Operations Manager

JOB OVERVIEWThe Operations Manager holds end to end accountability for the back office of G Prime Automotive, covering ordering and planning, logistics and import, vehicle storage, registration, and billing. As a new business with no stock currently held, the role first carries responsibility for designing and standing up the entire operation from zero: selecting and contracting service providers, defining processes and controls, implementing systems, and building the team in phases. Once trading, the role owns the full pipeline from purchase order to customer delivery, ensuring vehicles arrive, clear, are stored, prepared, registered, invoiced and delivered on time, at the correct landed cost, and in compliance with UAE requirements. The role is the recognized operational and logistics authority within the business and is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, advising the General Manager on matters where specialist supply chain, customs and registration expertise is required..KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESLaunch & Operational Set-UpDesign the end to end operating model from purchase order through import, storage, preparation, registration, invoicing and delivery, and document it as approved standard operating procedures.Establish the control framework covering authorization limits, segregation of duties, gate pass and vehicle release rules, document retention and audit trail requirements.Select, implement and configure the dealer management or ERP platform and supporting trackers so that stock, costs and documentation are system controlled from the first vehicle received.Build the launch readiness plan with clear milestones and dependencies for the first shipment, and report progress and risks to the General Manager.Vehicle Supply Chain, Ordering & ImportOwn the ordering and planning cycle, translating the approved buying plan into purchase orders with the right specification, volume, cost and timing.Direct the import process including shipping bookings, bills of lading and trade documentation, customs clearance, duty and fee settlement, port release and inland transport.Manage landed cost per unit, actively controlling freight, clearance, demurrage, detention and storage charges, and challenge any avoidable spend.Maintain reliable arrival forecasting so that sales, marketing and billing can plan against realistic availability dates.Vehicle Storage & Stock ControlLead the evaluation and recommendation of the vehicle storage model, comparing owned or leased yard against third party facilities on cost, capacity, security, location and scalability.Establish and enforce standards for vehicle condition in storage, covering security, access control, key control, battery and tyre maintenance, periodic movement and protection from damage.Ensure complete accuracy between physical stock and system records through scheduled and unannounced counts, and investigate all variances to conclusion.Monitor stock ageing, mix and holding cost, and escalate slow moving units with recommended commercial action.Registration, Preparation & DeliveryOversee all vehicle registration, transfer, plating and export certificate activity, ensuring transactions are completed accurately, promptly and in compliance with UAE regulations.Coordinate pre-delivery inspection and preparation with After Sales, tracking readiness so that no sold vehicle is delayed at handover.Manage delivery scheduling and the field movement of vehicles, ensuring professional standards and safe driving practice across the driver team.Monitor and improve the turnaround time from vehicle arrival to sale-ready status as a core operational measure.Billing & Financial ControlOversee the billing function, ensuring customer invoices are raised accurately and promptly and that vehicles are released only against complete documentation and cleared funds.Ensure supplier and service provider invoices are verified against purchase orders and agreed tariffs before approval for payment.Work with Finance on stock valuation, landed cost accuracy, receivables and month end close, and ensure operational records support the accounts without adjustment.Service Provider & Stakeholder ManagementIdentify, evaluate, negotiate and contract shipping lines, freight forwarders, clearing agents, transporters, storage providers and preparation partners, and hold them to agreed service levels and tariffs.Conduct regular performance reviews of service providers and re-tender where cost or service no longer meets requirement.Build and maintain working relationships with customs, port authorities, registration authorities and dealer and supplier counterparts.Act as the operational interface with the sales and showroom function, ensuring stock availability and delivery commitments are realistic and met.Team Leadership & Capability BuildingLead, coach and develop the ordering and planning, logistics, stock, registration and billing teams, setting clear objectives and reviewing performance regularly.Develop technical capability within the team in customs, documentation and registration so that the business is not dependent on any single individual.Performance, Reporting & GovernanceDefine and report the operational measures for the business, including arrival to sale-ready days, clearance turnaround, registration turnaround, stock accuracy, ageing, demurrage incurred and cost per unit.Provide the General Manager with clear, decision-ready reporting and early escalation of operational risk, and give specialist guidance on supply chain, customs and registration matters.Identify and implement process improvements that reduce cost, cycle time and error rate as volume scales.Ensure health, safety and security standards are maintained across yard, workshop and field operations.Uphold company values throughout business practices and utilize sound judgment in decision making.Any other additional duties as may be required by management based on needs of the business.POSITION REQUIREMENTSEducational QualificationsBachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.A postgraduate qualification or professional certification in supply chain, logistics, or operations management is an advantage.Work Experience8 to 12 years of experience in automotive operations, supply chain, or logistics, including a minimum of 3 to 5 years in a managerial role with team accountability.Proven experience establishing or restructuring an operation from the ground up, including process design, system implementation and service provider selection.Hands-on UAE experience across vehicle import, customs clearance, port operations, vehicle storage and registration is essential.Experience managing back office functions covering stock, documentation and billing within an automotive dealership or trading business.Skills & Personal AttributesDeep working knowledge of UAE vehicle import and export requirements, customs procedures, Incoterms, trade documentation and registration processes.Capability to design processes and controls from scratch and to implement and configure dealer management or ERP systems.Strong negotiation and supplier management skills across shipping, clearing, transport and storage providers.Proven leadership and team building ability, including recruiting and developing staff in a start-up environment.Highly autonomous and decisive, able to own a specialist function with limited technical oversight and to advise senior management credibly.Strong analytical and reporting skills, with advanced MS Excel capability.Resilient and hands-on, comfortable moving between office, yard and port environments as the business scales.Fluency in English; Arabic is an advantage.UAE driver's license.