Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Industry: Trading (Building Materials, Sanitaryware, Kitchen Equipment, or similar) Experience Required: Minimum 15 years in the UAE (Abu Dhabi or Dubai), preferably in a trading or distribution company Job Purpose To lead and oversee all operational, financial, and strategic activities of the company. The General Manager will be responsible for driving business growth, improving profitability, managing stakeholder relationships, and ensuring operational excellence in alignment with the company’s long-term objectives. Job Description Key Responsibilities: 1. Strategic Leadership • Develop and implement long-term business strategies to achieve company goals. • Identify new market opportunities and diversification strategies in trading or associated sectors. • Lead business expansion initiatives within UAE and GCC regions. 2. Operational Management • Oversee daily business operations including procurement, sales, warehousing, and logistics. • Establish and monitor performance metrics across departments. • Ensure operational efficiency, cost control, and compliance with UAE regulations. 3. Sales & Marketing • Set and achieve revenue targets in coordination with the sales team. • Foster relationships with key clients (contractors, consultants, government bodies). • Oversee marketing and branding strategies to strengthen market positioning. 4. Financial Management • Develop and manage the annual budget and financial forecasts. • Monitor cash flow, profitability, and financial risk management. • Coordinate with internal and external auditors, banks, and regulatory authorities. 5. Team Leadership & HR • Recruit, train, and develop high-performing teams. • Establish KPIs and performance management systems. • Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. 6. Stakeholder Management • Report to the Board of Directors/Owners with regular updates on company performance. • Build strategic partnerships and manage supplier and vendor relationships. • Represent the company in trade fairs, exhibitions, and industry forums.
Education & Qualifications: • Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or relevant field. • MBA or equivalent postgraduate degree is preferred. Experience: • Minimum of 15 years of proven experience in a general management or senior leadership role within a trading or distribution business in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. • Strong knowledge of the UAE manufacturing industry supply chain. • Demonstrated success in leading business transformations and profit growth. Skills & Competencies: • Strategic thinking and commercial insight • Strong leadership and team-building skills • Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills • Deep understanding of UAE business laws and trading practices • Fluency in English • High proficiency in ERP systems, CRM platforms, and Microsoft Office Personal Attributes: • Results-driven and entrepreneurial mindset • Culturally aware and adaptable • High integrity and professionalism • Strong decision-making under pressure
* The salary benchmark is based on the target salaries of market leaders in their relevant sectors. It is intended to serve as a guide to help Premium Members assess open positions and to help in salary negotiations. The salary benchmark is not provided directly by the company, which could be significantly higher or lower.