Distribution Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW

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

• 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

Requirements

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

• 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

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