Goods Flow Manager - IKEA Store Logistics

AlFuttaim; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Al-Futtaim Retail is seeking an experienced Goods Flow Manager to lead IKEA store logistics in Abu Dhabi. You will oversee receiving, replenishment and order fulfillment to ensure high stock availability and a positive customer experience, while managing costs and implementing process improvements.

The role requires 5+ years in retail or logistics at tactical/operational levels, with proven leadership. On-site, full-time position based in Abu Dhabi.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in retail and/or logistics at tactical and operational levels.
• Proven leadership experience in managing teams and processes.
• Practical understanding of retail operations and goods flow activities.
• Experience developing and implementing operational action plans.
• Demonstrated ability to set objectives and monitor results.
• Experience managing budgets and achieving financial targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize daily goods flow activities across the IKEA store.
• Ensure efficient receiving, replenishment and order fulfillment processes.
• Maintain high product availability while controlling costs.
• Coordinate merchandise movement to support store needs and customer demand.
• Ensure goods flow activities align with Service Protocol and safety requirements.
• Oversee stock counting and accurate stock handling.
• Minimize customer waiting times at merchandise pickup.
• Identify and implement improvements to logistics processes.
• Develop and maintain capacity plans and resource allocation.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Retail logistics

Operational planning

Strategic thinking

Analytical thinking

Communication

Flexibility

Team collaboration

Job description

Goods Flow Manager - IKEA Store Logistics Job Snapshot

Role: Goods Flow Manager - Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Retail - Function: Logistics - Experience: Minimum 5 years in retail and/or logistics at tactical and operational levels, with proven leadership experience - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site

Position Overview

Al-Futtaim Retail is seeking an experienced Goods Flow Manager to lead and optimize IKEA store logistics operations in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The role is responsible for ensuring efficient movement of goods throughout the store, from receiving and replenishment to order fulfillment and merchandise pickup. The Goods Flow Manager will focus on maintaining high stock availability, controlling operational costs and supporting a positive customer shopping experience.

Job Details

• Country: United Arab Emirates
• City: Abu Dhabi
• Industry: Retail
• Function: Logistics
• Salary: Not disclosed
• Gender: No Preference
• Candidate Nationality: Not specified
• Job Type: Full Time
• Work Arrangement: On-site

Key Responsibilities

Store Goods Flow Operations

• Manage and optimize daily goods flow activities across the IKEA store.
• Ensure efficient processes for goods receiving, stock replenishment and customer order fulfillment.
• Maintain high product availability while supporting cost-efficient logistics operations.
• Coordinate the movement of merchandise to support store requirements and customer demand.
• Ensure daily goods flow activities follow the established Service Protocol.
• Oversee the counting process and support accurate stock handling.
• Minimize customer waiting times at merchandise pickup.
• Identify operational challenges and implement appropriate improvements.
• Maintain a consistent focus on efficient goods handling and customer satisfaction.

Logistics Planning and Capacity Management

• Support the Logistics Manager in executing and monitoring goods flow action plans.
• Develop and maintain effective capacity plans for store goods flow operations.
• Align available resources with receiving, replenishment and fulfillment requirements.
• Establish clear operational priorities to support daily business needs.
• Coordinate goods flow processes to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Implement agreed logistics actions from the store business plan.
• Monitor execution and follow up on progress against operational objectives.
• Adjust priorities and resource allocation in response to changing store requirements.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, support and influence the goods flow team to achieve operational objectives.
• Provide clear direction on responsibilities, priorities and expected performance.
• Delegate tasks effectively to support productivity and accountability.
• Communicate operational goals and action plans to team members.
• Develop a collaborative working environment that supports effective goods flow operations.
• Identify employees with development potential.
• Support talent development and succession planning within the goods flow team.
• Encourage team members to contribute ideas for improving logistics processes.
• Maintain effective communication across a diverse workforce.

Stock Availability and Customer Experience

• Support high stock availability through effective receiving and replenishment activities.
• Coordinate goods flow processes to meet store operational requirements.
• Ensure merchandise handling supports an efficient customer shopping experience.
• Monitor order fulfillment activities and identify opportunities to reduce delays.
• Support efficient merchandise pickup processes.
• Address goods flow issues that may affect product availability or customer service.
• Balance operational efficiency with customer satisfaction objectives.

Budget Management and Operational Performance

• Understand the goods flow budget and relevant operational cost drivers.
• Monitor costs and performance against agreed business targets.
• Use key performance indicators to evaluate goods flow efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity and control logistics expenses.
• Support operational planning based on budget requirements and performance results.
• Follow up on action plans to ensure progress toward financial and operational objectives.
• Provide relevant performance information to support logistics management decisions.
• Contribute to achieving stock availability and service objectives at the lowest possible operating cost.

