Operations Manager

We are partnering with an Asian business entering the UAE market. This is a greenfield mandate: the successful candidate will establish the operation from the ground up, building the infrastructure, processes, vendor network, and systems on which everything else depends.

This is fundamentally a 0-1 role. We are seeking a hands-on operator with a proven track record of building functions from scratch, who can work independently from day one and exercise sound commercial judgment without step-by-step direction. Candidates whose experience is limited to optimising mature operations are unlikely to be a fit.

Role purpose

Establish, operationalise, and scale the logistics and warehouse function in-region. A hands-on leadership role owning the end-to-end build, from international inbound through to local last-mile, while driving cost efficiency, inventory integrity, and operational excellence.

What you'll buildWarehouse setup & operational readinessImplement a structured cycle-count process to achieve and hold high inventory accuracy in the WMS.Oversee daily warehouse activity (packing, fulfilment, delivery coordination) and keep flow smooth across the team.

Logistics coordination & vendor managementSource, evaluate, and contract local courier partners across marketplace, B2B, and retail channels, assessing T&Cs, service levels, and cost.

Coordinate timely, cost-effective international inbound and outbound shipments, managing customs clearance and documentationNegotiate favourable terms with vendors and logistics partners, ensuring compliance with Incoterms and company policy.

Process & system excellenceBuild, document, and own the end-to-end operating model (Inbound → Customs → Warehousing → Last mile), with SOPs covering 3PL management, inventory control, and cross-regional coordination.

Lead implementation and optimisation of the ERP/WMS/POS platform, shipping workflow improvements that reduce error.

Run a structured weekly coordination rhythm with the overseas HQ logistics team.

Financial, admin & teamVerify and process vendor payments with Finance, and reconcile inventory between internal systems and warehouse records.

Coach the warehouse team and ensure all stakeholders, internal and 3PL, are trained on SOPs and systems.

What you'll need

Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related.5 to 8 years in logistics, with proven experience in a setup, start-up, or process-improvement environment. Non-negotiable given the 0-1 nature of the role.

In-house retail, e-commerce, or consumer-goods operations exposure.

Strong command of warehouse workflows, international shipping, and import/export documentation, plus shipping/3PL systems and MS Office.A proactive, independent operator with sound commercial judgment on vendors, cost, and terms.

Nice to haveGCC/UAE market experience.

Hands-on ERP experience, particularly proposing system improvements.

Arabic language skills preferred.