Distribution Manager

Manage day-to-day distribution operations including inbound, storage, order fulfillment, and last-mile delivery across the UAE Oversee route planning, fleet management, and delivery scheduling to ensure on-time delivery performance Coordinate with third-party logistics providers (3PLs), couriers, and freight forwarders Monitor and optimize distribution costs, delivery SLAs, and operational KPIs Ensure all delivery documentation (waybills, proof of delivery, invoices) is accurate and fully compliant Handle urgent, priority, and cold-chain deliveries with appropriate handling protocols Supervise warehouse operations including receiving, put-away, picking, packing, and dispatching Maintain accurate stock records and ensure inventory integrity through regular cycle counts and full stock audits Manage cold-chain storage areas, monitoring temperature and humidity logs in line with product specifications Enforce FEFO (First Expiry, First Out) and FIFO stock rotation policies across all product lines Minimize stock discrepancies, wastage, and expired goods through proactive inventory controls Oversee returns management processing, quarantine, and disposal in line with company SOPs Ensure full adherence to Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines as required by MoHAP, DHA, and DOH Maintain all distribution licenses, storage permits, and regulatory documentation up to date Prepare for and lead internal and external GDP/regulatory audits; implement corrective actions (CAPAs) as required Ensure narcotics, controlled substances, and temperature-sensitive products are handled and stored per regulatory requirements Maintain and update SOPs for all distribution and warehousing activities Coordinate with the regulatory affairs team on product recalls, market withdrawals, and quarantine procedures Lead, schedule, and manage a team of warehouse supervisors, logistics coordinators, and delivery drivers Set individual and team performance targets; conduct regular appraisals and performance reviews Identify training needs and upskill team members on GDP, safe handling, and operational procedures Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement across the distribution team Manage headcount planning, shift scheduling, and overtime allocation Act as the primary operational point of contact for key customers hospitals, pharmacy chains, clinics, and wholesalers Resolve delivery issues, complaints, and discrepancies in a timely and professional manner Collaborate closely with the sales team to prioritize urgent orders and support key account requirements Liaise with procurement and supply planning teams to align inbound supply with outbound demand Provide regular updates to senior management on distribution performance, challenges, and improvement initiatives Manage and optimize the use of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and ERP platforms (SAP, Oracle, or similar) Generate daily, weekly, and monthly distribution reports covering on-time delivery, order accuracy, stock levels, and cost Identify operational bottlenecks and lead process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency Track and report on fleet utilization, fuel consumption, and maintenance schedules Desired Candidate Profile Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field required CIPS, APICS (CSCP/CPIM), or equivalent supply chain certification a strong advantage 5 8 years of progressive experience in distribution, logistics, or supply chain operations Minimum 2 3 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity leading a warehouse/distribution team Direct experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, FMCG, or medical device distribution strongly preferred Proven knowledge of GDP guidelines and UAE regulatory requirements (MoHAP, DHA, DOH) Experience managing cold-chain products and temperature-controlled storage environments a significant advantage Track record of managing th