Operational Specialist

Job SummaryWe are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Operations Specialist – Procurement, Supply Chain & Logistics to support procurement, international trade, supply chain, import/export operations, and order fulfilment from our Dubai office. The successful candidate will coordinate with international suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and internal stakeholders to ensure the timely, compliant, and cost-effective movement of goods across global markets, with a primary focus on supporting our operations in Angola.The ideal candidate will have experience in international procurement, logistics coordination, ERP systems, and import/export documentation, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.Key ResponsibilitiesProcurement & Supply ChainCoordinate end-to-end procurement of raw materials, including wheat, edible oil, rice, sugar, maize, packaging materials, and other operational supplies using SAP Business One.Source and evaluate suppliers, obtain quotations, negotiate pricing and delivery terms, and issue purchase orders.Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and continuity of supply.Monitor supplier performance, lead times, and purchase order status to ensure timely deliveries.Track inventory levels and coordinate replenishment to prevent stock shortages and production interruptions.Import & Export OperationsCoordinate international import and export shipments by sea, air, and land.Prepare, review, and maintain all shipping documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, insurance documents, and customs documentation.Liaise with freight forwarders, shipping lines, customs brokers, logistics providers, and inspection agencies to ensure efficient cargo movement.Monitor shipment status, resolve customs and logistics issues, manage exceptions, and communicate shipment updates to internal stakeholders.Logistics & DistributionCoordinate inbound and outbound logistics from suppliers to warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and customers.Plan and optimize transportation schedules to improve delivery performance and control freight costs.Track shipments, resolve transportation delays, and ensure on-time order fulfillment.Support warehouse inventory control, stock reconciliation, and inventory accuracy.Assist in evaluating logistics service providers and monitoring logistics performance against agreed service levels.Operations & Order ManagementProcess customer and supplier orders from receipt through successful delivery.Maintain accurate procurement, inventory, and logistics records within SAP Business One.Verify shipment accuracy against purchase orders and sales orders and investigate discrepancies.Generate and maintain operational reports, including procurement spend, inventory levels, supplier performance, freight costs, and key logistics KPIs.Handle operational issues proactively to minimize disruptions to the supply chain.Compliance & Continuous ImprovementEnsure compliance with international trade regulations, customs requirements, Incoterms, import/export documentation standards, and company policies.Work closely with the Finance team on landed cost calculations, duty and tax documentation, supplier reconciliations, and payment processing.Identify opportunities to improve procurement, logistics, inventory management, and operational efficiency through process improvements and cost optimization.Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Finance, Sales, Production, and Warehouse Operations to ensure seamless supply chain execution.Perform any other duties and additional tasks assigned by management, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to support business operations and changing organizational requirements.Education & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, logistics, or operations, preferably within the FMCG or food manufacturing industry.Proven experience coordinating international procurement and import/export operations.Working knowledge of international shipping, Incoterms, customs documentation, and freight forwarding processes.Experience with SAP Business One or a comparable ERP system.Professional certification such as CIPS, CILT, APICS, or an equivalent supply chain or logistics qualification is an advantage.Experience supporting operations in African markets, particularly Angola, is highly desirable.A valid UAE driver's license is preferred.