Distribution Manager

expertiserecruitment; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

expertiserecruitment is seeking a Distribution Manager in the UAE to oversee end-to-end distribution for pharmaceutical and healthcare products. You will manage inbound, storage, order fulfilment, and last‑mile delivery across the UAE, ensuring regulatory compliance and on-time performance.

The role requires 5–8 years in distribution/logistics, with 2–3 years in a supervisory capacity, and strong knowledge of GDP guidelines and UAE regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.
• CIPS, APICS CSCP/CPIM or equivalent supply chain certification is a strong plus.
• 5–8 years in distribution/logistics/supply chain operations; 2–3 years in supervisory role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end distribution across UAE, ensuring on-time delivery and regulatory compliance.
• Lead warehouse and distribution teams; manage inbound, storage, order fulfilment, and last‑mile delivery.
• Coordinate with 3PLs, couriers, and freight forwarders; optimize costs and KPIs.
• Ensure GDP compliance and regulatory documentation; manage audits and CAPAs.
• Monitor cold-chain storage and FIFO/FEFO stock rotation; maintain inventory integrity.

Skills

Operational leadership

Warehouse operations

Inventory management

Data-driven decision making

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Cross-functional team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Supply Chain/Logistics or Business

CIPS/APICS CSCP/CPIM or equivalent

Tools

WMS

TMS

ERP (SAP/Oracle/MS Dynamics)

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced and operationally sharp Distribution Manager to oversee end-to-end distribution activities across the UAE. This mid-level role sits at the heart of our supply chain, responsible for ensuring pharmaceutical and healthcare products are stored, handled, and delivered in full compliance with regulatory standards — on time, every time. The ideal candidate brings hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical or healthcare distribution, a strong understanding of UAE regulatory requirements (GDP, MoHAP, DHA), and the leadership skills to manage a cross‑functional warehouse and logistics team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Distribution & Logistics Operations

• Manage day‑to‑day distribution operations including inbound, storage, order fulfillment, and last‑mile delivery across the UAE.
• Oversee route planning, fleet management, and delivery scheduling to ensure on‑time delivery performance.
• Coordinate with third‑party logistics providers (3PLs), couriers, and freight forwarders.
• Monitor and optimize distribution costs, delivery SLAs, and operational KPIs.
• Ensure all delivery documentation (waybills, proof of delivery, invoices) is accurate and fully compliant.
• Handle urgent, priority, and cold‑chain deliveries with appropriate handling protocols.

Warehouse & Inventory Management

• Supervise warehouse operations including receiving, put‑away, picking, packing, and dispatching.
• Maintain accurate stock records and ensure inventory integrity through regular cycle counts and full stock audits.
• Manage cold‑chain storage areas, monitoring temperature and humidity logs in line with product specifications.
• Enforce FEFO (First Expiry, First Out) and FIFO stock rotation policies across all product lines.
• Minimize stock discrepancies, wastage, and expired goods through proactive inventory controls.
• Oversee returns management — processing, quarantine, and disposal in line with company SOPs.

Regulatory & GDP Compliance

• Ensure full adherence to Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines as required by MoHAP, DHA, and DOH.
• Maintain all distribution licenses, storage permits, and regulatory documentation up to date.
• Prepare for and lead internal and external GDP/regulatory audits; implement corrective actions (CAPAs) as required.
• Ensure narcotics, controlled substances, and temperature‑sensitive products are handled and stored per regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and update SOPs for all distribution and warehousing activities.
• Coordinate with the regulatory affairs team on product recalls, market withdrawals, and quarantine procedures.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, schedule, and manage a team of warehouse supervisors, logistics coordinators, and delivery drivers.
• Set individual and team performance targets; conduct regular appraisals and performance reviews.
• Identify training needs and upskill team members on GDP, safe handling, and operational procedures.
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement across the distribution team.
• Manage headcount planning, shift scheduling, and overtime allocation.

Customer Service & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary operational point of contact for key customers — hospitals, pharmacy chains, clinics, and wholesalers.
• Resolve delivery issues, complaints, and discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.
• Collaborate closely with the sales team to prioritize urgent orders and support key account requirements.
• Liaise with procurement and supply planning teams to align inbound supply with outbound demand.
• Provide regular updates to senior management on distribution performance, challenges, and improvement initiatives.

Systems & Reporting

• Manage and optimize the use of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and ERP platforms (SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Generate daily, weekly, and monthly distribution reports covering on‑time delivery, order accuracy, stock levels, and cost.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and lead process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency.
• Track and report on fleet utilization, fuel consumption, and maintenance schedules.

REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field — required.
• CIPS, APICS (CSCP/CPIM), or equivalent supply chain certification — a strong advantage.

Experience

• 5–8 years of progressive experience in distribution, logistics, or supply chain operations.
• Minimum 2–3 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity leading a warehouse/distribution team.
• Direct experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, FMCG, or medical device distribution — strongly preferred.
• Proven knowledge of GDP guidelines and UAE regulatory requirements (MoHAP, DHA, DOH).
• Experience managing cold‑chain products and temperature‑controlled storage environments — a significant advantage.
• Track record of managing third‑party logistics providers and carrier relationships in the UAE.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong operational leadership with the ability to manage both people and processes effectively.
• Solid understanding of warehouse operations, inventory management, and last‑mile logistics.
• Proficient in WMS, TMS, and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar).
• Excellent analytical skills — able to interpret operational data and drive decisions from KPIs.
• High attention to detail with a compliance‑first mindset.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across all levels.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.
• Valid UAE driving license — preferred.

Languages

• English — fluent (required).
• Arabic — an advantage.