Operations Manager

Role Summary

The Operations Manager will lead end-to-end operational performance for the food business across Middle East markets, with a strong focus on supply chain efficiency, cost control, service levels, and compliance. The role is based in Dubai and works closely with procurement, manufacturing in Europe, logistics, sales, and regional partners to ensure smooth and scalable operations.

This position requires a hands-on operator with solid experience in food supply chains, regional distribution, and multi-country operations.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Supply Chain

• Own day-to-day operations across sourcing, production planning, inventory management, warehousing, and distribution.
• Design and manage efficient supply chain flows across Middle East markets, including imports, exports, and in-market distribution.
• Ensure optimal inventory levels to balance availability, freshness, and working capital.
• Lead demand planning and forecasting in coordination with sales and commercial teams.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, co-packers, logistics providers, and distributors.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, waste, and lead times.

Food Industry & Quality Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements across all operating markets (e.g. local municipality rules, GCC standards, import/export regulations).
• Oversee quality assurance processes, audits, and corrective actions.
• Work closely with QA and regulatory teams to maintain certifications and approvals.

Regional Operations (Middle East)

• Coordinate operations across multiple Middle East countries, adapting to local regulations and market requirements.
• Support market entry or expansion initiatives by setting up supply chain and operational structures.
• Act as the operational point of contact for regional partners and distributors.

Financial & Performance Management

• Own operational budgets and cost control, including logistics, warehousing, and production-related costs.
• Track and report KPIs such as service level, OTIF, inventory turns, waste, and cost per unit.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation plans related to supply disruptions, capacity constraints, or regulatory changes.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead and develop the operations and supply chain team.
• Work closely with sales, marketing, finance, and senior management to align operational capabilities with business goals.
• Establish clear SOPs and performance standards across operations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 8–12 years of experience in operations and supply chain roles within the FMCG or Food Service industry.
• Proven experience managing regional supply chains across the Middle East.
• Strong knowledge of food manufacturing, cold chain (where applicable), and distribution models.
• Hands-on experience with demand planning, inventory optimization, and supplier management.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards and regulatory requirements in the region.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Practical, hands-on leadership style with the ability to operate both strategically and tactically.
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• High attention to detail with a strong focus on execution.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, growing environment.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and supply chain planning tools.
• Fluent in English

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Reliable product availability across all Middle East markets.
• Optimized supply chain costs and improved operational efficiency.
• Scalable operations that support business growth and market expansion.
• A motivated, high-performing operations team.