Supply Chain Manager Job Description in the GCC: Roles, Requirements & Responsibilities

Supply Chain Manager Role Overview

Supply chain managers in the GCC operate at the center of one of the world’s most strategically positioned logistics networks. The Gulf states sit at the crossroads of three continents — connecting European, Asian, and African trade routes — and have invested hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure to establish themselves as global supply chain hubs. Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port is the world’s largest man-made harbor and the busiest port in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port handle Red Sea trade. Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port, Qatar’s Hamad Port, and Oman’s Sohar Port complete a regional port network that processes millions of TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually.

The GCC supply chain landscape in 2026 is defined by ambition and transformation. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes massive logistics investments — the Saudi Logistics Hub strategy aims to position the Kingdom among the world’s top five logistics hubs, with the NEOM Bay logistics zone and the Riyadh-Jeddah land bridge as flagship projects. The UAE’s National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology drives manufacturing localization, reshoring supply chains, and building domestic production capacity. E-commerce growth (20%+ annually across the GCC) is transforming last-mile logistics and warehouse operations. And the region’s free zone ecosystem — JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone), DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone), KAEC (King Abdullah Economic City), and dozens more — provides unique regulatory advantages for supply chain operations.

Major employers include logistics conglomerates such as DP World (one of the world’s largest port operators, headquartered in Dubai), Agility (Kuwait-based global logistics provider), and Aramex (Dubai-founded express delivery and logistics). International logistics companies with major GCC operations include DHL, Maersk, FedEx, UPS, CMA CGM, and Kuehne+Nagel. FMCG companies with GCC supply chain hubs include Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Nestlé, Mars, and PepsiCo. E-commerce players (Amazon.ae, Noon, Talabat) have built extensive GCC fulfillment networks. Oil and gas companies (Saudi Aramco, ADNOC, QatarEnergy) manage some of the world’s most complex upstream supply chains. Retail groups (Majid Al Futtaim/Carrefour, Lulu Group, Landmark Group) operate massive distribution networks. And government entities including the UAE Ministry of Economy, Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), and Abu Dhabi Ports manage supply chain infrastructure at a national level.

Supply chain management in the GCC carries distinct regional characteristics. The region imports 80-90% of its food, making food supply chain security a strategic national priority. Extreme heat (50°C+) creates cold chain challenges that are among the most demanding globally. Free zone vs. mainland customs regimes create dual regulatory environments. Geopolitical dynamics in the broader region (Red Sea shipping disruptions, regional sanctions) directly impact supply chain routing and risk management. And the GCC’s In-Country Value (ICV) programs mandate local content requirements that affect procurement and supplier selection strategies.

Key Responsibilities

A supply chain manager in the GCC oversees the end-to-end flow of goods, information, and resources across complex regional and international networks:

Supply Chain Planning & Strategy

• Develop and execute supply chain strategies aligned with business objectives and regional market dynamics. Strategies must account for GCC-specific factors including free zone utilization, customs optimization, ICV compliance, and multi-country distribution across the six Gulf states.
• Manage demand planning and forecasting using statistical methods and demand sensing tools. GCC demand patterns are influenced by Ramadan (30-40% FMCG spike), summer travel season, Eid celebrations, and mega-event calendars (Formula 1, Saudi Seasons, Expo-related activities).
• Optimize inventory levels across the supply network, balancing service level requirements with working capital efficiency. The GCC’s import-dependent economy means longer lead times (4-8 weeks from Asia, 2-4 weeks from Europe) requiring higher safety stock compared to domestically sourced markets.
• Design and optimize distribution networks including warehouse locations, transportation routes, and last-mile delivery models. GCC distribution networks must serve both dense urban markets (Dubai, Riyadh, Doha) and remote areas (desert communities, industrial zones, island destinations).

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Manage procurement operations including supplier selection, contract negotiation, purchase order management, and supplier performance evaluation. GCC procurement increasingly requires ICV (In-Country Value) compliance, where companies must demonstrate local content and local supplier utilization to maintain government contract eligibility.
• Develop and manage supplier relationships across international and regional supply bases. GCC supply chains source from diverse geographies (China, India, Southeast Asia, Europe, USA), requiring management of multiple time zones, currencies, trade regulations, and quality standards.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing with suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics service providers. Understanding GCC customs duties (typically 5% for most goods under GCC Common Customs Law), free zone duty advantages, and trade agreement benefits is essential for cost optimization.
• Manage supplier risk including concentration risk, geopolitical risk (Red Sea shipping route disruptions, regional sanctions), financial stability risk, and quality compliance risk. Supply chain disruption contingency planning is a core responsibility.

