The Supply Chain Manager leads the end-to-end supply chain function to ensure uninterrupted product availability, fast and accurate order fulfilment, and strong commercial performance across the UAE and GCC markets. The role oversees demand planning, procurement, warehousing, logistics, and regulatory compliance, ensuring every stage of the supply chain supports business growth and customer satisfaction.
The position drives improvements in forecasting accuracy, inventory health, landed cost efficiency, and delivery performance while maintaining strict adherence to quality, safety, and pharmaceutical regulatory standards. Working closely with Sales, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, and Finance, the role translates commercial plans into supply readiness and enables the business to compete effectively across pharmacy retail, eCommerce, modern trade, wholesale, and institutional channels. It requires a balance of strategic planning and hands-on execution, strong analytical capability, and the ability to build a resilient, agile, and customer-focused supply chain.
Responsibilities
1. Supply Chain Strategy and Planning
1.1 Develop and implement an integrated supply chain strategy that aligns with commercial growth plans and customer service expectations.
1.2 Lead demand and supply planning, improving forecast accuracy across all channels including retail, wholesale, modern trade, and eCommerce.
1.3 Build annual supply plans aligned with promotional calendars, category priorities, new product launches, and seasonal fluctuations.
1.4 Conduct capacity planning for warehousing, transportation, and inbound shipments to ensure operational readiness.
2. Procurement, Supplier Performance, and Compliance
2.1 Manage end-to-end procurement processes, including forecasting, purchase orders, shipment tracking, and supplier coordination.
2.2 Strengthen supplier relationships to enhance service levels, improve lead times, and optimise cost.
2.3 Negotiate freight, logistics, and supply terms while ensuring compliance with UAE and GCC import regulations and documentation standards.
2.4 Oversee regulatory compliance including import permits, customs clearance, and product specific requirements for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.
3. Inventory Management, Warehousing, and Quality Control
3.1 Lead inventory planning to maintain optimal stock levels, reduce write-offs, and improve inventory turnover.
3.2 Ensure strict adherence to FEFO, expiry management, and integrity of cold chain and temperature-controlled storage where applicable.
3.3 Manage warehouse operations to ensure accuracy, safety, and full compliance with storage, handling, and distribution standards.
3.4 Continuously optimise warehouse layout, storage utilisation, and operational workflows to enhance efficiency.
4. Distribution, Logistics, and Order Fulfilment
4.1 Oversee end-to-end order fulfilment, ensuring high DIFOT performance for retail, wholesale, and key account customers.
4.2 Lead last-mile delivery operations, including route planning, dispatch control, and coordination with logistics partners across all Emirates.
4.3 Manage 3PL partners, monitoring service reliability, cost efficiency, and compliance with temperature and safety requirements.
4.4 Supervise returns, recalls, reverse logistics, and damaged goods handling in alignment with commercial and financial policies.
5. Operational Excellence and Cost Optimisation
5.1 Identify operational inefficiencies and lead process improvement initiatives to improve speed, accuracy, and customer service.
5.2 Deliver cost optimisation across freight, storage, inventory, and logistics through disciplined analysis and negotiation.
5.3 Implement digital tools, automation, and ERP enhancements to increase visibility and operational control.
5.4 Establish and maintain standard operating procedures to drive consistency, scalability, and operational discipline.
6. Analytics, Reporting, and Risk Management
6.1 Monitor supply chain KPIs including forecast accuracy, stock cover, fill rate, DIFOT, landed cost, and supplier performance.
6.2 Provide monthly reports and insights to senior management with recommendations for corrective action and improvement.
6.3 Develop risk mitigation and business continuity plans to manage supply disruptions, regulatory delays, and logistics constraints.
6.4 Ensure full audit readiness through accurate documentation, system updates, and compliance reporting.
7. Leadership, Collaboration, and Stakeholder Alignment
7.1 Lead, mentor, and develop the supply chain team, building capability across planning, warehousing, logistics, and compliance.
7.2 Collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, Finance, IT, and Customer Service to align supply plans with business priorities.
7.3 Strengthen partnerships with key customers and external stakeholders by ensuring reliable, responsive, and service-oriented operations.
7.4 Promote a culture of accountability, agility, simplicity, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications and Skills
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional certification such as APICS, CSCP, or CIPS is an advantage.
• 6 to 10 years of progressive experience in supply chain and logistics within FMCG, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, or healthcare distribution.
• Strong experience managing end-to-end supply chain operations, including demand planning, procurement, warehousing, logistics, and order fulfilment.
• Exposure to UAE and GCC regulatory requirements, customs procedures, and controlled product handling.
• Proven experience leading teams and delivering improvements in service levels, cost efficiency, and operational performance.
Technical and Functional Skills
• Strong proficiency in ERP systems and planning tools, ideally MS Dynamics or equivalent platforms.
• Advanced analytical capability with experience using dashboards, forecasting tools, and data-driven decision making.
• Deep knowledge of inventory optimisation, warehousing standards, FEFO, cold chain, and quality control.