Raja Das

Experience

• 

  Hot Brands International

  Jan 1998 - Jan 2002

  • Unit Manager – High Volume

    Jan 2001 - Jan 2002

  • Unit Supervisor – Low Volume

    Jan 2000 - Jan 2001

  • Counter Sales Representative

    Jan 1998 - Jan 2000
• 

  Hot Brands International

  Jan 2003 - Jan 2004

  Brand Manager – Shamiana
• 

  Hot Brands International

  Jan 2005 - Jan 2013

  Some of my core functions include the following:• Strategic Management: Spearheaded the management and growth of 25 QSR units across five distinct restaurant brands (Shamiana, Magic Wok, Santino’s, Sala Thai, and Sugoi) within the UAE.• Leadership: Reported directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Corporate Businesses, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and objectives across the portfolio.• Team Development: Led and coached a team of 7 Multi-Unit Managers, overseeing their operational execution, providing guidance, and ensuring consistent performance across multiple locations.• Quality Control: Conducted thorough inspections and performance audits to ensure all units met the highest standards of quality, hygiene, and operational efficiency.• Marketing Collaboration: Collaborated with the marketing team to design and execute customer-focused promotional campaigns, ensuring alignment with business objectives and adherence to budgetary constraints.• Contract Negotiation: Managed lease renewal negotiations with landlords, evaluating lease terms, and securing favorable commercial agreements to optimize unit performance.• Project Management: Led the planning and execution of unit renovations and the successful launch of new locations, contributing to the expansion and modernization of the brand.• Operational Efficiency: Restructured the regional management team by introducing a streamlined three-tier operational hierarchy, enhancing communication, decision-making, and efficiency.• Performance Analysis: Developed and implemented a robust weekly performance and planning reporting system to track progress, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure accountability.• Standardization: Enhanced company operational manuals to reflect best practices and updated procedures, ensuring consistency and compliance across all units. Show less Some of my core functions include the following:• Talent Acquisition Strategy: Developed and implemented effective recruitment strategies to meet the organization's staffing needs, ensuring the attraction of top talent for both entry-level and senior roles across various departments.• Candidate Sourcing & Screening: Led the sourcing of candidates through multiple channels, including job boards, social media, and employee referrals, while conducting thorough screening processes to identify qualified candidates.• Collaboration with Hiring Managers: Worked closely with department heads and hiring managers to understand specific recruitment needs, job requirements, and desired candidate profiles, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and culture.• Interview and Selection Process: Oversaw the interview and selection process, including arranging interviews, managing candidate assessments, and providing recommendations to hiring managers, ensuring a smooth and efficient hiring experience.• Employee Onboarding: Coordinated and managed the onboarding process for new hires, ensuring they are effectively integrated into the organization and that all necessary documentation and compliance requirements are met. Show less Some of my core functions include the following:• Sales and Revenue Growth: Drove sales performance across multiple locations, ensuring the achievement of targets and implementing strategies to increase revenue and market share in Dubai.• Team Management: Led and mentored store managers and sales staff, conducted performance reviews, and provided ongoing development opportunities.• Operational Efficiency: Oversaw daily operations, ensuring adherence to company policies, high customer service standards, and efficient inventory management.• Customer Relationship Management: Built strong relationships with customers and stakeholders to enhance satisfaction, loyalty, and overall customer experience.• Budget and Financial Management: Managed the regional budget, controlled expenses, forecasted sales, and maximized profitability through effective resource allocation. Show less

  • Territory Manager – Quick Service Restaurants (UAE)