Logistics & Operations

• Manage warehousing operations including receiving, storage, picking, packing, and dispatch. GCC warehousing requires temperature-controlled facilities for food and pharmaceutical products (extreme heat makes ambient storage insufficient for many goods) and compliance with municipality storage regulations.
• Oversee transportation and distribution across road, sea, air, and increasingly rail (Etihad Rail, Saudi Railway). Multi-modal logistics optimization considering GCC infrastructure (limited rail historically, extensive road networks, world-class port and airport facilities) is a key competency.
• Manage customs and trade compliance across GCC jurisdictions, including customs declarations, duty payment, certificate of origin management, halal certification for food imports, and compliance with trade sanctions and restricted party screening.
• Optimize last-mile delivery in partnership with e-commerce teams and third-party logistics providers. GCC last-mile delivery faces unique challenges including address system inconsistencies (non-standardized addressing in some areas), gated community access restrictions, and extreme heat impact on delivery vehicle operations and product integrity.

Technology & Analytics

• Leverage supply chain technology including ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), WMS (Warehouse Management Systems), TMS (Transportation Management Systems), and demand planning tools. Digital supply chain transformation is a priority for GCC organizations.
• Analyze supply chain performance metrics including perfect order rate, on-time in-full (OTIF) delivery, inventory turns, days of inventory, freight cost per unit, and warehouse productivity. Data-driven decision making and executive dashboard reporting are expected.
• Drive supply chain digitalization initiatives including blockchain for trade documentation, IoT for cold chain monitoring, AI for demand forecasting, and robotic process automation (RPA) for procurement and customs processing.

Required Qualifications

Education

A bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field is required. A master’s degree (MBA with supply chain specialization, MSc Supply Chain Management, MSc Logistics) is preferred for senior roles and increasingly common among GCC supply chain professionals at the manager level and above.

Technical Skills

• ERP systems: Expert-level proficiency in SAP (MM, PP, WM, SD modules) or Oracle (SCM Cloud, Procurement Cloud). SAP is the dominant ERP platform across GCC large enterprises, and hands-on SAP experience is frequently listed as a mandatory requirement.
• Supply chain planning tools: Experience with demand planning and S&OP tools (SAP IBP, Kinaxis RapidResponse, o9 Solutions, Blue Yonder). Advanced forecasting and scenario planning capabilities.
• WMS/TMS: Proficiency in warehouse management systems (Manhattan Associates, Blue Yonder WMS, SAP EWM) and transportation management systems for route optimization and freight management.
• Data analytics: Advanced Excel, Power BI or Tableau for supply chain dashboards and analytics. SQL for data extraction. Python or R for advanced analytics is increasingly valued.
• Trade compliance: Knowledge of GCC customs regulations, free zone operations, import/export documentation, letter of credit management, and trade sanctions compliance.

Experience Levels & Salary Ranges

• Supply Chain Analyst (1-3 years): Data analysis, demand planning support, procurement coordination. Typical salary: AED 10,000-16,000/month.
• Supply Chain Manager (4-8 years): End-to-end supply chain management, team leadership, supplier management. Typical salary: AED 18,000-30,000/month.
• Senior Supply Chain Manager (8-12 years): Strategic planning, multi-country operations, large team leadership. Typical salary: AED 30,000-45,000/month.
• Supply Chain Director/VP (12+ years): Executive leadership, board reporting, transformation programs. Typical salary: AED 45,000-75,000+/month.

