Head of Operations

Starlinks Global; Dubai; On-site; AED 223,200 - 334,800; Full time

Job summary

Starlinks Global in Dubai seeks an experienced logistics manager to oversee daily operations and ensure quality standards. This role requires optimizing resource allocation and managing supplier relationships, along with implementing safety and compliance audits aligned with UAE regulations.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in logistics management, with at least 5 years of leadership experience, a Bachelor's degree in supply chain or a related field, and expertise in transportation and warehouse management systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in a leadership role within logistics or supply chain.
• Proven skills in managing large-scale logistics operations.
• Strong knowledge of transportation and warehouse management systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily warehouse and logistics operations.
• Optimize shift planning and resource allocation.
• Manage supplier relationships for temporary labor and equipment.
• Conduct safety and health compliance audits.
• Control operational costs through budget monitoring.
• Lead capacity planning sessions to forecast demand.
• Develop risk management strategies for operational disruptions.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Digital financial dashboards

Job description

Oversee daily warehouse and logistics operations to ensure compliance with customer contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), and quality standards, including timely order fulfillment, inventory accuracy and shipment processing by utilizing real-time data dashboards and analytics tools to monitor performance metrics.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and evaluate the performance of operations managers and frontline teams, providing coaching, performance feedback, and development opportunities to maintain high standards of execution, supported by data‑driven insights from KPI and employee performance tracking systems.
• Optimize shift planning, resource allocation and process productivity to meet or exceed predefined targets, utilizing key performance indicators (KPIs) such as throughput rates, error rates, and on‑time delivery metrics, and employing digital tools like workforce management software for predictive scheduling.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence by ensuring teams adhere to best practices, including lean principles, safety protocols and continuous improvement methodologies like Kaizen or Six Sigma, while integrating data analytics to identify bottlenecks and implement digitally enabled process enhancements.
• Manage relationships with suppliers for temporary labor, equipment and operational consumables, resolving issues promptly to minimize disruptions and maintain cost‑effective partnerships through data‑driven vendor performance evaluations and digital procurement platforms.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure health, safety and environmental (HSE) compliance in line with UAE regulations and international standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, using digital auditing tools and IoT sensors for real‑time monitoring and reporting.
• Lead weekly, monthly and quarterly capacity planning sessions, forecasting demand and aligning facilities, equipment and human resources to handle peak volumes, seasonal fluctuations and unexpected surges by analyzing historical data, market trends and predictive analytics models.
• Control operational costs through budget monitoring, variance analysis and cost‑saving initiatives, ensuring adherence to financial targets while maintaining service quality with the aid of digital financial dashboards and AI‑powered cost optimisation tools.
• Supervise the setup and launch of new facilities or expansions, including process design, resource procurement, technology integration (e.g. WMS, ERP systems) and team training to ensure smooth transitions and minimal downtime, incorporating digital twins and simulation software for efficient planning.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies to mitigate operational disruptions such as supply chain bottlenecks or labor shortages, while promoting efficiency through automation and process re‑engineering driven by data insights from risk assessment platforms.
• Collaborate with procurement and finance teams to negotiate contracts and optimise vendor performance, ensuring value for money and alignment with business objectives using digital negotiation tools and data analytics for supplier scoring.
• Analyse market trends, competitor activities and customer needs to propose network optimisations such as new warehouse locations, transportation routes or partnerships that enhance scalability and competitiveness in the UAE and regional markets, supported by advanced data analytics and market intelligence platforms.
• Lead organisational change management efforts, including talent development programmes and succession planning to build a resilient and high‑performing operations team, incorporating digital learning management systems and data‑driven talent analytics.
• Perform other job‑related projects and or assignments that he/she might be asked to do by his/her direct supervisor/manager for special assistance that are often not mentioned in this job description as they arise under specific circumstances.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business, administration or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Hands‑on experience in logistics, supply chain, or eCommerce fulfilment, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in managing large‑scale logistics operations, preferably in eCommerce or retail logistics.
• Strong understanding of transportation management systems (TMS), warehouse management systems (WMS) and route optimisation tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to logistics and transportation in the GCC region.