    Jan 2009 - Jan 2013

  • Recruitment Manager

    Jan 2008 - Jan 2009

  • Area Manager – Dubai

    Jan 2007 - Jan 2008

  • Area Manager – Sharjah & Northern Emirates

    Jan 2006 - Jan 2007

  • Training Manager

    Jan 2005 - Jan 2006
• 

  Hot Brands International

  Jan 2014 - Jan 2018

  Some of my core functions include the following:• Organizational Success: Consistently aligned operational strategies to achieve organizational objectives across diverse regions.• Performance Metrics: Developed and implemented Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor and enhance operational efficiency and maintain quality standards.• Financial Analysis and Profitability Enhancement: Conducted comprehensive analysis of financial statements and implemented strategies to optimize profitability and cost management.• Compliance with Hygiene Standards: Ensured strict adherence to hygiene and safety regulations in compliance with organizational policies and local government standards across all operational units.• Strategic Reporting: Served as the primary liaison to the CEO, providing detailed reports and actionable insights on all aspects of operations management.• Feasibility Analysis for New Ventures: Prepared and presented detailed feasibility studies for proposed projects or new business concepts to evaluate their viability and potential success.• Customer Experience Excellence: Oversaw operations to deliver superior customer service and consistently exceed customer expectations.• Operational Consistency Across Regions: Managed and standardized processes across UAE, GCC, and India to ensure uniformity in service quality and operational excellence.• Team Leadership: Led, mentored, and developed cross-functional teams to build a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.• Market Trends and Competitive Analysis: Monitored industry trends and conducted competitive analysis to drive innovative strategies and maintain a competitive edge in the quick-service sector. Show less Some of my core functions include the following:• Streamlined Operational Processes: Led the development and implementation of efficient systems for logistics, commercial activities, and financial data management to enhance organizational workflows.• Business Performance Optimization: Identified and executed innovative strategies to improve operational efficiency, ensuring alignment with the company’s growth objectives.• Inventory Management: Supervised the procurement and distribution of small wares, maintaining optimal inventory levels across all units to ensure seamless operations.• Concept Development and Presentation: Designed and presented new retail concepts, preparing compelling proposals and negotiating commercial agreements to achieve revenue targets and align with business strategies.• Compliance and Governance: Oversaw adherence to administrative and financial policies, ensuring all units and staff maintained compliance with organizational guidelines and industry standards.• Operational Leadership: Directed daily operations across multiple outlets, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the team.• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborated with cross-functional teams and external partners to support the successful launch of new initiatives and maintain operational excellence.• Customer Experience Enhancement: Implemented quality control measures to ensure a consistent and exceptional dining experience for customers, driving satisfaction and loyalty.• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilized performance metrics and financial reports to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and achieve business goals. Show less Some of my core functions include the following:• Regional Operations: Directed the management and growth of Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) across the GCC region (Oman, Bahrain, Qatar) and India, encompassing 13 outlets under renowned brands like Shamiana, Magic Wok, Santino’s, and Sugoi.• Strategic Leadership: Provided high-level operational insights and strategic recommendations to the Executive Committee to drive organizational goals and profitability.• Team Empowerment: Led and mentored a team of 5 Multi-Unit Managers and their respective on-site teams, ensuring alignment with operational excellence and company standards.• Annual Business Planning: Spearheaded the development and execution of annual business plans, encompassing operational, human resources, financial, and business development strategies while setting measurable KPIs for regional success.• Feasibility and Market Analysis: Conducted in-depth feasibility studies for new QSR and Casual Dining Restaurant (CDR) locations, preparing detailed proposals for CEO and board approval.• New Unit Openings and Renovations: Directed the end-to-end process of launching new outlets, including site selection, team training, and operational setup, while overseeing renovation projects to modernize existing units.• Concept Innovation: Designed and implemented innovative delivery-focused concepts by adapting QSR food court models, curating specialized menus, and introducing customer-centric packaging solutions for home delivery.• Performance Optimization: Monitored and improved operational and financial performance through rigorous analysis, process enhancements, and focused management interventions. Show less

  • Operations Manager – Quick Service Divisions (UAE, GCC & India)

    Jan 2017 - Jan 2018

  • Operations Manager – Casual Dining (Dubai)

    Jan 2016 - Jan 2017

  • Operations Manager – Quick Service Divisions (GCC & India)

    Jan 2014 - Jan 2016
• 

  Subway – Al Hamar Gulf

  Jan 2018 - Jan 2022

  Business Operations Manager

  Some of my core functions include the following:• Operations Management: Spearheaded the operational management of a network of 29 Subway restaurants across the UAE, ensuring adherence to brand standards, operational efficiency, and performance excellence.• Franchise Partnership Development: Established and nurtured collaborative relationships with franchisees, aligning them with corporate policies, operational goals, and strategic growth initiatives.• Revenue Growth Strategy: Designed and executed innovative strategies to drive revenue growth, enhance customer satisfaction, and maximize profitability through targeted operational improvements.• Financial Management: Oversaw financial planning, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control, to ensure fiscal responsibility and align financial performance with business objectives.• Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensured strict compliance with corporate policies, food safety regulations, and operational standards to uphold the brand’s reputation for excellence.• Team Leadership and Development: Led cross-functional teams, providing mentorship, training, and performance management to foster a culture of high achievement and professional growth.• Customer-Centric Operations: Championed initiatives that prioritized customer satisfaction, leveraging feedback and market research to refine service delivery and menu offerings.• Innovation and Process Improvement: Identified opportunities for process optimization, introducing innovative operational practices that enhanced efficiency and reduced costs across the franchise network.• Crisis Management and Resolution: Directed swift and effective responses to operational challenges, ensuring business continuity and safeguarding brand integrity during unexpected disruptions. Show less

• 

  Abu Dhabi National Hotel Catering

  Jan 2022 - now

  Retail Operations Manager

  Some of my core functions include the following:• Operational Excellence: Oversee the seamless management of 112 food and beverage outlets, ensuring exceptional operational standards, consistent customer experiences, and alignment with the company’s strategic objectives.• Leadership & Team Development: Inspire and manage a diverse team of 620 employees, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional growth.• Revenue Optimization: Drive business profitability by implementing innovative strategies to achieve sustainable revenue growth, managing a multi-million portfolio while maintaining efficient cost structures.• Brand Consistency: Ensure all units embody the company’s brand identity through standardized product offerings, pricing frameworks, merchandising, and overall ambiance that resonates with customers.• Product Optimization: Refine the product portfolio by reviewing market trends, customer preferences, and performance data, phasing out underperforming items, and introducing competitive options.• Quality Control: Establish and enforce a rigorous audit framework to monitor operational standards, health, and safety compliance, and continuously drive improvements across the retail network.• Performance Analytics: Utilize advanced analytical tools to monitor KPIs, identify patterns, and implement data-driven corrective actions to exceed operational goals.• Training & Development: Design and execute innovative training programs aimed at enhancing employee skills, service quality, and operational efficiency.• Strategic Partnership: Collaborate closely with senior management to align operational practices with the organization’s long-term vision.• Customer-Centric Innovation: Lead initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction by introducing tailored solutions, staying ahead of industry trends, and maintaining a competitive edge in the evolving F&B landscape. Show less