Supply Chain Lead /Manager (Automotive)-Dubai, UAE

Company DescriptionDo you want to shape the world of tomorrow and work on innovative projects? Then you're a good fit for us! We are a global engineering group with 15,000 employees and 140 locations worldwide. With our services, we are driving the topics of energy efficiency, climate protection and decarbonization and developing tech industries into new dimensions.The world of SEGULA Technologies Experts revolves around industries such as automotive, software, energy and life sciences. As an independent player, we support OEMs and suppliers with personal engineering services. Take advantage of new opportunities and take on exciting tasks and attractive positions with direct customer assignment.Job DescriptionThe Supply Chain Lead /Manager is responsible for managing, optimizing, and overseeing the complete end-to-end supply chain operations. This includes strategic sourcing, supplier management, procurement, logistics, distribution, and inventory control. The role ensures timely, cost-effective, and high-quality acquisition of materials and services while maintaining compliance with internal standards and global best practices.This position plays a critical role in supplier development, cost control, product development support, and risk mitigation, especially within the automotive upstream accessories and product development sector.Duties & ResponsibilitiesStrategic Planning & Supply Chain OptimizationDevelop and implement robust supply chain strategies aligned with business objectives.Identify process bottlenecks and drive continuous improvement initiatives.Monitor and report supply chain KPIs to improve efficiency and operational performance.Ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System requirements. Procurement & Vendor ManagementIdentify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers; maintain strong supplier relationships.Lead strategic sourcing, negotiations, and contract management.Ensure timely procurement of quality materials at optimal cost.Monitor supplier SLAs, performance, compliance standards, and corrective actions.Lead supplier development initiatives, including China-, Asia-, India and Europe-based vendors, and conduct comprehensive factory audits to ensure capability, quality, and compliance.Responsible for overseas supply and developing new suppliers well in time for existing business and new business.Expanding the supplier profile at overseas markets and bringing suppliers with faster development at right cost.Ensures the suppliers are capable of meeting organizations’ requirements of cost, quality, delivery & service. Logistics & DistributionManage inbound/outbound logistics, warehousing, transportation, and distribution operations.Optimize shipping routes, transportation methods, delivery timelines, and logistics costs.Ensure the timely and accurate delivery of materials and finished products.Responsible for demand management and sales forecasting.Responsible for supplier production schedules.Responsible for on-time customer delivery.Responsible for inbound & outbound freight. Inventory Management & Material AuditMonitor inventory levels to ensure adequate stock without overstocking.Implement inventory control systems such as FIFO, JIT, and demand forecasting.Coordinate and oversee material audits, ensuring accuracy of stock records, material movement, and reconciliation.Conduct periodic and surprise material audits to identify discrepancies and enforce corrective actions.Coordinate physical inventory counts and cycle audits to maintain high stock integrity and compliance.Ensure proper documentation and traceability of all materials used in projects and production. Cross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with Engineering, Design, SCM, Sales, Finance, Quality, R&D, and Production teams.Support product development teams in sourcing materials and managing supply risks.Address customer concerns related to delays, shortages, or product availability.Maintain comprehensive supply chain documentation, reports, and records. Compliance, Governance & Risk ManagementEnsure all supply chain activities comply with laws, regulations, and safety standards.Identify and mitigate supply chain risks (operational, financial, geopolitical).Develop and implement contingency plans for supply disruptions.Responsible for supplier rating to ensure access to supplier for all quality-related requirements. Reporting & BudgetingPrepare supply chain budgets, forecasts, and cost analyses.Monitor actual vs. planned financial performance and initiate corrective actions.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Mechanical Engineer, Electronics Engineering, Logistics, Master’s degree preferredProven experience as a Head of Supply Chain or Supply Chain Manager within OEM automotive product development / accessory divisions (e.g., Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Suzuki, Stellantis).Strong SCM & Procurement background, particularly in automotive components, tooling, and manufacturing processes.Extensive experience managing supply chain operations across China, Asia, Europe, and India, including supplier development, factory audits, supplier visits, and commercial negotiations. (Direct dealing /travelling in China, Asia, Europe, and India Suppliers )Strong contract negotiation capabilities and proven success in managing vendor performance.Deep understanding of logistics operations, inventory management, and production planning/coordination.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data, monitor KPIs, and drive process improvements.Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.Ability to identify, mitigate, and manage supply chain risks in fast-paced and complex environments.Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze data, monitor KPIs, and drive process improvements.Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams.Ability to identify and mitigate supply chain risks and manage complex logistics operations.Knowledge of product development engineering in the automotive sector to support product development initiativesAdditional InformationUAE Experience: Minimum of 10 years’+ experience working as SCM leadership role in UAETotal Experience: 15-20 years of SCM role experience overallRole Requirements: Strong leadership skills with proven success managing multidisciplinary SCM teams. Must be capable of managing the full cycle of SCM operations (360-degree responsibility)Health Condition: Candidates must undergo a health screening. Any history of surgery, treatment, or ongoing medical conditions must be declared.Desired Personality Traits & CharacteristicsProactive:Anticipates challenges and acts before they escalate. Takes initiative to drive projects forward and improve efficiency.Adaptable:Flexible in the face of change, whether it’s shifting market dynamics, new technologies, or unexpected disruptions.Calm Under Pressure:Maintains composure during stressful situations, making rational, data-driven decisions despite high pressure.Detail-Oriented with a Big-Picture Focus:Meticulous in tracking supply chain processes while maintaining an understanding of broader organizational goals.Strong Communicator:Excellent at explaining complex supply chain issues to different stakeholders. Confident and persuasive in negotiations.Collaborative & Team-Oriented:Works well with cross-functional teams and external partners, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.Analytical & Logical:Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down complex issues and derive logical, data-driven solutions.Resilient & Persistent:Overcomes obstacles with determination, ensuring that the supply chain continues to operate smoothly even when challenges arise.Customer-Focused:Ensures that the ultimate goal is always customer satisfaction, keeping the end user in mind when making supply chain decisions.Negotiation & Persuasion Skills:Confident in negotiating with vendors and suppliers to secure the best deals while maintaining healthy professional relationships.Integrity & Ethical:Upholds transparency and ethical standards in all dealings, fostering trust and credibility with both internal and external stakeholders.Visionary & Strategic:Forward-thinking, always looking ahead to anticipate future trends, technological advancements, and emerging risks in supply chain management.Confident, Positive, and Energetic PersonalityConfidence: A charismatic leader who inspires confidence in their team and stakeholders. Able to make difficult decisions with certainty and conviction.Positive Attitude: Brings a positive energy to the workplace, motivating teams even during challenging periods and helping maintain morale.Impressive Personality: Commands respect through both competence and character. Their presence is inspiring and influential, making them a natural leader in both internal and external interactions.Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted