Manufacturing jobs in United Arab Emirates

he Head of Supply Chain is a corporate leadership role responsible for defining and governing the end-to-end supply chain strategy across all business divisions, including automotive OEM programs, aftermarket and trading businesses, and high-end metal and car care products.

The role has primary accountability for strategic sourcing and supplier development in China, supported by 2-3 local China-based resources responsible for supplier identification, development, and on-ground execution. The position owns supplier strategy, commercial frameworks, cost control, launch readiness, logistics coordination, and supply risk management across regions.

This role operates at a strategic and governance level while remaining closely involved in critical supplier decisions, OEM launches, and complex sourcing programs.

1. Supply Chain Strategy & Governance
   • Define and implement a corporate supply chain strategy aligned with the companys multi-division business model (OEM, trading, aftermarket, and car care products).
   • Establish standardized supply chain policies, sourcing frameworks, and governance models across divisions.
   • Define KPIs for cost, quality, delivery, supplier performance, and risk, and ensure regular reporting to leadership.
   • Drive continuous improvement initiatives across sourcing, logistics, and inventory practices.
2. Strategic Sourcing & Supplier(s) Development (China-Focused)
   • Own the global sourcing strategy with a strong focus on China-based suppliers for automotive components, accessories, care care products, automobile body parts, and related manufacturing.
   • Lead and govern supplier(s) identification, qualification, and development, working through China-based supply chain resources.
   • Approve supplier(s) selection, sourcing strategies, and supplier(s) portfolios by product family and business segment (OEM vs traded products).
   • Conduct and oversee supplier(s) capability assessments and factory audits covering quality systems, manufacturing capability, capacity, compliance, and commercial viability.
   • Define supplier(s) development roadmaps to support new product development, cost reduction, and scalability.
3. Commercial Contracting & Cost Management
   • Lead commercial negotiations and define supply framework agreements, including pricing structures, payment terms, quality requirements, confidentiality, production capacity and exclusivity where applicable.
   • Ensure contracts are aligned with OEM program requirements, trading margins, and long-term business sustainability.
   • Drive cost transparency, cost breakdown analysis, and continuous cost improvement initiatives with suppliers.
   • Monitor supplier(s) commercial performance and address deviations through corrective actions.
4. OEM Launch & Product Development Support
   • Support OEM and customer program launches by ensuring supplier readiness, tooling timelines, material availability, and launch execution.
   • Track supplier project milestones and proactively resolve risks related to quality, capacity, or delivery.
   • Collaborate closely with Engineering, Design, Quality, and Program teams during product development and industrialization phases.
5. Logistics, Inventory & Material Control
   • Oversee inbound and outbound logistics strategy, including shipping modes, routes, and lead-time optimization.
   • Ensure appropriate inventory control practices are implemented across businesses, balancing service levels and working capital.
   • Define and enforce material traceability, documentation, and audit processes.
   • Review inventory accuracy, cycle counts, and physical audits in coordination with operations and finance teams.
6. Cross-Functional & Regional Coordination
   • Act as the central supply chain interface across Engineering, Sales, Finance, Quality, Production, and R&D teams.
   • Provide clear supply chain inputs on feasibility, cost, timelines, and risk during commercial and technical decision-making.
   • Coordinate closely with China-based supply chain resources to ensure alignment with corporate objectives and priorities.
7. Risk Management & Compliance
   • Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including supplier dependency, capacity constraints, geopolitical exposure, and logistics disruptions.
   • Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies for critical materials and suppliers.
   • Ensure compliance with applicable quality systems and regulatory requirements, including ISO 9001:2015 where applicable.
8. Budgeting & Reporting
   • Prepare and manage supply chain budgets, forecasts, and cost analyses.
   • Monitor financial performance against plans and initiate corrective actions where required.
   • Provide regular, structured reporting to senior management on supply chain performance and risks.

Frequent international travel, primarily to China and key supplier locations, based on project and business needs.

Education:

Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related discipline.

Masters degree is an advantage.

Experience:

• Proven experience in a senior supply chain leadership role within automotive OEM, automotive accessories, Tier-1 suppliers, or equivalent manufacturing/trading environments.
• Strong background in strategic sourcing and supplier development in China, including factory audits and commercial negotiations.
• Experience supporting OEM programs, aftermarket products, or traded automotive goods.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in multi-business, multi-region environments.

• Strong strategic sourcing and contract negotiation capabilities.
• Deep understanding of automotive components, manufacturing processes, tooling, and supplier economics.
• Solid knowledge of logistics, inventory management, and supply chain risk management.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and drive fact-based decisions.
• Effective leadership and communication skills, with the ability to work across cultures and functions.
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, evolving business environments.

Position: SCM Manager – Corporate

Nationality: Open to all nationalities

Language Requirements:

English: Fluent (mandatory) (80%)

Mandarin / Chinese: Preferred (working proficiency) -20%