Supply Chain Manager Dubai, UAE (Mandatory Direct Experience with Automotive OEM in China)

The Supply Chain Lead /Manager is responsible for managing, optimizing, and overseeing the complete end-to-end supply chain operations. This includes strategic sourcing, supplier management, procurement, logistics, distribution, and inventory control. The role ensures timely, cost-effective, and high-quality acquisition of materials and services while maintaining compliance with internal standards and global best practices. This position plays a critical role in supplier development, cost control, product development support, and risk mitigation, especially within the automotive upstream accessories and product development sector. Duties & Responsibilities: 1.Strategic Planning & Supply Chain Optimization • Develop and implement robust supply chain strategies aligned with business objectives. • Identify process bottlenecks and drive continuous improvement initiatives. • Monitor and report supply chain KPIs to improve efficiency and operational performance. • Ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System requirements. 2. Procurement & Vendor Management • Suppliers Portfolio: maintains updated a database for each product family the company decided to pursue to have sources readily available in line with the level of quality required (OEM or traded products) • Creates supply framework contracts with suppliers to define the terms and eventually exclusivity case by case. • Track suppliers launches and projects evolution addressing any matter to grant flawless launch. • Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers; maintain strong supplier relationships. • Lead strategic sourcing, negotiations, and contract management. • Ensure timely procurement of quality materials at optimal cost. • Monitor supplier SLAs, performance, compliance standards, and corrective actions. • Lead supplier development initiatives, including China-, Asia-, India and Europe-based vendors, and conduct comprehensive factory audits to ensure capability, quality, and compliance. • Responsible for overseas supply and developing new suppliers well in time for existing business and new business. • Expanding the supplier profile at overseas markets and bringing suppliers with faster development at right cost. • Ensures the suppliers are capable of meeting organizations’ requirements of cost, quality, delivery & service. 3. Logistics & Distribution • Manage inbound/outbound logistics, warehousing, transportation, and distribution operations. • Optimize shipping routes, transportation methods, delivery timelines, and logistics costs. • Ensure the timely and accurate delivery of materials and finished products. • Responsible for demand management and sales forecasting. • Responsible for supplier production schedules. • Responsible for on-time customer delivery. • Responsible for inbound & outbound freight. 4. Inventory Management & Material Audit • Monitor inventory levels to ensure adequate stock without overstocking. • Implement inventory control systems such as FIFO, JIT, and demand forecasting. • Coordinate and oversee material audits, ensuring accuracy of stock records, material movement, and reconciliation. • Conduct periodic and surprise material audits to identify discrepancies and enforce corrective actions. • Coordinate physical inventory counts and cycle audits to maintain high stock integrity and compliance. • Ensure proper documentation and traceability of all materials used in projects and production. 5. Cross-Functional Collaboration • Work closely with Engineering, Design, SCM, Sales, Finance, Quality, R&D, and Production teams. • Support product development teams in sourcing materials and managing supply risks. • Address customer concerns related to delays, shortages, or product availability. • Maintain comprehensive supply chain documentation, reports, and records. 6. Compliance, Governance & Risk Management • Ensure all supply chain activities comply with laws, regulations, and safety standards. • Identify and mitigate supply chain risks (operational, financial, geopolitical). • Develop and implement contingency plans for supply disruptions. • Responsible for supplier rating to ensure access to supplier for all quality-related requirements. 7. Reporting & Budgeting • Prepare supply chain budgets, forecasts, and cost analyses. • Monitor actual vs. planned financial performance and initiate corrective actions.