Operations Manager – Food Importation, Wholesale & Distribution

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead day‑to‑day activities for a growing Dubai‑based food importation and wholesale distribution business. Reporting directly to the business owner, you will own the end‑to‑end supply chain, from international imports to B2B deliveries.

Key responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for daily business operations, ensuring efficient coordination across all functions.
• Manage international product imports, including overseas suppliers, freight forwarders, customs clearance and shipping arrangements.
• Oversee warehousing, inventory management, stock control, order fulfilment and distribution.
• Manage wholesale operations, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries to B2B customers.
• Oversee logistics, transportation, delivery scheduling and third‑party service providers.
• Ensure appropriate food storage, cold‑chain management and compliance with UAE food safety and import regulations.
• Lead operational teams, establish procedures and implement performance improvements.
• Monitor operational expenditure, supplier costs, logistics expenses and inventory wastage.

Required profile

• Proven experience as an Operations Manager, Head of Operations or similar senior operational leader.
• Strong background in food importation, FMCG, wholesale distribution or food supply chain operations.
• Demonstrable experience managing international imports, warehousing, inventory and logistics.
• Good knowledge of UAE customs procedures, food import regulations and supply chain requirements.
• Experience handling chilled, frozen or temperature‑sensitive food products is advantageous.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing operational teams and external suppliers.
• Commercial awareness with a track record of improving operational efficiency and controlling costs.
• Highly organised, proactive and capable of independently managing multiple operational functions.