Chief Operating Officer

The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for leading the company's day-to-day logistics operations and translating the CEO's strategic direction into operational and commercial results.The role oversees transportation, fleet, warehousing, freight forwarding, contract logistics, depots, customer operations, and other logistics activities, with strong accountability for profitability, service delivery, operational efficiency, safety, and business growth.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational LeadershipLead all day-to-day logistics and supply chain operations.Oversee transportation, trucking, fleet, warehousing, freight forwarding, contract logistics, depots, and distribution activities.Ensure operations achieve agreed service levels, productivity, quality, and profitability targets.Establish operational KPIs and review performance across all business units.Ensure appropriate capacity planning for fleet, warehousing, manpower, and equipment.P&L & Financial PerformanceTake ownership of operational P&L performance in coordination with the CEO and Finance.Drive cost optimization while maintaining service quality.Improve fleet and warehouse utilization and reduce cost-to-serve.Review operational budgets, forecasts, CAPEX requirements, and major investments.Identify underperforming areas and establish corrective action plans.Full P&L ownership, cost optimization, cross-border transportation, warehousing, fulfillment, and end-to-end logistics leadership are also evident in the senior logistics profileCommercial & Customer ManagementWork closely with the CEO and Commercial team to support business growth.Participate in major tenders, pricing, contract negotiations, and strategic customer meetings.Ensure new contracts are operationally and financially feasible before implementation.Build strong relationships with key customers and strategic partners.Ensure achievement of customer SLAs and contract KPIs.Transportation & FleetOversee fleet planning, utilization, maintenance, routing, and productivity.Monitor cost per trip/km, fuel efficiency, driver productivity, empty mileage, and vehicle utilization.Ensure the trucking operation remains profitable and compliant.Determine appropriate balance between owned fleet and subcontracted transportation capacity.Oversee warehouse productivity, capacity, inventory accuracy, labor planning, and customer performance.Ensure efficient implementation of WMS, TMS, ERP, and operational technology.Improve warehouse utilization and labor productivity.Lead new warehouse/customer implementations and operational expansions.People LeadershipLead senior operational managers and department heads.Establish clear accountability and performance KPIs.Build succession plans for critical operational positions.Develop high-performing, multicultural logistics teams.Work closely with HR on manpower planning, organizational structure, productivity, and leadership development.HSE, Compliance & RiskEnsure compliance with Saudi transportation, logistics, labor, customs, and safety requirements.Maintain strong HSE/HSSE standards across fleet, warehouse, depot, and operational sites.Develop contingency plans for major operational disruptions.Ensure appropriate operational controls, SOPs, and governance.Transformation & Continuous ImprovementLead operational transformation and process optimization.Drive automation and digitalization across TMS, WMS, ERP, telematics, and reporting.Use data and dashboards to improve executive decision-making.Identify opportunities to reduce cost, improve productivity, and increase scalability.RequirementsEducationBachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.MBA/Master's degree preferred.CILT/CMILT, CSCP, CLTD or equivalent professional certification would be advantageous.Experience15+ years in logistics/supply chain/transportation.Preferably 5+ years in senior leadership as COO, Operations Director, General Manager, Business Unit Head, or similar.Strong Saudi/GCC logistics experience preferred.Proven responsibility for significant P&L.Experience managing large-scale transportation/fleet and warehouse operations.Strong commercial and contract-management exposure.Experience leading business transformation and operational expansion.