Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced and operationally sharp Distribution Manager to oversee end-to-end distribution activities across the UAE. This mid-level role sits at the heart of our supply chain, responsible for ensuring pharmaceutical and healthcare products are stored, handled, and delivered in full compliance with regulatory standards — on time, every time. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in pharmaceutical or healthcare distribution, a strong understanding of UAE regulatory requirements (GDP, MoHAP, DHA), and the leadership skills to manage a cross-functional warehouse and logistics team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Distribution & Logistics Operations

 • 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

Warehouse & Inventory Management

 • 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

Regulatory & GDP Compliance

 • 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

Team Leadership & Development
 • 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

Customer Service & Stakeholder Management

 • 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

Systems & Reporting

 • 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


Requirements

Education
 • 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

Experience
 • 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 third-party logistics providers and carrier relationships in the UAE

Skills & Competencies
 • Strong operational leadership with the ability to manage both people and processes effectively
 • Solid understanding of warehouse operations, inventory management, and last-mile logistics
 • Proficient in WMS, TMS, and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar)
 • Excellent analytical skills — able to interpret operational data and drive decisions from KPIs
 • High attention to detail with a compliance-first mindset
 • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across all levels
 • Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
 • Valid UAE driving license — preferred

Languages
 • English — fluent (required)
 • Arabic — an advantage