Senior Specialist Inbound & Customs

Adidas; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sportswear company is seeking a logistics professional in Dubai to manage end-to-end product flow, ensuring efficient and timely delivery. Key responsibilities include overseeing inbound shipment operations and compliance with customs regulations. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Supply Chain Management and 3-4 years of relevant experience. Strong analytical and communication skills, and fluency in English and Arabic are required.

Qualifications

• 3-4 years of overall work experience in Supply Chain/Logistics.
• Managerial experience is a plus.
• Ability to meet critical deadlines under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Manage the efficient movement of products from factories to DC.
• Lead discussions with shipping lines and freight forwarders.
• Ensure compliance with customs regulations.
• Monitor inbound costs and seek efficiency improvements.
• Provide guidance for team members and ensure cooperation.

Skills

Expert in Inbound and Customs

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Logistics and supply chain management

IT skills (MS Office, SAP, WMS)

Team player

Fluent in English and Arabic

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Excel

Job description

Overview

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization: Responsible for managing the end-to-end product flow of adidas efficiently, timely, and cost-effectively - from origin factories until stock delivery to Distribution Centers and direct-to-customer shipments. Key accountabilities include daily monitoring and execution of all inbound shipping activities, customs clearance, forwarding, and stock updates, ensuring business continuity and service excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Inbound Operations & Product Flow - Manage the efficient and timely movement of adidas products from factories to UAE DC and direct-to-customer shipments (UAE or China). Oversee scheduling, booking, and tracking of inbound shipments to ensure on-time arrival and accuracy.
• Service Provider & Stakeholder Management - Lead discussions and maintain strong account management with shipping lines, freight forwarders, and inbound service providers. Run regular performance reviews (QBR/MBR) and collaborate cross-functionally with Product Supply, Sales, OBF, and SCM Excellence teams to align on priorities and delivery plans.
• Documentation, Compliance & Customs - Ensure the accurate preparation and maintenance of shipping instructions, inbound documentation, SOPs, and HS codes. Monitor compliance with customs regulations and manage claims resolution when required.
• Visibility, Reporting & KPI Tracking - Provide visibility of inbound forecasts across internal and external stakeholders. Build, monitor, and report on key KPIs, lead-time performance, detention & demurrage (D&D), port pendency, and container movement. Conduct monthly & quarterly analysis of actuals vs. targets and share results with stakeholders.
• Cost Control & Governance - Monitor and control inbound costs, including freight, customs, and 3PL invoices, ensuring accuracy and approval. Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements while balancing service quality and governance requirements.
• Projects & Global Alignment - Support global logistics initiatives, tendering processes, and the implementation of key strategic projects and seasonal delivery planning.
• Team Leadership & Development - Provide guidance, clear objectives, and regular performance reviews for team members. Set development targets, follow up on individual growth plans, and ensure smooth cooperation and network across the wider team.

Key Relationships

• Global & Regional:
  • Product Supply
  • Distribution Center
  • Logistics Providers
  • Finance
  • Order Fulfillment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expert in Inbound and Customs.
• Strong analytical skills and data driven decision making.
• Ability to deliver good results under pressure, accepting and meeting critical deadlines.
• Ability to #CreateTheNew by challenging the status-quo.
• Motivated team player and willing to learn.
• Strong and proven analytical and communication skills with attention to details.
• Experienced in logistics and supply chain management as well as project management.
• Competence, experienced and high level of IT affinity (MS Office/Teams needed / SAP, WMS knowledge is a plus).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to lead and influence discussions in diverse groups of varying size (internal & external).
• English & Arabic speaking and writing.

IT Skills

• Word | PowerPoint | Outlook: Good
• Power BI : Good
• SAP : Good
• Excel : Advanced

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree/University degree or higher in Supply chain Management.
• 3-4 years of overall work experience in Supply Chain/Logistics
• Managerial Experience is a plus.