Assistant Manager – Logistics – Retail Corporate Office

Job description / Role

Al-Futtaim's Retail Division holds a stable of world class brands operating in buoyant markets with huge growth prospects. Some of our brands are Marks & Spencer, Toys R Us, and IKEA as well as Robinsons with a range of smaller brands selected for their appeal to the markets in which we operate. We currently operate our Retail outlets across the Middle East and in South East Asia.

We have enjoyed phenomenal success throughout the UAE, Egypt and GCC countries. We are in the final stages of outline planning for massive growth and need to prepare for the next phase of this program.

To work closely with the Supply Chain Manager of AF Retail Division on implementing the Logistics Strategy for the Retail Brands. JH to ensure close coordination with brand logistics team and service providers to ensure an acceptable service level as far as Supply Chain Requirements are concerned. The JH to have regular contact with all the retail customers to understand and identify the areas for improvement in Logistics services and must target continuous improvement. Also to research and explore opportunity for getting things done differently in discussion with the Supply Chain Manager. The Job Holder is responsible to ensure that service level issues are addressed or escalated appropriately.

JOB PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

* SLAs (Service Level Agreements) and commercial contracts : The Job holder to discuss with SCM and understand various contracts that are currently running, the ones which are up for negotiation, and new contracts. Ensure that proper SLA is signed with all the service providers as per the commercial and operational terms agreed. Intimate the service providers about renewal of contract well in advance and initiate discussion in coordination with SCM.
* Setting up and Managing In-House Customs Brokerage : JH to evaluate and explore operational & commercial feasibility of setting up an in-house customs brokerage for AF Retail division using the on-line facility Dubai Customs is planning to Launch under CLIENT ACCREDITATION PROGRAM. Take charge of setting up and managing the clearing division in co-ordination with AF retail brands.
* KPIs and Statstics : It is crucial that a set of mutually agreed KPIs are established and included in the SLA and being measured and monitored on regular basis and the summary is being discussed with the SCM. JH to coordinate between various 3PLs and retail brands to collate statistical data on volume, IN/OUT movement, supply chain cost and Service level.
* Operational Review Meeting : Attend operational review meeting between the service providers and retail brands and identify areas for improvement. Ensure that the agreed KPIs are discussed. It is crucial that the JH plays an important role to maintain relationship between the customers and service providers and serious service break downs are escalated to SCM.
* Annual physical inventory and DC operational Audit: JH to support the retail brands to schedule and facilitate the DC stock and operational audit, while the ownership lies with respective brand logistics. Ensure that AFG Internal Audit department is formally informed about the audit schedule in advance and their representation during the count. Extend support to 3PL and brand to complete the reconciliation within the time line agreed and ensure that the Audit report is closed appropriately.
* Store Delivery : JH to have full control over delivery to stores across GCC and flow of documents. Need to coordinate with customers and service providers to ensure seamless delivery flow and product availability. Explore synergies among retail brands.
* DC Billing : Verification of DC overheads quarterly, (under Open book contracts), along with brand representatives to ensure full control over the expenses.

Interact with Logistics team of each retail brands and evaluate the service level, operational aspects, throughput & stock holding, space situation, and relationship with service providers. Identify areas for improvement, initiate measures to ensure continuous improvement.

Requirements

The ideal candidate for this role:

* Educated to degree level, preferably within an International Business or Logistics discipline.
* At least 5 years experience within a Logistics Operations role, ideally within the Retail Industry.
* Proven experience of working with contracts and discussing contractual terms.
* Excellent knowledge of MS Office.

About the Company

Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940's and 50's saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario. The Groups continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.

The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Groups belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing the Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.