Operations Manager – FMCG (Import/Export)

Position: Operations Manager – FMCG

Location:

UAE (with regional responsibility for Oman and Mersin/Iraq)

Reporting Line:

Managing Director

Role Overview:

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating Import, Export, and Operations activities for a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company operating across UAE, Oman, and Mersin/Iraq. The role ensures end-to-end operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, cost control, service level excellence, and strong alignment between supply chain, logistics, warehousing, and commercial teams.

This position requires a hands-on leader with solid regional experience in FMCG, international trade, and multi-country operations, capable of managing operational complexity, third-party providers, and cross-functional teams while supporting sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Import & Export Operations

• Oversee all import and export activities across UAE, Oman, and Mersin/Iraq.
• Ensure full compliance with local and international trade regulations, customs laws, health certificates, halal requirements, and product documentation.
• Coordinate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, and relevant authorities.
• Manage trade documentation, including invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, health certificates, and customs declarations.
• Monitor regulatory changes and proactively mitigate risks, delays, and additional operational costs.

Supply Chain & Logistics

• Support and oversee the management of end-to-end supply chain operations from origin to final delivery.
• Supervise inbound and outbound logistics operations, including sea, land, and air freight.
• Oversee and manage third-party logistics providers (3PLs), cold storage facilities, and transportation partners.
• Ensure proper handling and storage of frozen, chilled, and dry FMCG products.
• Optimize inventory levels, stock rotation (FIFO/FEFO), stock reconciliation processes, and warehouse utilization.

Operations Management

• Lead daily operational activities related to ports, warehousing, distribution, and transportation.
• Define, implement, and continuously improve operational SOPs, policies, and internal controls.
• Monitor KPIs related to cost efficiency, service levels, lead times, inventory accuracy, and losses.
• Manage returns, damages, claims, and operational discrepancies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce operational risks.

Financial & Cost Control

• Control operational budgets and import and export costs.
• Review and negotiate freight rates, warehousing fees, and service contracts.
• Support the finance team with inventory reconciliation, cost analysis, and variance explanations.
• Ensure accuracy and reliability of operational data for reporting, audits, and management review.

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, coach, and develop teams across import, export, logistics, and operations functions.
• Work closely with Sales, Finance, Procurement, and Quality teams to ensure operational alignment.
• Conduct performance evaluations, training initiatives, and process alignment sessions.
• Act as the main operational point of contact for senior management and external stakeholders.

Strategic & Regional Coordination

• Support the expansion and scaling of operations across existing and new markets.
• Align operational strategies with overall business objectives and growth plans.
• Support new product launches, new supplier onboarding, and new market entry initiatives.
• Provide regular operational reports, insights, and recommendations to senior management.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in FMCG operations, import/export, and logistics.
• Strong hands-on experience in UAE trade operations; regional exposure to Oman and Iraq is highly preferred.
• Proven experience managing cold chain products (frozen and chilled).
• Solid knowledge of customs clearance processes, trade compliance, and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience working with 3PLs, freight forwarders, and customs brokers.
• Strong leadership, people management, and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and operational reporting tools; ERP/SAP experience is a strong advantage.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• End-to-end operations and supply chain management
• Import and export compliance
• Cost control and budgeting
• Process design and SOP implementation
• Problem-solving and risk management
• Strong communication and stakeholder management
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, multicultural FMCG environment

Language Requirements:

• English: Fluent (spoken and written)
• Portuguese
• Arabic: An advantage

Personal Attributes:

• Hands-on and execution-oriented
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Proactive, resilient, and solution-driven
• Comfortable managing complexity across multiple countries

This role is critical to ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth across the company’s regional FMCG operations.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Experience:

• Operations Manager in FMCG: 10 years (Preferred)