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
Education
Bachelors 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
58 years of progressive experience in distribution logistics or supply chain operations
Minimum 23 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
Required Skills:
Education Bachelors 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 58 years of progressive experience in distribution logistics or supply chain operations Minimum 23 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
Required Education:
Bachelors 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
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