General Manager Contract Logistics / 3PL (Build & Scale) UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) | Multi-site | Overseas applicants welcome
A North American logistics powerhouse is scaling fast across the UAE and wider GCC. We're hiring a General Manager to build and lead our Contract Logistics / 3PL division in the UAE.
This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with real autonomy. You'll shape the operating model, launch and ramp new sites, win and retain customers, and deliver performance across warehousing and value-added logistics. You'll be the person who turns strategy into an operating engine: people, process, systems, service, and margin.
Reporting line
- Reports to: VP Contract Logistics (Singapore)
- Functional interface: Regional/Group Contract Logistics leadership, Commercial/Solutions Design, Finance, IT
What you'll own (core responsibilities)
- Lead the end-to-end P&L for the UAE Contract Logistics / 3PL product line (shared accountability with senior leadership).
- Own current and future sites across the UAE: launch, ramp-up, stabilization, and scale.
- Provide direct leadership to operational teams, building a strong bench through succession planning, coaching, and performance management.
- Partner with Sales on 3PL enquiries, solution design, pricing inputs, and customer proposals.
- Work with regional teams to develop client-specific solutions (layout, process design, systems, labor model, cost-to-serve).
- Drive continuous improvement and productivity programs across warehouse operations.
- Lead quality and HSE standards, training, and compliance to ensure safe, audit-ready operations.
- Build senior relationships with major customers and implement retention and growth plans.
- Lead strategic projects aligned to country and product strategy (new verticals, new capabilities, automation, systems upgrades).
- Maintain a close view of local market dynamics (rates, competitors, customer needs) to position the business effectively.
- Develop relationships with facility owners/landlords and stay current on availability and market rates.
OKRs
- On-time, on-budget launch of new Contract Logistics operations and sites in the UAE
- Strong customer KPI performance (service levels, inventory accuracy, productivity)
- Stable, scalable operating rhythms (SOPs, dashboards, governance)
- Healthy margin delivery and disciplined cost control
- High-performing leadership team with clear succession
Requirements
- 10+ years experience in Contract Logistics / 3PL / warehousing leadership (multi-site preferred).
- Proven track record owning operational performance and commercial outcomes (P&L exposure strongly preferred).
- Strong knowledge of warehousing processes: inbound/outbound, inventory control, VAS, returns, cycle counting.
- Experience designing and calculating warehouse/supply chain processes (labor model, layout, throughput, cost-to-serve).
- Confident stakeholder management with customers, internal leadership, and external partners.
- Strong communication skills and a practical, solutions-led mindset.
Education
- Bachelor's degree (Logistics / Supply Chain / Engineering or similar)
- Master's degree is a plus
Skills & traits we value
- Strong people leadership, motivation, and team-building
- High standards on HSE, training, and operational discipline
- Detail-oriented, highly organized, and comfortable with systems and KPIs
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel/PowerPoint/Outlook)
- Flexibility and resilience in a build-and-scale environment
Keywords (for search) 3PL, 4PL, Contract Logistics, Warehousing, Multi-site Operations, Greenfield, Site Launch, Ramp-up, Stabilisation, P&L, Cost-to-Serve, Solution Design, RFP, Tender, SLA, OTIF, DIFOT, Inventory Accuracy, Cycle Counting, Returns, Reverse Logistics, VAS, Kitting, Labelling, Repacking, WMS, TMS, OMS, ERP, EDI, API Integration, RF Scanning, Control Tower, Visibility, Track & Trace, Slotting, Layout Design, Labour Modelling, Productivity, Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, SOPs, Governance, HSE, EHS, Audit Ready, Automation, AMR, AS/RS, Sortation, Conveyors, MHE, eCommerce Fulfilment, Retail Logistics, FMCG, Pharma Cold Chain
