Operations Manager

Role overview

We are working with an Asian business as it launches in the UAE. This appointment is a true build-from-scratch mandate: the selected person will create the operation from the ground up, putting in place the infrastructure, workflows, vendor base, and systems that will support the business going forward.

This is a hands-on, zero-to-one role. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in setting up functions rather than simply improving established operations. They should be able to operate independently from day one and make practical commercial decisions without needing detailed instructions.

Role purpose

Set up, run, and expand the regional logistics and warehousing function. The position owns the full buildout end to end, covering international inbound movements through to local last-mile delivery, while improving cost control, inventory accuracy, and operational performance.

Key responsibilities

• Create and run a structured cycle count process to maintain strong inventory accuracy within the WMS.
• Manage day-to-day warehouse activity, including packing, order fulfilment, and delivery coordination, while keeping the operation moving efficiently.
• Identify, assess, and appoint local courier partners for marketplace, B2B, and retail needs, reviewing commercial terms, service standards, and cost structure.
• Plan and coordinate international inbound and outbound shipments in a timely and economical way, including customs handling and supporting documentation.
• Negotiate commercial terms with vendors and logistics partners while staying aligned with Incoterms and internal policy.
• Design, document, and take ownership of the full operating model across inbound, customs, warehousing, and last-mile processes, including SOPs for 3PL management, stock control, and cross-region coordination.
• Support rollout and improvement of ERP, WMS, and POS tools, along with shipping process enhancements that reduce mistakes.
• Maintain a regular weekly coordination cadence with the overseas HQ logistics team.
• Review and process supplier payments with Finance and reconcile inventory between the company systems and warehouse records.
• Train, coach, and align the warehouse team, while ensuring internal teams and 3PL partners are fully trained on SOPs and systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related discipline.
• 5 to 8 years of logistics experience, with demonstrated exposure to setup, start-up, or process-improvement environments.
• Experience in in-house retail, e-commerce, or consumer goods operations.
• Strong understanding of warehouse operations, international shipping, import/export paperwork, and shipping or 3PL systems, along with proficiency in MS Office.
• Confident, self-directed operator with practical commercial judgment around vendors, pricing, and contractual terms.

Nice to have

• Experience working in GCC or UAE markets.
• Practical ERP exposure, especially where system improvement ideas were proposed or implemented.
• Arabic language ability.

Additional information

This position is intended for someone who has already handled building or launching operations, not for candidates whose background is limited to optimising mature setups.