Supply Chain Manager - UAE

Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading beverage company in Dubai is seeking a Supply Chain Manager to oversee logistics operations, fleet management, and supply planning. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of supply chain experience and a strong background in leading cross-functional teams. This role requires strategic thinking, a focus on continuous improvement, and the ability to manage a large workforce. Competitive package offered in a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in supply chain, with 3+ years in operations leadership.
• Proven track record in logistics, transportation, and warehousing.
• Experience managing a large team of blue & white collars.

Responsibilities

• Lead all logistics operations across multiple sites.
• Manage strategic outsourcing partnerships with 3PLs.
• Drive route optimization and efficiency improvements.

Skills

Logistics Management

Fleet Management

Demand Planning

Leadership

Process Improvement

Analytical Thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management

MBA or Master’s preferred

Job description

Job Purpose:

The UAE Supply Chain Manager is a core member for the UAE business leadership team. She/He will be responsible for leading the full supply chain operations of Nestle Waters UAE with a strong focus on logistics (warehousing & transportation), fleet management, demand and supply planning, and continuous improvement. She/He leads a large team of +250 FTEs and complex Direct-To-Consumer operations and is expected to drive operational excellence through strategic route planning, cost optimization, outsourcing strategies, and supply chain network design to support business growth and improve operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Logistics Operations (Warehousing & Transportation)

• Lead all logistics operations, including warehousing, distribution, and transportation across multiple sites and tens of thousands of drop points.
• Ensure efficient warehousing operations and practices including space optimization, safety compliance, and accurate inventory management.
• Manage and optimize transportation operations, with tens of thousands drop-points in a mixed model operation (DTC and B2B), focusing on route planning, last mile delivery, delivery performance, and cost management.
• Utilize existing route optimization tools and GPS/telematics systems to improve delivery efficiency and reduce mileage and fuel consumption.
• Develop and manage strategic outsourcing partnerships with 3PLs and transport service providers, ensuring high service levels, compliance, and cost competitiveness.

2. Fleet Management

• Own the end-to-end fleet strategy, including make-or-buy (own vs outsource) decisions based on cost-benefit analysis.
• Monitor key fleet metrics including utilization, downtime, maintenance schedules, and TCO (total cost of ownership).
• Drive improvements in routing, delivery accuracy, and fleet cost using real-time tracking and predictive analytics.
• Lead initiatives to enhance sustainability and fuel efficiency within the fleet.

3. Demand & Supply Planning

• Lead the demand forecasting and supply planning process in collaboration with sales, marketing and manufacturing teams.
• Ensure alignment between supply and demand to achieve service levels while optimizing inventory and working capital.
• Utilize statistical tools and historical trends to improve forecast accuracy.
• Design and execute the inventory policy to ensure optimal product availability and minimal stock-outs or overstocking.

4. Continuous Improvement & Optimization

• Design and continuously optimize the end-to-end supply chain network (warehouses, distribution centers, and delivery routes) to ensure OTIF, cost-effective scalability and service improvement.
• Drive route optimization initiatives, including last-mile delivery and network redesign concepts, using data-driven analysis.
• Evaluate and execute outsourcing strategies for logistics and distribution to unlock flexibility, scalability, and cost savings.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies across all supply chain functions.
• Lead digital transformation and automation initiatives in planning and logistics.

5. Leadership & Strategy

• Build and lead a high-performing cross-functional supply chain team, training, educating and coaching the direct team.
• Champion the supply chain with UAE management team (Sales, Finance, Operations, Procurement) to align supply chain priorities with business goals.
• Lead budget planning and cost control initiatives across the entire supply chain.
• Champion the safety-first culture across operations including road safety.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Logistics, or related field; MBA or Master’s preferred.
• +10 years of experience in supply chain with +3 years in operations leadership role, with hands-on experience in logistics, transportation, and warehousing.
• Proven track record in route optimization, transport outsourcing, and supply chain network redesign.
• Experience managing complex, multi-site management and DTC operations.
• Must have experience managing a large team of blue & white collars.
• Strong project management, process improvement and change management experience.
• Strong preference to UAE experience including partnering with 3PLs in high-intensity warehousing & transportation operations.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Strong leadership and people management
• Advanced knowledge in logistics operations and transportation technology
• Expertise in cost optimization and process improvement
• High agility in managing complex and dynamic supply chain environments