KSA General Manager - Cold Chain Logistics

LOGISTICS EXECUTIVE GROUP; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics firm is seeking an experienced General Manager for their cold chain operations in Saudi Arabia. This pivotal role involves establishing the company's KSA business, ensuring operational excellence, and managing compliance with local regulations. Successful candidates will have a minimum of 12 years in logistics, strong leadership capabilities, and a track record in business development. Fluency in English is required, with Arabic as a preferred asset. The position demands strategic thinking and operational governance to drive growth in the cold chain sector.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years’ experience in logistics or cold chain, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven success in setting up or scaling operations within the KSA logistics sector.
• Knowledge of SFDA, Saudi customs, transport regulations, and compliance norms.

Responsibilities

• Lead establishment and operational launch of KSA business.
• Oversee warehousing, transport, and last-mile cold chain operations.
• Manage client relationships and develop pricing strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

P&L management

Compliance knowledge

Client relationship management

Operational excellence

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s in Business or Logistics

Job description

KSA General Manager - Cold Chain Logistics

About the job KSA General Manager - Cold Chain Logistics

Our long-term MNC client provides high-quality storage capacity and ancillary logistics solutions to support the movement of temperature-sensitive and perishable goods throughout the supply chain. With a growing footprint across the GCC cold chain sector, they support a diverse portfolio of clients across the FMCG and retail marketplace.

As part of their strategic expansion into Saudi Arabia, they seek an experienced and commercially astute General Manager to lead their KSA operations. Based in the Kingdom, this role will drive market entry, operational scale-up, and regulatory compliance establishing the company as a trusted cold chain partner across food, pharma, and consumer sectors in Saudi Arabia.

Country Leadership & Market Strategy

• Lead the establishment and operational launch of KSA business in line with GCC strategy
• Define go-to-market approach, regulatory setup, and long-term business roadmap
• Represent the company in commercial, regulatory, and governmental forums

Operational Execution & Service Delivery

• Oversee warehousing, transport, and last-mile cold chain operations across the Kingdom
• Ensure compliance with SFDA, temperature control standards, and client SLAs
• Drive operational KPIs related to efficiency, quality, safety, and fleet performance

Commercial Growth & Partnerships

• Build client relationships across FMCG, food service, healthcare, and retail sectors
• Develop pricing strategies, commercial offers, and long-term contracts
• Identify new revenue streams and partnership opportunities in the KSA market
• Own P&L for KSA, ensuring cost control and revenue optimisation
• Oversee budgeting, reporting, and capex planning for Saudi operations
• Monitor asset utilisation and lifecycle across warehousing and transport units
• Build and manage multidisciplinary teams across operations, commercial, and support functions
• Ensure full adherence to Saudi employment law and regulatory frameworks
• Promote a high-performance culture focused on accountability and service excellence

🔹 Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 12 years’ experience in logistics or cold chain, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Proven success in setting up or scaling operations within the KSA logistics sector
• Strong knowledge of SFDA, Saudi customs, transport regulations, and compliance norms
• Commercially driven with a track record in business development and key account management
• Full P&L ownership experience and strong operational governance capability
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in Business, Logistics, or related field preferred
• English fluency essential; Arabic proficiency highly advantageous