Our client is rapidly growing startup in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) space, on a mission to redefine how India experiences fast food. Backed by early-stage investors and a passionate founding team, we are ready to scale operations, build a strong brand presence, and transform into a data-driven, operationally efficient, and customer-obsessed organization.
We're looking for a visionary CEO who has led or been part of transformative journeys in the QSR/F&B or consumer sector, ideally someone who understands how to blend brand building, operational efficiency, tech adoption, and people leadership in a high-growth startup environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
- Define and execute the long-term vision and roadmap for the company in alignment with the board.
- Drive transformation across the business from supply chain and store operations to marketing and digital customer experience.
- Build and scale a high-performing leadership team across functions: Ops, Marketing, Product, Finance, People, and Supply Chain.
Operational Excellence
- Streamline SOPs, kitchen ops, and last-mile delivery processes to ensure consistency, hygiene, and customer delight.
- Introduce scalable systems and technology (POS, CRM, inventory, etc.) to drive efficiency and data-backed decision-making.
- Optimize unit economics and profitability across current and future outlets.
Brand & Growth
- Elevate the brand positioning, marketing strategy, and customer experience across formats dine-in, takeaway, and delivery.
- Lead innovation in menu design, pricing strategies, and localization efforts.
- Expand presence through franchising, owned stores, and strategic partnerships.
Team & Culture
- Foster a high-performance culture built on accountability, ownership, and speed.
- Inspire and mentor teams through transparency, hands-on leadership, and a clear growth vision.
- Lead hiring of top talent and retain key performers.
Financial & Investor Management
- Work closely with the board and investors on growth metrics, financial reporting, and fundraising.
- Monitor P&L, cost optimization, and ROI across initiatives.
- Build investor confidence through strong governance, reporting, and business performance.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- 15+ years of experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership or CXO role in a QSR/consumer/F&B startup or growth-stage company.
- Proven experience in business transformation, scaling operations, and leading change across teams and systems.
- Strong understanding of store operations, supply chain, consumer marketing, and technology implementation.
- A founder's mindset: entrepreneurial, agile, resilient, and execution-focused.
- Exceptional communication, people management, and stakeholder alignment skills.