General Manager

International Perfume & Cosmetics Export Company | JAFZA / Dubai South

THE OPPORTUNITY

Establish and lead a new Dubai-based perfume and cosmetics export company from the ground up. Source premium products from Dubai suppliers and export to EU and global markets. This founding GM role requires an accomplished Expat living with an authorized Expat residency permit/ID/visa with entrepreneurial mindset, commercial acumen, and startup experience to build complete operational infrastructure, systems, and teams.

Location: JAFZA or Dubai South | Nationality: Expat based in UAE | Language: Excellent English

Business Model: Source perfumes, attars, and cosmetics from Dubai-based suppliers; export to EU and global B2B markets leveraging Dubai's logistics infrastructure and fragrance hub position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. PURCHASING & SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT

• Build supplier network across Dubai's perfume and cosmetics markets (Dubai Perfume Souk, JAFZA, Ajman, Sharjah)
• Negotiate master supply agreements for exclusive or preferential terms with Dubai-based manufacturers and wholesalers
• Develop product portfolio balancing Arabian fragrances with international cosmetics appealing to EU markets
• Establish quality standards ensuring EU regulatory compliance (REACH, CLP, Cosmetics Regulation EC 1223/2009)
• Implement purchasing systems for order management, supplier performance tracking, and cost optimization
• Manage inventory planning aligned with sales forecasts to optimize working capital
• Oversee product compliance documentation (SDS, INCI listings, allergen declarations)

2. SALES & MARKETING

• Design and execute go-to-market strategy for EU priority markets and global expansion
• Develop B2B distribution channels: importers, distributors, retailers, e-commerce platforms, chain stores
• Attend international trade shows (Cosmoprof Bologna, Beautyworld Middle East) to generate leads
• Create brand positioning emphasizing authentic Dubai sourcing and quality
• Develop export pricing strategy balancing competitiveness with target margins
• Establish CRM systems tracking customer interactions, pipeline, and sales performance
• Manage major accounts personally ensuring high satisfaction and retention (target >90%)
• Implement digital marketing including website, B2B platforms, LinkedIn, and email campaigns
• Set and monitor revenue targets with quarterly/annual performance analysis

3. LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS

• Design end-to-end supply chain from Dubai supplier collection to international customer delivery
• Establish warehousing in JAFZA/Dubai South with inventory management systems
• Build freight forwarder network for sea (LCL/FCL) and air freight to EU/global destinations
• Manage dangerous goods (DG) compliance for perfume shipments (UN1266, Class 3 Flammable)
• Ensure UAE export and EU import regulatory compliance including customs documentation
• Handle cosmetics-specific regulations: EU Responsible Person requirements, labeling, safety assessments
• Implement quality checks at receiving, storage, and shipping stages
• Optimize logistics costs through route planning and carrier negotiations
• Track KPIs: on-time delivery >95%, order accuracy, damage rate, freight cost per unit

4. FINANCE & BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

• Develop 3-year business plan with financial projections, capital requirements, and growth milestones
• Full P&L responsibility for revenue, costs, margins, and profitability
• Implement accounting systems (ERP) for invoicing, AR, AP, and financial reporting
• Manage working capital including cash flow forecasting, DSO optimization, and payment terms
• Establish banking relationships and secure trade finance facilities (LC, trade loans)
• Ensure UAE tax compliance: corporate tax (9%), VAT, customs duties
• Prepare for Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) with adequate UAE-based documentation
• Provide monthly management accounts and regular Board reporting
• Control operating expenses while investing appropriately in growth

5. COMPANY ESTABLISHMENT & STARTUP EXECUTION

Build complete infrastructure from scratch:

• Establish legal entity in JAFZA/Dubai South; secure trade license and all permits
• Register for corporate tax, VAT, customs; work with PRO services
• Identify and negotiate facility lease; design warehouse layout
• Implement IT infrastructure and business software (ERP, CRM, inventory management)
• Design organizational structure and recruit core team (purchasing, sales, logistics, finance)
• Develop HR policies, employment contracts, and onboarding programs
• Document all processes with SOPs for purchasing, fulfillment, shipping, and invoicing
• Execute initial supplier agreements and acquire starting inventory
• Secure first customers and execute first shipments proving operational capability

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Mandatory Requirements:

• UAE based Expat - Essential for business license and regulatory requirements
• Fluent English - Excellent written and spoken communication for international business
• Dubai-based availability - Full-time presence in JAFZA/Dubai South required

Professional Experience:

• 8-10+ years in senior commercial and operational roles with progressive responsibility
• Startup or scale-up experience - Proven track record setting up new operations or launching business units from scratch
• Export/import trading experience - Background in international trade, preferably perfume, cosmetics, FMCG, or luxury goods
• Multinational or cross-border business experience - Understanding of international operations
• Purchasing/sourcing expertise - Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing procurement
• Sales & business development skills - Track record winning B2B customers
• P&L accountability - Experience managing full financial responsibility for business unit or company

Technical Knowledge:

• UAE business regulations - Understanding of free zone operations, ESR, corporate tax, VAT
• Export compliance - Knowledge of international trade documentation, customs, logistics
• EU cosmetics regulations - Familiarity with or ability to learn EU compliance (highly desirable)
• Financial management - Strong commercial acumen, financial statement literacy, budget management
• Systems implementation - Experience selecting and deploying ERP, CRM, warehouse management software

Leadership Competencies:

• Entrepreneurial mindset - Self-starter thriving in ambiguity, taking initiative
• Strategic thinking - Long-term vision balanced with short-term execution
• Hands-on execution - Willing to roll up sleeves personally in early stages
• Team builder - Skilled at recruiting, motivating, and developing high-performing teams
• Stakeholder management - Effective communication with board, customers, suppliers, authorities
• Problem-solving - Resourceful in overcoming obstacles and finding creative solutions
• Resilience - Comfortable with startup challenges and need to pivot

REPORTING & TEAM STRUCTURE

Reports to: Board of Directors

Will Build Team Including:

• Purchasing Manager / Procurement Specialist
• Sales & Marketing Manager / Business Development Manager
• Logistics & Warehouse Manager
• Finance & Admin Manager / Accountant
• Support staff as business scales