Position: Senior Operations & Logistics Manager
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Reporting Line: Head of Operations
Travel Requirement: Regular travel to Africa and other parts of Asia
Role Summary
Our client is seeking a seasoned supply chain leader to oversee and strengthen international trading and logistics operations across multiple geographies.
This position is responsible for managing the complete operational lifecycle from origin procurement and inland movement to international freight execution and final delivery coordination.
Based in Dubai, the role requires strong command over commodity logistics, export trade processes, freight negotiations, and operational risk control. The successful candidate will lead cross-border teams and ensure disciplined execution, cost efficiency, and service reliability in a dynamic trading environment.
Core Responsibilities
1. Global Supply Chain Oversight
- Direct and coordinate full-cycle supply chain activities across sourcing origins and destination markets.
- Ensure seamless integration between procurement, warehousing, freight movement, and commercial commitments.
- Enhance operational efficiency through process redesign, lead time reduction, and service optimization.
- Develop and standardize operating procedures across regions.
2. Freight & Transportation Management
- Oversee ocean freight, inland haulage, and multimodal logistics arrangements.
- Lead commercial negotiations with carriers, shipping lines, and logistics partners.
- Plan and monitor shipment schedules, container utilization, and vessel space allocation.
- Control and reduce exposure to demurrage, detention, and port-related penalties.
3. Trade Execution & Documentation Control
- Supervise preparation and verification of export documentation in line with international trade standards.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements in origin and destination countries.
- Support execution of contracts under various trade terms and structures.
- Liaise with banking and finance teams for documentation under LC, CAD, and related payment mechanisms.
4. Operational Risk & Cost Governance
- Identify potential operational and commercial risks across the logistics chain.
- Develop contingency plans to manage shipment disruptions, quality issues, or documentation discrepancies.
- Track logistics budgets and monitor cost performance against forecasts.
- Drive continuous cost optimization initiatives without compromising service quality.
5. Cross-Functional Coordination
- Act as the key operational interface between trading, finance, origin teams, inspection agencies, and customers.
- Maintain strong working relationships with port authorities, clearing agents, and third-party service providers.
- Provide structured operational insights and performance updates to senior leadership.
6. Field Operations & Origin Supervision
- Oversee warehouse activities, stock reconciliation, and quality inspections at origin locations.
- Ensure alignment between headquarters and field teams.
- Resolve bottlenecks proactively to safeguard shipment timelines.
- Enforce adherence to safety and operational standards.
7. Leadership & Team Development
- Manage and mentor geographically dispersed operations personnel.
- Define performance expectations, measurable KPIs, and accountability frameworks.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and identify development needs.
- Promote a results-driven, collaborative, and solution-oriented culture.
8. Performance Analytics & Reporting
- Monitor operational indicators such as shipment punctuality, freight cost efficiency, documentation accuracy, and working capital cycle.
- Develop dashboards and performance reports for leadership review.
- Identify improvement opportunities to enhance reliability and profitability.
Candidate Profile
Experience
- 810 years of progressive experience in international logistics, shipping, or supply chain management.
- Experience within agri-commodities or bulk agricultural trade is strongly preferred.
- Prior exposure to Africa-based agri operations, particularly West Africa, will be highly advantageous.
- Demonstrated experience managing cross-border logistics teams.
- Strong familiarity with international trade practices and commodity shipping workflows.
Technical Expertise
- End-to-end supply chain coordination
- Freight negotiation and carrier management
- Trade compliance and documentation processes
- Budget control and cost analysis
- ERP systems and advanced Excel capabilities
