Overview

QahwaBLK is a premium specialty coffee shop concept. We are entering the Syrian market and require a hands-on operator to lead the launch and day-to-day operations of our first location in Damascus, with the mandate to scale to multiple units over time.

Reporting & Location

• Reports to: CEO, BLK Lebanon
• Based in: Damascus, Syria
• Travel: Within Syria as the network expands; occasional trips to Beirut for training and alignment

Key Responsibilities

1. Launch the first QahwaBLK location in Damascus

• Oversee site readiness, fit-out, equipment installation, and final commissioning in coordination with contractors and the Lebanon team
• Manage all licensing, permits, and regulatory approvals required to operate
• Coordinate the soft opening and grand opening, including marketing activation in collaboration with the BLK team in Lebanon

2. Build and lead the local team

• Recruit, hire, and onboard the full operating team: baristas, shift leaders, FOH staff, and back-office support
• Deliver training to QahwaBLK standards (coffee program, service, brand experience), supported by trainers from Lebanon during the launch phase
• Set staff schedules, manage performance, and maintain a strong service culture

3. Own daily operations

• Run day-to-day operations of the shop, including opening/closing, shift management, and customer experience
• Maintain quality standards on coffee, food, service, cleanliness, and ambiance at all times
• Manage inventory, ordering, and stock control across coffee, food, beverages, and consumables

4. Financial and commercial ownership

• Manage the P&L of the Syria operation: revenue, food cost, labor cost, overheads
• Report weekly sales, costs, and operational KPIs to the CEO
• Identify and execute initiatives to grow revenue, improve margins, and reduce waste

5. Supply chain and local partnerships

• Identify and manage local suppliers for dairy, bakery, packaging, and other non-coffee items, ensuring quality and reliability
• Coordinate with the Lebanon team on coffee supply, equipment parts, and proprietary inputs
• Navigate Syrian customs, banking, FX, and payment realities to keep the operation running smoothly

6. Brand and customer experience

• Protect and execute the QahwaBLK brand standards across every customer touchpoint
• Handle customer feedback and complaints, and feed insights back to the Lebanon team
• Support local marketing initiatives and community engagement in coordination with the brand team

7. Expansion

• Scout and evaluate locations for future QahwaBLK shops in Damascus and other Syrian cities
• Lead the opening of additional units once the first location is stable, replicating the model with discipline