Operations Director

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a multi-year operations strategy aligned with business growth and regulatory obligations.
• Oversee end-to-end warehousing, inventory management, transportation, and last-mile distribution.
• Ensure rigorous GDP-compliant handling, storage, and cold chain integrity for temperature-sensitive products.
• Manage operational budgets, driving cost optimization and improving logistics unit economics.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives, including the adoption of ERP/WMS platforms and data analytics.
• Manage regulatory compliance, including maintaining licenses, leading audits, and overseeing QMS/CAPA processes.
• Lead and develop a high-performing, multi-functional operations team.
• Partner with commercial teams to align operational capacity with sales growth and customer SLAs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Pharmacy, Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related field.
• MBA or postgraduate qualification in Supply Chain, Operations, or Business.
• 10–15+ years of progressive experience in operations or logistics within the pharmaceutical or healthcare sectors.
• Proven experience managing GDP-regulated distribution environments.
• Demonstrated leadership of large, multi-functional teams and multi-site operations.
• Proficiency with ERP/WMS systems and process improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma.
• Deep knowledge of GCC/MENA regulatory bodies (e.g., MOH, SFDA, DHA).
• Experience with cold chain management and serialization/track-and-trace platforms.

About the Company

Established in 1977, Arabian Ethicals is a leading healthcare player in the UAE. As an exclusive representative and distributor for numerous multinational pharmaceutical, consumer, and veterinary brands, the company serves a vast network including over 2,000 pharmacies, 150 hospitals, and hundreds of retail and veterinary outlets.