supply chain & logistics manager

About The Role

Supply Chain Strategy & Planning

• Develop and execute the company's supply chain strategy aligned with commercial growth objectives
• Lead demand planning and sales forecasting processes in close collaboration with the commercial and sales teams
• Optimize inventory levels across all SKUs — balancing service levels, working capital, and warehouse capacity
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain to reduce cost, improve lead times, and enhance reliability

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Manage relationships with international and local suppliers/principals — negotiate pricing, payment terms, MOQs, and service level agreements
• Oversee the purchasing process from purchase order creation to goods receipt, ensuring timely and accurate supply
• Evaluate supplier performance and manage risk through dual-sourcing and contingency planning
• Stay informed on commodity pricing trends and proactively manage cost exposure

Import, Customs & Regulatory Compliance

• Manage all import operations for food and non-food products into the UAE — including freight forwarding, customs clearance, and port handling
• Ensure full compliance with UAE import regulations, food safety standards, and relevant authority requirements (Dubai Customs, MOCCAE, Dubai Municipality, ADAFSA, ESMA)
• Oversee product registration and halal certification processes where applicable
• Manage relationships with freight forwarders, shipping lines, customs brokers, and free zone operators

Warehouse & Inventory Management

• Provide strategic oversight of warehouse operations — setting KPIs, driving efficiency, and ensuring compliance with food safety and HSE standards
• Work closely with the Warehouse Manager to optimize storage, throughput, and fulfilment performance
• Implement and maintain inventory control systems, cycle count programs, and stock accuracy targets
• Oversee cold chain integrity for temperature-sensitive food products from origin to delivery

Logistics & Last-Mile Delivery

• Manage the outbound logistics network — including own fleet and third-party logistics (3PL) providers — ensuring on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery to Retail and HoReCa customers
• Optimize delivery routes, vehicle utilization, and transport costs across the UAE
• Manage 3PL contracts, SLA performance, and vendor relationships
• Implement customer-specific delivery requirements including time windows, documentation, and cold chain standards

Systems, Data & Reporting

• Lead the use of ERP/WMS systems across the supply chain function — drive adoption and data quality
• Develop and report on supply chain KPIs: OTIF, stock availability, inventory days, shrinkage, freight cost per case, and order fill rate
• Provide regular supply chain performance updates to senior management with data-driven insights and recommendations
• Identify technology and process improvement opportunities to support business scalability

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a cross-functional team covering procurement, warehouse, and logistics operations
• Set clear goals, conduct performance reviews, and build capability within the supply chain team
• Collaborate effectively with commercial, finance, and sales teams to align supply chain activities with business priorities

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or Engineering; Master's degree or MBA is a strong advantage
• Professional certification in supply chain (APICS CSCP, CIPS, CILT, or equivalent) is highly desirable
• 7–12 years of end-to-end supply chain and logistics experience, with at least 3 years in a management role
• Proven experience in FMCG or food & beverage supply chain in the UAE or GCC — essential
• Strong background in import management, UAE customs, and regulatory compliance for food products

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in ERP systems — SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar — and WMS platforms
• Advanced MS Excel and data analysis skills; Power BI or equivalent reporting tools is a plus
• Strong knowledge of UAE and GCC import regulations, Incoterms, and customs procedures
• Experience with both ambient and temperature-controlled (chilled/frozen) supply chains
• Understanding of food safety regulations: HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000 is an advantage

Soft Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a strong operational mindset and ability to execute at pace
• Excellent negotiation skills — experienced dealing with international suppliers, freight partners, and 3PLs
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills — data-driven decision maker
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills — able to work cross-functionally and influence at senior level
• High resilience and ability to manage complexity, ambiguity, and multiple priorities simultaneously
• Fluency in English is essential; Arabic is a strong advantage

Preferred Background

• Experience managing multi-principal food and non-food distribution supply chains in the UAE
• Established relationships with UAE freight forwarders, customs brokers, and port/free zone operators (Jebel Ali, DIP, KIZAD, etc.)
• Track record of cost reduction and service improvement in a distribution or 3PL environment
• Experience with e-commerce or omnichannel fulfilment operations is a plus
• Pay: AED1.00 - AED15,000.00 per month

Experience

• UAE Supply chain: 5 years (Required)
• UAE Logistics: 5 years (Required)
• UAE Procurement: 5 years (Required)
• UAE FMCG: 5 years (Preferred)