Supply Chain Manager

Location: UAE Department: Supply Chain – Distribution & Warehousing Reports to: Supply Chain Director

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Supply Chain Manager to lead warehouse, distribution, fleet, and logistics operations across the UAE and GCC.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience managing large-scale warehouse and distribution operations, leading large multicultural teams, improving delivery performance, optimizing logistics costs, and ensuring high operational and service standards.

Key Responsibilities

Warehouse & Distribution Operations

• Lead end-to-end warehouse and distribution operations, including inbound, storage, picking, dispatch, and last-mile delivery.
• Manage large-scale warehouse operations and ensure efficient utilization of space, resources, and manpower.
• Ensure effective FIFO/FEFO, inventory handling, order accuracy, and warehouse throughput.
• Drive operational improvements through WMS, ERP, Lean, and process optimization.

Distribution & Logistics

• Manage fleet, drivers, transportation, and last-mile delivery across the UAE and GCC.
• Ensure strong OTIF (On-Time In-Full) performance and high customer service levels.
• Develop and implement route optimization strategies to improve delivery efficiency and reduce transportation costs.
• Manage relationships with 3PL providers, transporters, shipping agents, and logistics partners.
• Coordinate regional logistics and customs activities where required.

Inventory & Operational Planning

• Maintain appropriate stock levels and ensure efficient inventory movement across locations.
• Work closely with Demand & Supply Planning teams to support accurate forecasting and replenishment.
• Reduce stockouts, excess inventory, delivery delays, and operational bottlenecks.

KPI & Cost Management

• Monitor and improve key operational KPIs, including:

  • OTIF
  • Order Fulfilment Rate
  • Order Accuracy
  • Backorders
  • Delivery Delays
  • Warehouse Throughput
  • GRN Processing Time
  • Customer Complaint Resolution

• Identify and implement initiatives to reduce warehouse, transportation, and distribution costs.

• Drive continuous improvement using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a large warehouse and distribution workforce of 50+ employees.
• Manage warehouse supervisors, operators, helpers, drivers, and other operational teams.
• Set performance standards, conduct coaching and performance reviews, and develop team capabilities.
• Ensure a strong culture of safety, accountability, productivity, and operational excellence.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with applicable UAE/GCC warehousing, transportation, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure proper handling and storage procedures for FMCG and chemical products.
• Maintain operational and compliance standards across warehouse and distribution activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in Supply Chain, Logistics, Warehouse, or Distribution operations.
• Strong experience in FMCG and/or Chemical distribution.
• Proven experience managing large-scale warehouses (50,000+ sq. ft.).
• Experience managing large operational teams of 50+ employees.
• Strong background in distribution networks, fleet management, transportation, and last-mile delivery.
• Experience with ERP/WMS/TMS systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or Navision.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse and distribution KPIs, route optimization, and logistics cost management.
• Experience working with 3PLs, transporters, freight forwarders, and logistics partners.
• Knowledge of UAE/GCC logistics and customs processes.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• English is required; Arabic is preferred.

Preferred

• MBA in Supply Chain or Logistics.
• Professional certifications such as CSCP, CLTD, CIPM, or CISCP.
• Lean/Six Sigma experience.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are particularly interested in candidates who are operations-driven and have progressed through Warehouse / Distribution / Logistics management roles, with proven responsibility for large teams, multi-location operations, fleet and delivery performance, and operational cost optimization.

Candidates with a strong procurement-only or planning-only background would not be the primary target for this position.