Cost and Inventory Controller

Al Bakrawe Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic company in Dubai is seeking an experienced Cost and Inventory Controller to optimize cost management and inventory systems. The role involves overseeing stock management, supplier relationships, and financial reporting to ensure operational efficiency. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in the fresh produce industry, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in cost control or inventory management.
• In-depth understanding of managing inventory in a perishable goods environment.

Responsibilities

• Ensure inventory levels align with customer demand while minimizing excess stock.
• Monitor costs associated with procurement, storage, and transportation of goods.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Job description

We are a dynamic and fast-growing company specializing in the import and export of fresh fruits and vegetables. Our mission is to provide top-quality produce to clients around the world, ensuring freshness, quality, and timely delivery. As part of our ongoing expansion, we are seeking an experienced Cost and Inventory Controller to optimize both our cost management and inventory control systems. This key role is essential in maintaining the financial stability and operational efficiency of the company.

Key Responsibilities: Inventory Control:

• Stock Management & Optimization: Ensure inventory levels align with customer demand while minimizing excess stock or shortages. Utilize historical sales data, seasonal trends, and forecasts to anticipate inventory needs. Implement strategies to reduce the risk of spoilage and waste, especially for perishable products.

• Inventory Organization & Storage: Oversee the proper organization of all fresh produce in warehouses, ensuring items are stored correctly to maintain quality and prevent loss. This includes monitoring temperature controls, humidity levels, and shelf-life management. Ensure proper handling and segregation of products to maintain hygiene and quality standards.

• Demand & Supply Coordination: Collaborate closely with the procurement and sales teams to ensure a seamless flow of inventory. Forecast demand and adjust inventory levels accordingly, avoiding both understocking and overstocking. Analyze market trends and customer purchasing patterns to guide purchasing decisions and stock management.

• Stock Audits & Reconciliation: Conduct regular stock counts and audits to ensure physical stock matches system records. Investigate and resolve any discrepancies promptly. Reconcile inventory data with the general ledger and financial statements, ensuring accuracy in reporting.

• Warehouse Management: Oversee warehouse operations to ensure efficient inventory receiving, sorting, and dispatching. Work with the logistics team to streamline the movement of goods between warehouses and distribution centers. Implement inventory tracking systems to improve traceability and reduce errors.

• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure the timely delivery of goods and resolve any issues with quality, pricing, or delivery times. Ensure that stock replenishment occurs in a timely manner to avoid any disruptions in the supply chain. Cost Control:

• Cost Monitoring & Analysis: Monitor all costs associated with the procurement, storage, handling, and transportation of goods. Ensure costs stay within agreed budgets, identifying any areas where savings can be achieved without compromising quality. Regularly track and analyze cost fluctuations to provide insight into potential savings and cost containment.

• Budget Preparation & Financial Forecasting: Work closely with senior management and the finance team to prepare and manage the cost-related components of the company’s budget. Provide forecasts for future costs based on historical data, expected sales volume, market trends, and supplier pricing changes. Help set cost reduction goals and implement strategies to meet these objectives.

• Financial Reporting & Variance Analysis: Prepare detailed cost reports for senior management, including cost of goods sold (COGS), transportation costs, inventory holding costs, and other operational expenses. Conduct variance analysis to identify discrepancies between projected and actual costs, providing explanations for these variances and recommending corrective actions.

• Supplier & Freight Negotiations: Support procurement and logistics teams in negotiating favorable terms with suppliers and freight companies. This includes seeking competitive pricing on shipping, handling, and customs clearance costs. Use data-driven insights to negotiate better terms, reducing overall procurement and transportation expenses.

• Profitability Analysis: Collaborate with senior management to analyze the profitability of various product lines, factoring in all associated costs such as procurement, handling, and transportation. Provide recommendations on pricing strategies and cost optimization to improve profit margins.

• Waste Reduction & Loss Management: Implement measures to minimize waste and loss due to spoilage, damage, or theft, which are common challenges in handling perishable goods. Develop and enforce protocols for inventory rotation, quality control checks, and spoilage tracking. Collaboration & Reporting:

• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with various departments such as procurement, logistics, sales, and finance to ensure that cost and inventory management strategies are aligned with overall business goals. Foster collaboration between teams to improve inventory turnover, reduce costs, and meet customer demand.

• Financial & Operational Reporting: Prepare regular reports for senior management, outlining key metrics such as inventory turnover rates, stock levels, cost of goods sold (COGS), and profitability. Provide actionable insights based on data analysis to support decision-making processes.

• Continuous Improvement: Continuously evaluate and refine cost control and inventory management processes. Research and implement best practices, new technologies, and automation tools to enhance inventory accuracy, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency.

Desired Candidate Profile

Key Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in cost control, inventory management, or financial management, preferably in the import/export sector or within the fresh produce industry.

• Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the challenges involved in managing inventory and costs in a perishable goods environment. Familiarity with international trade regulations, shipping logistics, customs clearance, and cold chain management is highly beneficial.

• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), advanced Microsoft Excel skills and Power BI. Experience with inventory management software and financial reporting tools is a plus.

• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data sets, identify trends, and offer actionable insights for cost optimization and inventory improvement.

• Languages: Fluent in Arabic and a good command of English (both written and verbal) are essential for communication with local teams, international clients, and suppliers.

• Leadership & Communication: Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams. Proven ability to lead and mentor junior staff, providing guidance and training on inventory management and cost control best practices.

• Attention to Detail: Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in financial and inventory reporting, ensuring that all data is consistent and reliable

Disclaimer: Naukrigulf.com is only a platform to bring jobseekers & employers together. Applicants are advised to research the bonafides of the prospective employer independently. We do NOT endorse any requests for money payments and strictly advice against sharing personal or bank related information. We also recommend you visit Security Advice for more information. If you suspect any fraud or malpractice, email us at [e-mail]