Retail Supply Chain Director

Client of NicheHR Global

Location: UAE

Role Purpose

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Supply Chain Director to lead the end-to-end Supply Chain function across our client's Retail and Food Business Units (covering Catering & Flour operations). The successful candidate will ensure a fully integrated, efficient, and cost-effective operation from planning to delivery. This role is accountable for strategy, governance, performance, and system enablement, driving service excellence, profitability, and scalability through digital transformation and best-in-class practices.

Key Responsibilities / Key Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and implement the Group Supply Chain strategy, ensuring alignment with commercial, retail, and production priorities.
• Establish standard processes, KPIs, and performance governance across all supply chain sub-functions.
• Drive operational excellence, cost optimization, and digital enablement across ERP (e.g., SAP) and Business Intelligence (BI) platforms.
• Develop medium- to long-term supply chain capacity and capability plans for business growth.

Functional Oversight

• Ensure accurate forecasting, safety stock planning, and cross-BU replenishment integration.
• Oversee non-trading procurement for Food BUs and ensure governance for retail procurement executed by Category Managers.
• Manage all central warehouses and food production storage facilities with full compliance to food safety and operational standards.
• Oversee transport, delivery network optimization, and cost-effective last-mile execution for Food BUs.
• Lead ERP and BI performance dashboards to enhance decision-making and process automation.

Performance & Budget Accountability

• Own the end-to-end supply chain budget, cost control, and productivity improvement targets.
• Set and monitor functional KPIs, ensuring high service levels, minimal waste, and efficient stock management.
• Implement continuous improvement projects, leveraging Lean and Six Sigma tools to drive measurable impact.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with Commercial, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure supply chain alignment with business objectives.
• Support production and retail teams in meeting availability, quality, and delivery commitments.

People Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing supply chain team with strong succession and capability planning.
• Foster collaboration across sub-functions and ensure team accountability for service delivery.

Required Competencies

Technical Competencies

• End-to-End Supply Chain Strategy
• Network and Logistics Optimization
• Demand and Inventory Planning
• Financial Acumen
• Digital and Analytical Tools

Behavioral Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Stakeholder Management
• Accountability for Results
• Leadership & Change Management
• Operational Excellence Orientation