Head of Supply Chain Management

New Country Healthcare; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare distributor in Dubai seeks a Head of Supply Chain Management to oversee end-to-end supply chain operations. You will develop supply chain strategies, improve forecasting accuracy, manage procurement processes, and ensure regulatory compliance. This role requires 6 to 10 years of experience in supply chain management, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with ERP systems. Join a dynamic team committed to excellence in health products and enjoy competitive benefits.

Benefits

Health insurance

Annual leave and ticket allowance

Yearly incentives

Professional development support

Qualifications

• 6 to 10 years of experience in supply chain and logistics in FMCG or healthcare.
• Proven ability in managing end-to-end supply chain operations.
• Experience with UAE and GCC customs and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop integrated supply chain strategy aligned with growth plans.
• Oversee demand planning, procurement, and logistics operations.
• Manage supplier relations to enhance service levels and compliance.
• Lead inventory management and ensure operational excellence.
• Implement digital tools to increase visibility and performance.

Skills

Strategic and commercial mindset

Effective communication

Analytical capability

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Inventory management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Master’s degree or professional certifications like APICS

Tools

ERP systems (MS Dynamics)

Forecasting tools

Job description

About NCH:

At New Country Healthcare (NCH), our journey started with a powerful vision of fostering a healthier community, guided by the vision of our Chairman, Dr Ghazi Al Koudsi. Through unwavering dedication, we have not only fulfilled our commitment to the community but also emerged as a prominent leader in the healthcare sector. Over the last 32 years, New Country Healthcare has established itself as the leading healthcare distributor in the UAE, with an extensive portfolio featuring over 1500 top-quality products from over 50 international brands manufactured across the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

At NCH, we have a holistic approach to health, and today, we import and distribute trusted international brands in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, health and functional foods, sports nutrition, cosmeceuticals, and personal products, solidifying our position in the local and GCC markets. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to our core values, providing innovative and high-quality healthcare products while upholding our legacy of excellence.

Culture at NCH:

At New Country Healthcare (NCH), our people-centric culture thrives on collaboration, continuous growth, and innovation. We believe in the power of continuous education, empowering our teams to reach their full potential and contribute fresh ideas. With a strong focus on Learning and Development, we nurture a culture of learning through engaging seminars and ongoing training programs. United by a shared mission and values, our diverse team prioritises sustainability, customer well‑being, promotes healthy lifestyles, and fosters community education. At NCH, you'll find a supportive environment where collaboration and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do, working together to make a positive impact on the health and well‑being of our community.

Position Overview

The Head of Supply Chain Management leads the end‑to‑end supply chain function to ensure uninterrupted product availability, fast and accurate order fulfilment, and strong commercial performance across the UAE and GCC markets. The role oversees demand planning, procurement, warehousing, logistics, and regulatory compliance, ensuring every stage of the supply chain supports business growth and customer satisfaction.

The position drives improvements in forecasting accuracy, inventory health, landed cost efficiency, and delivery performance while maintaining strict adherence to quality, safety, and pharmaceutical regulatory standards. Working closely with Sales, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, and Finance, the role translates commercial plans into supply readiness and enables the business to compete effectively across pharmacy retail, eCommerce, modern trade, wholesale, and institutional channels. It requires a balance of strategic planning and hands‑on execution, strong analytical capability, and the ability to build a resilient, agile, and customer‑focused supply chain.

Responsibilities

1. Supply Chain Strategy and Planning

1.1 Develop and implement an integrated supply chain strategy that aligns with commercial growth plans and customer service expectations.

1.2 Lead demand and supply planning, improving forecast accuracy across all channels including retail, wholesale, modern trade, and eCommerce.

1.3 Build annual supply plans aligned with promotional calendars, category priorities, new product launches, and seasonal fluctuations.

1.4 Conduct capacity planning for warehousing, transportation, and inbound shipments to ensure operational readiness.

2. Procurement, Supplier Performance, and Compliance

2.1 Manage end‑to‑end procurement processes, including forecasting, purchase orders, shipment tracking, and supplier coordination.

2.2 Strengthen supplier relationships to enhance service levels, improve lead times, and optimise cost.

2.3 Negotiate freight, logistics, and supply terms while ensuring compliance with UAE and GCC import regulations and documentation standards.

