Head of Operations

As the Head of Operations for the UAE, you will be instrumental in defining and executing the logistics strategy across all operations within UAE. This pivotal role involves leading a diverse team, overseeing warehouse management (both internal and 3PL), transportation, import/export, and inventory control, all while ensuring compliance, driving efficiency, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to support Richemont's business objectives in the UAE.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Team OversightoSet the vision and road map for all logistics teams in the UAE, ensuring alignment with Group logistics strategy.
• Lead a team of direct and indirect reports responsible for import/export operations, warehouse & transportation management, and inventory control.
• Provide direction, coaching, and support to the managers to ensure strong execution, ownership, and continuous improvement across all logistics domains.
• Monitor team performance and resource allocation to ensure scalability, resilience, and agility.
• Warehouse ManagementoInternal Warehouse - Provide strategic oversight of internal UAE warehouse operations, ensuring service excellence, efficiency, and alignment with Maison and business requirements.
• Guide the Warehouse leaders in optimizing processes, layout design for enhanced productivity and flexibility.
• Support the ROC’s readiness for new launches, boutique openings, events, and volume fluctuations.
• External Warehouses (3PL) - Oversee the performance of all 3PL providers operating in UAE freezones (JAFZA, DAFZA), ensuring contracts, SLAs, and compliance are upheld.
• Work with the Operations manager to evaluate provider performance, initiate corrective actions, and develop logistics partners for future growth.
• Transportation ManagementoOversee the domestic and regional transportation network, ensuring seamless inbound and outbound movements.
• Support the Operations Manager in managing courier and freight partners, optimizing routes, and maintaining delivery service level agreements.oWork closely with the procurement team to manage tendering, contract renewals, and carrier performance evaluations to ensure cost efficiency and reliability.
• Import/Export & Freezone OperationsoProvide leadership and strategic direction to the Import/Export Manager to manage customs processes, freezone operations, and regulatory compliance.oEnsure all UAE logistics flows comply with freezone rules, VAT and duty management regulations, and Richemont standards.
• Represent the logistics function in interactions with UAE customs authorities, freezone administrators, and regulatory stakeholders when required.
• Inventory ManagementoDrive overall inventory control strategy for UAE operations in collaboration with the Inventory Supervisor.oOversee efforts to maintain inventory accuracy, optimize stock levels for finished goods, POSM, and packaging, and improve inventory turnover.
• Ensure alignment with Maison planning cycles and finance for monthly reconciliations and cost allocations.
• Performance Monitoring & Financial OversightoDefine and monitor KPIs across warehousing, inventory, transportation, and customs to drive performance and continuous improvement.oLead the logistics cost control process for UAE operations, with monthly reviews and variance analysis with the Finance team.
• Partner with direct reports to identify efficiency opportunities and deliver annual productivity targets.
• Sustainability & ComplianceoChampion Richemont’s sustainability and compliance goals across UAE logistics activities, including packaging reduction, transport emissions, and ethical practices.
• Ensure that all logistics activities meet corporate standards for health & safety, audit readiness, and ESG reporting.
• Cross-functional CollaborationoAct as the key UAE logistics point of contact for internal stakeholders: Maisons, Group Logistics, Finance, Retail, Trade Compliance, Procurement.
• Collaborate closely with the MEIA logistics managers to ensure UAE execution supports regional and global priorities.oSupport new market entries, Maison initiatives, and projects from a logistics perspective.
  
  

Skills And Qualifications

• Proven experience (typically 8+ years) in logistics and supply chain management. In-depth knowledge and practical experience with UAE and GCC customs regulations, freezone operations (e.g., JAFZA, DAFZA), and trade compliance.
• Strong understanding of international shipping, freight forwarding, andimport/export processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
• Strategic thinker with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in warehouse management systems (WMS), transportation management systems (TMS), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
• Exceptional negotiation and vendor management skills, particularly with 3PL providers and carriers.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget management, cost control, and KPI development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effectively collaborating with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.
  
  

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree (e.g., MBA) or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CSCP, CPIM) are highly desirable.