Business Plan Implementation

• Translate agreed store logistics priorities into practical goods flow activities.
• Implement relevant actions from the store business plan.
• Establish clear responsibilities and follow‑up measures for assigned initiatives.
• Monitor progress against planned operational improvements.
• Coordinate with relevant store teams to support effective implementation.
• Identify barriers to execution and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain alignment between goods flow operations and wider store objectives.

Health, Safety, Security and Environmental Compliance

• Ensure goods flow operations comply with the IKEA Code of Conduct.
• Follow applicable internal regulations and company procedures.
• Maintain compliance with local health, safety, security and environmental legislation.
• Promote safe working practices throughout goods receiving, replenishment and fulfillment activities.
• Monitor team adherence to relevant operational and safety requirements.
• Address compliance concerns through appropriate reporting and corrective action.
• Support a safe and responsible working environment for employees and customers.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in retail and/or logistics roles at tactical and operational levels.
• Proven experience successfully leading people and managing business processes.
• Practical understanding of retail operations and goods flow activities.
• Experience developing and implementing operational action plans.
• Demonstrated ability to establish clear objectives and monitor results.
• Experience managing budgets and achieving financial targets.

Education

• No specific academic qualification is stated in the job requirements.

Required Skills and Competencies

Leadership and People Management

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide and motivate operational teams.
• Proven ability to manage people and business processes effectively.
• Confidence setting priorities and delegating responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate clear objectives and performance expectations.
• Commitment to employee development and succession planning.
• Ability to influence colleagues and encourage cross‑functional cooperation.

Retail Logistics and Operational Planning

• Strong understanding of retail and logistics operations.
• Ability to plan and coordinate goods receiving, replenishment and order fulfillment.
• Knowledge of operational capacity planning and resource allocation.
• Ability to improve stock availability while managing operating costs.
• Understanding of service processes and operational performance requirements.
• Ability to implement logistics action plans and monitor execution.

Strategic and Analytical Thinking

• Strategic approach to operational decision-making.
• Ability to connect daily goods flow activities with store business objectives.
• Understanding of budgets, costs and key performance indicators.
• Ability to assess operational performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Strong prioritization and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to translate business plans into practical operational actions.

Communication and Collaboration

• Strong communication skills with the ability to deliver clear and targeted messages.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Confidence communicating operational priorities and performance expectations.
• Collaborative approach to working with the Logistics Manager and other store teams.
• Ability to provide clear direction and constructive feedback.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a customer‑focused mindset.

Flexibility and Work Organization

• Ability to work flexible hours, including early and late shifts.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage competing operational priorities.
• Willingness to adapt plans to changing business requirements.
• Commitment to maintaining efficient operations during different store activity periods.

Reporting Structure and Team Environment

The Goods Flow Manager reports to the Logistics Manager and plays a key role in coordinating IKEA store goods flow activities. The position involves leading a team responsible for supporting stock availability, goods receiving, replenishment, order fulfillment and merchandise pickup. The successful candidate will work closely with the Logistics Manager to implement business plans, monitor performance and ensure goods flow processes support the store 's operational and customer service objectives. Effective leadership, resource planning and communication will be essential to maintaining consistent performance across daily logistics activities.

Performance Priorities

• High stock availability for customers.
• Efficient goods receiving and replenishment processes.
• Reliable customer order fulfillment.
• Reduced waiting times at merchandise pickup.
• Effective capacity planning and resource utilization.
• Achievement of operational budgets and performance targets.
• Clear implementation of store logistics action plans.
• Development of team capabilities and future talent.
• Compliance with IKEA standards and applicable legislation.
• Continuous improvement in operational efficiency and customer experience.

About Al-Futtaim Retail

Al-Futtaim Retail is a major operating division of the Al-Futtaim Group, with a portfolio of internationally recognized retail brands across the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia. The division partners with established brands including IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer and the Inditex Group. Al-Futtaim Retail has also introduced brands such as Watsons and Kiabi to regional markets, contributing to the development of diverse retail experiences. The business continues to invest in digital innovation, artificial intelligence, customer experience and loyalty platforms to support the evolving needs of retail customers. With employees representing more than 100 nationalities across over 10 countries, Al-Futtaim Retail brings together a diverse workforce focused on collaboration, service quality and business growth. The division offers opportunities for retail and logistics professionals to contribute to operational excellence while developing their careers within a regional retail organization.

About Al-Futtaim Group

Established in the 1930s and headquartered in Dubai, Al-Futtaim is one of the region 's diversified privately held business groups. The Group operates across more than 20 countries and employs over 40,000 people in businesses spanning automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and health. Al-Futtaim represents more than 200 internationally recognized brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE and Marks & Spencer. Driven by its purpose to enrich lives and elevate communities, the Group focuses on innovation, sustainable growth and strategic partnerships. Through its retail operations, Al-Futtaim continues to develop customer‑focused experiences while supporting operational excellence and long‑term business growth.

Job Requisition ID: 182148