2.4 Oversee regulatory compliance including import permits, customs clearance, and product specific requirements for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.

3. Inventory Management, Warehousing, and Quality Control

3.1 Lead inventory planning to maintain optimal stock levels, reduce write‑offs, and improve inventory turnover.

3.2 Ensure strict adherence to FEFO, expiry management, and integrity of cold chain and temperature‑controlled storage where applicable.

3.3 Manage warehouse operations to ensure accuracy, safety, and full compliance with storage, handling, and distribution standards.

3.4 Continuously optimise warehouse layout, storage utilisation, and operational workflows to enhance efficiency.

4. Distribution, Logistics, and Order Fulfilment

4.1 Oversee end‑to‑end order fulfilment, ensuring high DIFOT performance for retail, wholesale, and key account customers.

4.2 Lead last‑mile delivery operations, including route planning, dispatch control, and coordination with logistics partners across all Emirates.

4.3 Manage 3PL partners, monitoring service reliability, cost efficiency, and compliance with temperature and safety requirements.

4.4 Supervise returns, recalls, reverse logistics, and damaged goods handling in alignment with commercial and financial policies.

5. Operational Excellence and Cost Optimisation

5.1 Identify operational inefficiencies and lead process improvement initiatives to improve speed, accuracy, and customer service.

5.2 Deliver cost optimisation across freight, storage, inventory, and logistics through disciplined analysis and negotiation.

5.3 Implement digital tools, automation, and ERP enhancements to increase visibility and operational control.

5.4 Establish and maintain standard operating procedures to drive consistency, scalability, and operational discipline.

6. Analytics, Reporting, and Risk Management

6.1 Monitor supply chain KPIs including forecast accuracy, stock cover, fill rate, DIFOT, landed cost, and supplier performance.

6.2 Provide monthly reports and insights to senior management with recommendations for corrective action and improvement.

6.3 Develop risk mitigation and business continuity plans to manage supply disruptions, regulatory delays, and logistics constraints.

6.4 Ensure full audit readiness through accurate documentation, system updates, and compliance reporting.

7. Leadership, Collaboration, and Stakeholder Alignment

7.1 Lead, mentor, and develop the supply chain team, building capability across planning, warehousing, logistics, and compliance.

7.2 Collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, Finance, IT, and Customer Service to align supply plans with business priorities.

7.3 Strengthen partnerships with key customers and external stakeholders by ensuring reliable, responsive, and service‑oriented operations.

7.4 Promote a culture of accountability, agility, simplicity, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Skills

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional certification such as APICS, CSCP, or CIPS is an advantage.
• 6 to 10 years of progressive experience in supply chain and logistics within FMCG, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, or healthcare distribution.
• Strong experience managing end‑to‑end supply chain operations, including demand planning, procurement, warehousing, logistics, and order fulfilment.
• Exposure to UAE and GCC regulatory requirements, customs procedures, and controlled product handling.
• Proven experience leading teams and delivering improvements in service levels, cost efficiency, and operational performance.

Technical and Functional Skills

• Strong proficiency in ERP systems and planning tools, ideally MS Dynamics or equivalent platforms.
• Advanced analytical capability with experience using dashboards, forecasting tools, and data‑driven decision making.
• Deep knowledge of inventory optimisation, warehousing standards, FEFO, cold chain, and quality control.
• Experience managing 3PLs, freight negotiation, route planning, and last‑mile logistics.
• Understanding of regulatory documentation including import permits, customs clearance, and GCC trade requirements.
• Ability to manage landed cost accuracy, logistics budgeting, and working capital impacts.

Soft Skills and Competencies

• Strategic and commercially minded with strong problem‑solving and planning capability.
• Effective communicator able to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Hands‑on leadership style with commitment to team development and accountability.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across functions.
• Highly organised, adaptable, proactive, and able to operate in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail supported by resilience and practical judgement.

Why Join Us:

Join a dynamic and fast‑growing company where innovation, excellence, and collaboration drive everything we do. You’ll work alongside a talented and supportive team in a diverse and inclusive environment that values each individual’s unique contributions.

• Exciting career growth opportunities in a company at the forefront of healthcare and technology
• A comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including Health insurance, Annual leave and ticket allowance, Yearly incentives (as per company policy) and Professional development support

Be part of a culture that’s committed to empowering talent, embracing innovation, and building success together.