About Departer – The German Headhunter:

As an internationally oriented German HR consultancy for the recruitment of multinational professionals, Departer possesses a long-standing expertise in the core markets of the Middle East, Germany and APAC. Through our regionally established offices in Dubai, Hamburg and Brisbane we are valued as a reliable recruitment partner by numerous companies.

Our European client is a global market leader and producer of complex packaging systems. Continuously driving product as well as manufacturing innovation along with global connectivity and a unique team spirit have been the key success factor over the past decades. Due to the company’s growth and organizational change, we are exclusively searching for a Head of Supply Chain (m/f/d) to lead and structure the entire business model change across the MENA territory. The right candidate develops a sustainable strategy for the supply chain department whilst being deeply involved into the daily operations of the business and production lines. 

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Create, develop and execute the supply chain strategy of the company across the MENA region
• Responsible for strategic purchasing targets through effective management, vendor negotiations, stock control and process management
• Provide leadership, coach and develop the entire supply chain team to ensure continuous learning and development of employees
• Establish and maintain measurable performance metrics for all levels of procurement activities (supplier performance, supplier quality, internal order placement performance, buyer activity levels, financial performance)
• Drive the optimization of purchasing processes, inventory management, operational supplier management to ensure overall efficiency and effectiveness as well as supplier reliability
• Handle the negotiations with vendor representatives to establish new sources, products and methods of purchasing, assisting with supply problems, specification variation and pricing issues ultimately ensuring spare part availability
• Ensure purchasing compliance with regards to all project requirements.
• Implement and review contractual obligations ensuring supply adherence in conjunction with the procurement strategy
• Oversee and ensure compliance to the rules and regulations of the customs processes according to the legislations of the respective country
• Manage the effective handling of warehouse operations and material management to meet annual targets, including reporting accuracy
• Develop and manage the 3rd party logistic network to ensure adherence to budget, improve quality of service and business processes
• Ensure effective sourcing of materials and oversee import and exports with freight forwarders
• Review specifications for materials, supplies, service or equipment to be purchased as required
• Control over procurement spend and ensure optimal payment terms and favorable service level agreements for the subsidiary
• Identify and constantly analyze the processes and procedures, improve efficiency, both internally and externally
• Report directly to the General Manager of the company whilst closely collaborating with the HQ and the Vice President for Supply Chain

To be successful in this role you should have the following skills and experiences:

• University degree with a focus on supply chain and/or logistics management and engineering or similar
• At least 10 years‘ experience in a managerial supply chain role attached to after-sales services (spare parts, maintenance, installation), packaging industry experience would be an added value
• Strong GCC market expertise due to employments in a multinational, matrix environment
• Broad knowledge on the market practices as well as the legal regulations, guidelines and standards in MENA region
• Proven experience in setting structure and strategy in the area of responsibility
• Hands-on professional and driver of overall supply chain operations
• Structured business and financial acumen with commercial thinking and analytical skills
• Extensive experience in working with freight forwarders and managing 3PL performance
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment, possess analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent planning, time-management, negotiation and leadership skills
• Expert MS Office skills and SAP system knowledge
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English, additional German language skills as an advantage