supply chain & logistics manager

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a strategic and operationally strong Supply Chain & Logistics Manager to lead the end-to-end supply chain function for our FMCG food and non-food distribution business in the UAE. This role oversees procurement and import planning, vendor and freight management, warehouse operations, last-mile delivery, and demand forecasting. You will play a critical role in ensuring product availability, cost efficiency, and service excellence across our Retail and HoReCa customer base. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with a strong operational grip, and has deep experience navigating the UAE and GCC supply chain landscape.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

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

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

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)

Work Location: In person