Pre Delivery Inspection Manager - Automotive

AlFuttaim; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Al-Futtaim Automotive in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Pre Delivery Inspection Manager to lead multi-brand vehicle preparation operations, develop PDI strategy and improve productivity across the site.

The role emphasizes Lean Production, cost control, inventory optimization, and continuous improvement, with responsibility for PDI center development, performance analytics, and cross-functional collaboration to meet customer expectations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in Automotive After Sales.
• Graduate degree in Engineering or automotive equivalent.
• Distributor and OEM experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Multibrand ASU PDI strategy and operations.
• Optimize productivity and reduce costs in PDI.
• Develop PDI competence centre to improve customer satisfaction.
• Manage lean production initiatives and 5S/Kaizen.
• Oversee budgets, P/L and procurement cost control.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure timely vehicle prep.

Skills

Lean Production

Kaizen

5S

Project management

P and L management

Inventory management

Supply chain planning

Operations leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Engineering degree

Post-graduate diploma in Business Management

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Pre Delivery Inspection Manager - Automotive Job Snapshot Role: Pre Delivery Inspection Manager Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE Industry: Automotive Function: Operations-Plant Management Experience: Minimum 10 years in an Automotive After Sales environment Job Type: Full Time Work Arrangement: On-site

Al-Futtaim Automotive is hiring a Pre Delivery Inspection Manager in Abu Dhabi, UAE within the Automotive industry to lead multi-brand vehicle pre-delivery inspection operations. The role is responsible for developing PDI strategy, improving productivity, controlling operational costs, managing financial performance, and ensuring vehicles and accessories are processed efficiently and on schedule. The position combines automotive aftersales leadership with Lean Production, supply chain planning, project management, inventory optimization, and continuous improvement.

Job Details Country: UAE City: Abu Dhabi Industry: Automotive Function: Operations-Plant Management Salary: Not disclosed Gender: No Preference Candidate Nationality: Not specified Job Type: Full Time Work Arrangement: On-site

Role Context

The Pre Delivery Inspection Manager provides operational leadership across the vehicle preparation process, ensuring PDI activities support customer expectations while maintaining productivity, quality, cost, and inventory objectives. The role requires a structured approach to automotive operations, using Lean Production principles, performance analytics, financial controls, and continuous improvement methodologies to strengthen the effectiveness of the PDI facility.

PDI Strategy and Operational Performance

• Establish and implement the Multibrand ASU PDI strategy.
• Optimize productivity while maintaining customer-oriented processes.
• Improve operational cost efficiency across PDI activities.
• Apply Lean Production methodology to optimize takt time and cost.
• Develop processes that support efficient vehicle and accessory preparation.
• Adjust operational procedures based on performance results.
• Maintain a consistent operating strategy across the facility.
• Monitor operational performance against established objectives.

PDI Competence Centre

Lead the development of a PDI competence centre designed to strengthen customer satisfaction while reducing costs and optimizing inventory levels. This responsibility requires coordinated improvements across vehicle processing, operational systems, supply chain activities, resource utilization, and performance measurement.

Customer Experience and Stakeholder Management

• Design and implement processes that improve customer satisfaction.
• Maintain responsive relationships with relevant customers and stakeholders.
• Demonstrate accountability for operational commitments.
• Work across functions to resolve issues affecting PDI performance.
• Support reliable and timely vehicle processing.
• Build productive relationships that contribute to commercial and operational results.

Lean Production and Continuous Improvement

Continuous improvement is central to the position. The PDI Manager will use Lean Production principles to identify inefficiencies, improve workflow, and establish more effective operating practices. The role will implement and sustain 5S and Kaizen initiatives while using measurable performance information to identify opportunities for further improvement.

Financial and Cost Management

• Develop and implement an appropriate departmental budget.
• Manage P and L performance.
• Track financial and operational metrics.
• Identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary expenditure.
• Improve operational effectiveness through disciplined cost management.
• Support long-term savings through effective procurement cost control.
• Balance cost efficiency with operational and customer requirements.

Project Management

Manage projects from planning through execution, ensuring agreed objectives are delivered effectively. Project activities must remain aligned with established timelines and budgets while supporting broader improvements in PDI operations, systems, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

Performance Measurement

• Define meaningful operational metrics.
• Establish controls for monitoring facility performance.
• Review performance reports regularly.
• Analyze operational trends and identify areas requiring intervention.
• Use performance information to refine processes and procedures.
• Track improvements resulting from operational initiatives.

Supply Chain and Inventory

Apply supply chain planning and inventory management principles to improve vehicle preparation operations and support appropriate inventory levels. The role requires practical understanding of distribution, procurement cost management, supply chain analytics, and the relationship between inventory performance and efficient PDI operations.

People Leadership and Development

• Coach and develop team members.
• Establish Individual Development Plans.
• Support effective Succession Planning.
• Build internal capability for future operational requirements.
• Encourage associate engagement.
• Promote continuous learning and development.
• Strengthen collaboration and team performance.

Required Skills

• Automotive pre-delivery inspection operations.
• Automotive aftersales management.
• Lean Production methodology.
• Kaizen.
• 5S.
• Supply chain planning.
• Inventory management.
• Distribution.
• Project management.
• P and L management.
• Budget management.
• Procurement cost management.
• Performance analytics.
• Operational process improvement.
• Customer relationship management.
• Cross-functional collaboration.
• SAP.
• Microsoft Office.
• Analytical problem-solving.
• Team leadership and development.

Qualifications and Experience

• Graduate degree in Engineering or an Automotive equivalent.
• Post-graduate diploma in Business Management is an advantage.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in an Automotive After Sales environment.
• Distributor and OEM experience is preferred.
• Experience in Kaizen and continuous improvement.
• Project Management experience.
• Supply Chain Planning and Distribution experience.
• Experience using analytics to support operational decisions.
• Extensive knowledge of SAP and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong understanding of inventory and supply chain management principles.
• Extensive knowledge of Lean Production methodology.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to deliver high-impact supply chain solutions.
• Strong interpersonal, team-building, and relationship management capabilities.

About Al-Futtaim Automotive

Al-Futtaim Automotive operates across eight countries in the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa and represents a portfolio of more than 25 international brands. Its mobility operations span passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, industrial equipment, logistics, leasing, aftersales, and financial services. More than 9000 colleagues support the business as it develops its mobility operations through customer experience, innovation, new technologies, and digital transformation.