Head of Projects - F&B📣 Job Ad

About the Role

Cenomi Retail, a prominent retail and lifestyle business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is actively expanding its Food & Beverage portfolio. To support this growth across brands such as Subway and Cinnabon, the company is investing in a robust project delivery function. The Head of Projects - Food & Beverage will hold a key position, leading the planning, governance, and execution of all strategic projects within the Food Division, reporting directly to the Managing Director - Food. This role is essential for supporting new store openings, remodels, relocations, digital innovation, and operational transformation initiatives. The ideal candidate will be an experienced project leader with a demonstrated history of success in fast-paced, high-growth environments, capable of translating strategy into actionable outcomes through effective project management and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, governance, and execution of all strategic projects across the Food Division.
• Oversee new store rollouts, remodels, relocations, and refurbishment programs.
• Manage projects related to new product launches, digital platform developments, and delivery channel expansion.
• Drive operational transformation initiatives within the Food portfolio.
• Lead project groups of cross-functional teams, ensuring stakeholder alignment through robust project governance, clear accountability, and disciplined execution.
• Implement and manage project plans using RACI and RASCI methodologies.
• Ensure contractors, suppliers, development, property, and leasing teams deliver against agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Accountable for delivering projects safely, efficiently, and commercially to create sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale rollout, remodel, and transformation programs.
• Ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously without compromising quality, budget, or timelines.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of the impact of project decisions on profitability.
• Capability to influence, challenge, and hold stakeholders accountable for delivery commitments.
• Highly organized and disciplined in project planning and governance.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and confidently with senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated high emotional intelligence, resilience, and professional maturity.
• Takes ownership and accountability for delivering results.
• Minimum of 7 years of project management experience within retail, hospitality, QSR, construction, or F&B sectors.
• Minimum of 3 years leading large-scale multi-site project portfolios.
• Proven track record delivering store rollout, relocation, and refurbishment programs.
• Strong project governance and planning expertise.
• Experience implementing RACI and RASCI accountability frameworks.
• Strong contractor, supplier, and stakeholder management experience.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Fluent English communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Business or related discipline, Engineering, Construction Management, or Project Management.

Required Skills

• Project Management
• RACI and RASCI methodologies
• Contractor, Supplier, and Stakeholder Management
• Commercial and Financial Acumen
• Communication, Presentation, and Influencing Skills
• Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, and Professional Maturity

Work Environment and Additional Information

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The role requires a minimum of 10 years of overall experience. Desirable experience includes working in the GCC region, specifically Saudi Arabia, and experience within a franchised retail or restaurant business. Arabic language capability is also considered a plus, as is experience working with international consumer brands.