. Strong negotiation and supplier-management skills. Excellent leadership and people-management abilities. Strong financial and commercial awareness. Excellent communication and organisational skills. Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment. A strong understanding of Nigerian food and consumer preferences.