General Manager

ManpowerGroup Middle East; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable trading company is seeking an Arabic Speaking General Manager with extensive experience in the Flavors and Juices industry. This leadership role involves strategic direction, operational excellence, and financial performance management, requiring strong commercial acumen and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in the Ingredients, Flavors and Juices industry.
• Fluency in Arabic and English preferred.
• Valid UAE driving license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for the Flavors and Juices business unit.
• Oversee business operations, ensuring compliance with UAE regulations.
• Drive revenue growth and market share in the UAE flavors and juices market.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial Acumen

Negotiation

Stakeholder Management

Financial Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Food Science, Engineering, or related field

Master's degree (highly preferred)

Job description

Our client, a reputable trading company is seeking a highly accomplished and dynamic Arabic Speaking General Manager with extensive experience in the Flavors and Juices industry within the UAE and other GCC countries.

This pivotal leadership role will be responsible for the overall strategic direction, operational excellence, and financial performance of our business unit.

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the local market, strong commercial acumen, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven track record of driving growth and profitability in the ingredients, flavors and juices sector.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Vision:

• Develop and implement the overall strategic plan for the Flavors and Juices business unit in alignment with the company's broader objectives.
• Identify and capitalize on market opportunities, trends, and competitive landscapes within the GCC.
• Establish clear objectives, targets, and performance indicators for all departments.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and high performance across the team.

Operational Excellence:

• Oversee all aspects of the business operations, including production, supply chain, quality control, sales, marketing, and finance.
• Ensure efficient and effective processes are in place to optimize productivity, minimize costs, and maintain high quality standards.
• Implement and monitor key operational metrics, identifying areas for continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant UAE / GCC regulations and industry standards, particularly those related to food safety and manufacturing.

Commercial Development and Growth:

• Drive revenue growth and market share within the UAE flavors and juices market.
• Develop and implement effective sales and marketing strategies to expand the customer base and strengthen brand presence.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, distributors, and stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including product development and market expansion.

Financial Management and Performance:

• Develop and manage the annual budget, ensuring financial targets are met.
• Monitor financial performance, analyze variances, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Optimize profitability and ensure sustainable financial growth.
• Oversee pricing strategies and ensure competitive positioning in the market.

Team Leadership and Talent Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across all departments.
• Foster a positive and engaging work environment that attracts, retains, and motivates talent.
• Set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance evaluations.
• Identify training and development needs to enhance team capabilities.

Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior management, shareholders, regulatory bodies, and community partners.
• Represent the company professionally in all interactions.

Market Understanding:

• Maintain a deep understanding of the GCC flavors and juices market, including consumer preferences, competitive landscape, and regulatory environment.
• Leverage local market knowledge to inform strategic decisions and drive business growth.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Food Science, Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience within the Ingredients, Flavors and Juices industry, with a significant portion of that experience in the GCC market.
• Proven track record of successfully managing a business unit or significant operations within the flavors and juices sector in the GCC.
• Deep understanding of the entire value chain within the flavors and juices industry, from sourcing to distribution.
• Strong commercial acumen with a proven ability to drive sales growth and profitability.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and P&L management.
• Thorough knowledge of UAE regulations and business practices.
• Fluency in both Arabic and English (written and spoken) is preferred.
• Valid UAE driving license is preferred.
• Willing to travel in GCC Countries.