Logistics Manager

JOB PURPOSE:The Logistics Manager owns the end-to-end movement, storage and delivery of goods. The role keeps vehicles, spare parts, industrial materials and commercial products flowing from supplier to customer at the right cost, quality and speed, while keeping every shipment compliant with UAE customs, free zone, transport and HSE requirements.JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:Freight, Import and Export OperationsManage inbound and outbound shipments by sea, air and road, including RoRo vehicle consignments, containerized and project cargo.Select, negotiate with and manage freight forwarders, shipping lines, customs brokers and haulage contractors under approved contracts and rate agreements.Oversee the full documentation chain: bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, delivery orders and customs declarations.Track shipments end to end, control demurrage, detention and storage charges, and escalate and resolve delays and claims.Customs and Regulatory ComplianceEnsure all movements comply with UAE federal and emirate-level customs rules, GCC customs requirements and the specific procedures of the relevant free zone authority.Manage correct tariff classification, valuation, duty and VAT treatment, including designated zone and re-export movements, in coordination with Finance.Maintain import and export permits, vehicle conformity and type approval documentation, and any product-specific approvals required for industrial and commercial goods.Prepare the function for customs audits, free zone inspections and external reviews.Strategy and PlanningDevelop and deliver the annual logistics plan, budget and capacity forecast aligned to each business unit's sales and procurement plans.Design and continually improve logistics network, warehouse and transport models to reduce cost per unit and lead time.Run the sales and operations planning interface with sales, procurement and finance to align inventory, inbound schedules and delivery commitments.Transport and FleetPlan and control own fleet and third party transport for inter-branch transfers, customer deliveries and project movements.Ensure drivers, vehicles and equipment meet RTA and other applicable licensing, roadworthiness and operating requirements.Monitor fuel, maintenance, utilisation and delivery performance, and apply route and load optimisation.Health, Safety and EnvironmentEnforce HSE standards in warehouses, yards, loading areas and transport operations, including safe lifting, forklift and vehicle movement controls.Ensure dangerous goods are identified, labelled, stored and transported in line with applicable UAE regulations and supplier safety data.Lead incident investigation, corrective action and toolbox talks, and ensure insurance cover for cargo, stock and fleet is adequate.Financial and Commercial ManagementOwn the logistics budget and cost per shipment, per unit and per delivery metrics, and report variances monthly.Control third party spend through tendering, contract compliance, invoice verification and service level reviews.Support landed cost accuracy and pricing decisions by providing timely, reliable logistics cost data.JOB REQUIREMENTS:Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering or a related field.8 or more years of progressive logistics experience, with at least 3 years in a managerial role.Proven experience in the UAE market, including import and export procedures, customs clearance and port operations.Hands on experience with warehouse and transport management in automotive, industrial or distribution environments.Experience managing third party logistics providers, freight forwarders and contracts.Strong working knowledge of ERP systems, and advanced Excel and reporting skills.