Material Management Operations Manager

Al-Futtaim; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Al-Futtaim is seeking an experienced Materials Management Operations Manager to lead inventory strategy and execution across the Automotive Division. You will align stock levels with business goals, drive governance, and enhance system capabilities to support high service levels.

The role requires leading a team of planners and implementing continuous improvement initiatives. Responsibilities include OEM/vendor management, planning governance, network stock optimization, and proactive inventory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's in Supply Chain or related field.
• Approximately 5 years in Supply Chain or Inventory operations.
• Experience leading a team for 1-2 years; automotive parts knowledge preferred.
• Proficiency in inventory management processes and KPIs.

Responsibilities

• OEM/Vendor Management: coordinate OEM programs, monitor supplier performance, ensure high fill rates.
• Order Planning & Replenishment Governance: approve proposals, improve fill rates, meet service targets.
• Inventory Management: balance stock levels, reduce ageing, support revenue and working capital.
• Network Stock Management: optimize stock across branches, manage returns and VOR orders.
• Proactive Inventory Monitoring: analyze demand trends, monitor system, implement improvements.
• Operational Excellence & Leadership: ensure accurate processing, coach planners, drive SOP compliance.

Skills

SAP ERP

Power BI

Alteryx

Tableau

Forecasting

Inventory planning

Education

Bachelor's in SCM

Tools

Syncron

Job description

Overview Of The Role:

The Material Management Operations Manager leads the strategic planning and operational execution of inventory across the Automotive Division, ensuring optimal stock levels and improved availability while optimizing working capital. This role is central to synchronizing inventory with business objectives, overseeing governance, and enhancing system capabilities to support high service level performance. Leading a team of planners, the manager drives development within the supply chain, implements continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures customer satisfaction. The position demands collaboration with multiple cross-functional teams to ensure efficient and effective inventory operations across all sales channels.

What You Will Do:

OEM/Vendor Management

• Ensure effective coordination and execution of OEM programs and guidelines.
• Reduce demand-supply gaps and monitor vendor performance in collaboration and alignment with Brand Business Units.
• Ensure high supplier fill rates and reduced lead times.
• Monitor and report back-orders.

Order Planning & Replenishment Governance

• Validate and approve order proposals ensuring optimal planning and placement.
• Improve fill rates, reduce back orders, and recover lost sales to meet service-level targets across all channels.
• Ensure stock availability is timely and aligned with policies.

Inventory Management

• Achieve balanced inventory levels through improved stock mix and reduced excess and obsolete inventory.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders on preventive measures to reduce ageing stock.
• Support revenue and working capital objectives, focusing on stock health.

Network Stock Management

• Optimize network stock, managing replenishments, returns, and stock health at branch level.
• Oversee and manage VOR (Vehicle Off Road) order handling and minimize customer downtime.
• Ensure fill rates and service levels at branch level are optimal.

Proactive Inventory Monitoring & Optimization

• Continuously monitor inventory performance, demand fluctuations, and sales trends for improvements.
• Lead Syncron parameter monitoring and refinement, resolving system exceptions.
• Implement corrective actions based on identified improvement opportunities.

Operational Excellence and Team Leadership

• Ensure accurate and timely operational processing including ASN, logistics coordination, and master data management.
• Resolve operational issues while managing internal and external stakeholders.
• Coach and guide material planners, ensuring full compliance with policies, SOPs, and regulations.
• Drive team towards operational excellence through continuous development and oversight.

Required Skills To Be Successful:

• Proficiency in ERP systems, preferably SAP, and experience with BI tools and Syncron.
• Strong skills in inventory forecasting, planning, and analysis.
• Competence in using analytical tools such as Alteryx, Power BI, and Tableau.
• Excellent collaboration and problem-solving skills, with a customer-oriented and analytical mindset.

What Qualifies You For The Role:

• Bachelor's or Master's in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent.
• Approximately 5 years of experience in Supply Chain or Inventory operations.
• Experience managing a team for 1-2 years, with a preference for automotive parts knowledge.
• Proficiency in inventory management processes and KPIs.