Director Supply Chain, tMart UAE

About the opportunity We’re looking for a Director Supply Chain to join the team and focus on growing our own Grocery Store “tMart”. THis role is critical leadership role at the core of tMart UAE's business performance. This position owns both Demand Planning (DP) and Supply Chain (SC), ensuring seamless integration between forecasting, inventory management, warehouse operations, transportation, and network optimization. The role is responsible for maximizing product availability while optimizing inventory, transportation costs, working capital, and overall profitability. As a key member of the UAE leadership team, the successful candidate will proactively design scalable supply chain solutions, drive operational excellence, and lead innovation initiatives that directly impact GMV growth, free cash flow, and customer experience. Demand Planning & Inventory Management - Own end-to-end demand forecasting accuracy across all categories and channels. - Drive product availability as the primary business metric through optimized forecasting and replenishment strategies. - Manage inventory health and Days on Hand (DOH) targets across warehouses and stores. - Optimize stock allocation across stores and distribution centers. - Lead forecasting enhancement initiatives through advanced analytics, AI, and Intelligent Demand Planning (IDP) tools. - Balance service levels, inventory investment, and waste reduction to maximize profitability. - Partner closely with Commercial, Operations, and Inventory teams to anticipate business needs and proactively plan capacity and stock requirements. Supply Chain Network & Logistics - Own the design, optimization, and performance of the UAE supply chain network - Optimize transportation flows, routes, network design, truck utilization, and contract structures. - Identify opportunities to reduce logistics costs while improving service levels and fill rates. - Lead warehouse and network optimization projects, incorporating automation and industry best practices. - Proactively map and implement new operational flows and processes as the business scales. Warehouse Operations & Inventory Accuracy - Serve as the primary point of contact for warehouse and transportation 3PL partners. - Monitor and improve key contractual KPIs including: - On-Time Delivery - Damage Rates - Service Compliance - Cost Efficiency - Maintain inventory accuracy targets through robust reconciliation processes between warehouse systems and operational platforms. - Oversee cycle count programs and inventory controls across all distribution centers and across all tMart stores. - Drive SOP compliance and continuous improvement initiatives across supply chain functions. - Ensure optimal space utilization, stock positioning, and inventory valuation management. Process Excellence & Business Transformation - Develop, implement, and continuously improve SOPs across supply chain processes including: - Lead supply chain innovation initiatives leveraging technology, automation, and data-driven decision making. - Introduce external best practices to improve scalability, productivity, and operational efficiency. - Build proactive planning capabilities that anticipate future business needs rather than reacting to operational challenges. Leadership & Stakeholder Management - Lead and develop Supply Chain and Distribution Center Teams - Build a high-performing organization with clear accountability, ownership, and succession planning. - Establish and deliver shared OKRs across functions. - Lead executive-level business reviews and strategic discussions with senior stakeholders and external partners. - Drive cross-functional collaboration to improve business outcomes rather than optimize individual functions in isolation. What you need to be successful Experience - 8–12+ years of experience in Demand Planning, Supply Chain, Logistics, Warehouse Operations, or Network Optimization. - Proven leadership experience managing multi-functional supply chain teams. - Experience operating within complex distribution networks involving multiple warehouses, stores, cross-docks, and third-party logistics providers. - Strong background in inventory management, forecasting, transportation optimization, and warehouse operations. - Experience leading large-scale transformation, automation, or systems implementation projects. Skills & Competencies - Exceptional analytical and quantitative capabilities. - Strong business and financial acumen with understanding of P&L, working capital, and cash flow drivers. - Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. - Deep understanding of supply chain flows, inventory dynamics, and operational processes. - Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills. - Ability to lead through ambiguity and solve business-wide problems rather than functional issues alone. - Comfortable presenting to senior leadership and leading executive discussions. - High