Operations Manager – Food Importation, Wholesale & Distribution

Opportunity

Operations and supply chain

• Coordinate daily operations across operational functions.
• Manage international imports, overseas suppliers, freight forwarders, customs clearance, and shipping.
• Oversee warehousing, inventory, stock control, order fulfilment, wholesale distribution, and B2B deliveries.
• Manage logistics, transportation, delivery scheduling, and third-party service providers.
• Ensure appropriate food storage, cold-chain management, and compliance with UAE food safety and import rules.

Team, costs, and growth

• Lead operational teams, establish procedures, and implement performance improvements.
• Monitor operational expenditure, supplier and logistics costs, and inventory wastage.
• Oversee the existing finance team to align operational and financial processes; day-to-day accounting remains outside the role.
• Work with the owner to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and support expansion.

Candidate requirements

• Proven Operations Manager, Head of Operations, or similar senior operational leadership experience.
• Strong background in food importation, FMCG, wholesale distribution, or food supply chain operations.
• Experience managing international imports, warehousing, inventory, and logistics.
• Good knowledge of UAE customs procedures, food import regulations, and supply-chain requirements.
• Experience with chilled, frozen, or temperature-sensitive food products is advantageous.
• Leadership experience managing operational teams and external suppliers; commercial awareness and a record of efficiency and cost improvements.
• Growing SME or owner-managed business experience is particularly beneficial.
• Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple operational functions independently.

Salary

• Salary is competitive and dependent on experience.

Employment

• Employment type is full-time.