Job Title: Deputy CEO – QSR Germany

Location: Germany (remote/travel-based initially; future office in Munich)

Salary: €100.000 - €120.000 + bonus and other benefits

Start: ASAP

My client is building a new quick service restaurant platform in Germany from the ground up and are looking for an experienced Deputy CEO to take full responsibility for operational, administrative, and strategic management.

The role will focus on launching and scaling a profitable restaurant network across Thuringia, Saxony, and Bavaria, establishing robust governance and processes, and creating a sustainable, scalable operating model.

The ideal candidate brings an international mindset, deep QSR/retail expertise, and a strong track record in multi-site restaurant leadership, new openings, and franchise-driven growth.

Key Responsibilities

Company Operations & Network Development

• Build and implement the operational framework for the German business, aligned with group strategy and franchise standards.
• Lead market and site selection:
• Analyse catchment areas, footfall, competition, accessibility, and brand requirements across Thuringia, Saxony, and Bavaria.
• Prepare investment models for each location (CAPEX, OPEX, ROI, payback) and present business cases to shareholders.
• Negotiate with landlords, municipalities, and shopping centres and align expansion plans with shareholders and franchisor.

Restaurant Construction & Openings

• Oversee end-to-end restaurant construction and fit-out in Germany, from contractor selection and tenders to budget and timeline control.
• Ensure full compliance with the brand book, technical specifications, and local regulations.
• Coordinate permitting with local authorities (building, fire, health, etc.) and ensure sites are fully operational at opening.

Property & Facility Management

• Manage the existing real estate portfolio and technical operations of all restaurants.
• Ensure reliability and efficiency of engineering systems, equipment, and facilities, including maintenance planning and cost control.

People & Operations Leadership

• Build and develop high-performing restaurant teams (restaurant managers, shift leaders, frontline staff) together with HR and operations.
• Implement training and certification programmes in line with group and franchisor standards.
• Design and manage incentive and motivation systems for restaurant teams.
• Own core operational KPIs: speed of service, food cost, labour cost, cleanliness, guest satisfaction/NPS.

Financial Management

• Develop the company budget and individual restaurant budgets, ensuring alignment with growth and profitability targets.
• Control P&L, EBITDA, cash flow, food and labour costs, and optimise financial processes to increase profitability and reduce operating expenses.
• Provide regular financial and operational reporting to shareholders and the wider group.

Quality, Compliance & Risk

• Ensure consistent product, service, and cleanliness standards in line with franchise requirements and local legislation.
• Prepare restaurants for internal and external audits; address incidents quickly and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee compliance with hygiene, safety, labour, and leasing regulations in Germany.

Strategic & Group Interface

• Act as the key operational counterpart to the parent group on recruitment, legal, finance, supply chain, and operational topics.
• Participate in strategic planning sessions, network development discussions, and investment decisions.
• Represent the company in dealings with authorities, partners, and other external stakeholders in Germany

Requirements

• Higher education in management, economics, hospitality, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of senior leadership experience in restaurant, QSR, or multi-site retail chains, ideally in a franchise environment.
• Proven experience in launching and scaling restaurant networks, including site selection, openings, and operational ramp-up.
• Strong financial acumen with demonstrable P&L ownership and track record in improving profitability.
• Excellent knowledge of German market conditions and legislation (leases, hygiene regulations, labour law).
• Fluency in German and English (spoken and written).
• Strong leadership, communication, and delegation skills, with the ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-growth, and often ambiguous environment.
• Willingness to travel regularly across Thuringia, Saxony, and Bavaria and to relocate or base yourself in Munich once the office is established.