Head of Operations

Xender For Trading; Dubai; On-site; AED 275,000 - 368,000; Full time

Job summary

A fresh produce distribution company in Dubai seeks a Head of Operations to oversee the supply chain from sourcing to customer service. The successful candidate will have over 7 years of operations management experience in food distribution, strong leadership skills, and expertise in quality control. This hands-on role requires strategic thinking paired with operational management to ensure product freshness and high customer satisfaction. Fluency in English is required; Arabic is a plus.

Qualifications

• Proven experience (7+ years) in operations management, preferably in food distribution.
• Strong background in demand planning and sourcing.
• In-depth knowledge of quality control and hygiene standards.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Proficiency in using ERP or inventory management systems.

Responsibilities

• Implement strict quality and hygiene standards.
• Build and manage relationships with suppliers.
• Optimize delivery routes for efficiency.
• Ensure exceptional customer service.
• Manage budgets and team performance.

Skills

Operations management

Demand planning

Supplier relationship management

Quality control

Logistics management

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field

Job description

Xender For Trading specializes in sourcing and delivering the highest-quality fresh fruits and vegetables from around the world to restaurants, hotels, and the wider hospitality industry. We focus on premium produce and sustainable practices to ensure our customers receive exceptional quality and reliable service. Our dedication to excellence and sustainability is what sets us apart in the market.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role based in Dubai for a Head of Operations in a fresh produce distribution business serving restaurants, hotels, and the wider hospitality industry. The Head of Operations will oversee all aspects of the supply chain, from sourcing and quality control to logistics and customer service, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Quality Control & Hygiene: Implementing and maintaining strict quality and hygiene standards across sourcing, storage, and delivery.
2. Sourcing and Forecasting: Building and managing relationships with global and local suppliers to secure premium fruits and vegetables at competitive prices.
3. Logistics & Route Planning: Optimizing delivery routes for efficiency, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness.
4. Customer Experience: Ensuring exceptional service levels, handling client feedback, and driving customer satisfaction.
5. Operational Oversight: Managing budgets, KPIs, and team performance while streamlining workflows to increase productivity.
6. Continuous Improvement: Analyzing operational data to identify bottlenecks, improve processes, and enhance quality at every stage.
7. Demand Planning: Forecasting customer needs and aligning procurement and inventory to meet demand without overstocking or shortages.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a balance of strategic thinking and on-the-ground operational management to keep products fresh, customers happy, and processes running smoothly.

Qualifications

• Proven experience (7+ years) in operations management, preferably in food distribution, hospitality supply chain, or FMCG.
• Strong background in demand planning, sourcing, and supplier relationship management.
• In-depth knowledge of quality control, food safety, and hygiene standards relevant to fresh produce handling.
• Demonstrated expertise in logistics, fleet management, and route optimization.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret operational data and implement improvements.
• Solid financial acumen for budget management and cost control.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with a customer-focused mindset.
• Proficiency in using ERP or inventory management systems; advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and related tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Fluency in English; Arabic is a plus.

The additional job titles listed after qualifications appear unrelated to this role and seem to be extraneous content. They should be removed for clarity and focus.