Preferred Qualifications

These qualifications significantly strengthen a supply chain manager’s profile in the GCC:

• CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional): The APICS CSCP is the most widely recognized supply chain certification in the GCC. It covers end-to-end supply chain management and is increasingly listed as a preferred or required qualification for mid-to-senior roles.
• CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management): APICS CPIM is valued for roles with strong planning and inventory management components. Particularly relevant for FMCG and manufacturing supply chain roles.
• CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply): CIPS qualifications (particularly Level 5 and Level 6) are highly recognized for procurement-focused supply chain roles, especially at organizations with British influence.
• Arabic language proficiency: Valuable for government entity procurement, customs authority liaison, and supplier management in Saudi Arabia and other Arabic-dominant GCC markets.
• Free zone operational experience: Understanding of JAFZA, DAFZA, SAIF Zone, and other GCC free zone regulations, customs procedures, and operational advantages.
• Cold chain expertise: Specialized knowledge of temperature-controlled supply chains is highly valued given the GCC’s extreme climate and the critical importance of food and pharmaceutical cold chains.

Work Environment & Benefits

Supply chain management positions in the GCC offer competitive packages reflecting the strategic importance of logistics in the region’s economy:

• Base salary plus annual performance bonus (typically 1-3 months, tied to supply chain KPIs and cost savings targets)
• Housing allowance (AED 6,000-15,000/month depending on seniority)
• Annual flight tickets for employee and family
• Health insurance covering employee and dependents
• 30 days annual leave plus public holidays
• End-of-service gratuity per local labor law
• Company car or car allowance (common for manager level and above, particularly for roles requiring warehouse and port visits)
• Professional development: CSCP/CPIM/CIPS certification sponsorship, conference attendance (Gartner Supply Chain Symposium, CSCMP MENA), training budgets

Supply chain managers split time between office environments (typically in industrial zones, free zones, or corporate headquarters) and operational facilities (warehouses, distribution centers, port areas). Roles at logistics companies and 3PLs may involve more time at operational sites, while FMCG and retail supply chain roles balance office-based planning with periodic facility visits. Travel across GCC countries for supplier audits, warehouse inspections, and cross-border logistics coordination is common. The work involves both strategic planning and operational problem-solving, with supply chain disruptions (shipping delays, customs issues, demand spikes) requiring rapid response and decision-making capability.

How to Stand Out as a Candidate

The GCC supply chain market attracts logistics professionals from around the world. To differentiate yourself:

• Obtain CSCP or CPIM certification: These APICS certifications are the most impactful career investments for GCC supply chain professionals. Certified candidates are prioritized in hiring and earn 15-20% salary premiums.
• Quantify cost savings and efficiency gains: “Reduced logistics costs by 18% through freight consolidation and route optimization” or “Improved OTIF from 87% to 96% while reducing inventory days from 45 to 32” demonstrates tangible supply chain impact.
• Demonstrate GCC trade knowledge: Reference specific free zone operations, customs procedures, ICV compliance requirements, and trade documentation you have managed. Regional regulatory knowledge separates GCC-ready candidates from generalists.
• Show technology proficiency: Specify SAP modules, WMS platforms, and analytics tools you have used. Supply chain digitalization is a top priority for GCC organizations, and technology-savvy managers are in highest demand.
• Highlight disruption management: Examples of managing supply chain disruptions (COVID impact, Red Sea shipping disruptions, supplier failures) demonstrate the resilience and adaptability that GCC supply chain leadership requires.

Sample Supply Chain Manager Job Description Template

Use this template to craft your own job description or to understand exactly what GCC employers expect when reviewing supply chain manager job postings:

Position: Supply Chain Manager

Department: Supply Chain / Operations / Logistics
Reports to: Supply Chain Director / VP Operations / COO
Location: [City], [Country]
Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager to lead end-to-end supply chain operations for [company/division] across the GCC. You will manage procurement, logistics, warehousing, and distribution to ensure efficient delivery of [products/services] while optimizing costs and maintaining service excellence.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute supply chain strategy for GCC operations
• Manage demand planning, forecasting, and S&OP processes
• Oversee procurement operations and supplier relationship management
• Optimize warehouse and distribution operations across [X] facilities
• Manage customs compliance and free zone operations
• Drive supply chain cost reduction and efficiency improvement initiatives
• Lead a team of [X]+ supply chain professionals
• Manage 3PL relationships and performance
• Ensure ICV compliance for government-facing contracts
• Implement supply chain technology solutions and digital transformation
• Report supply chain KPIs to senior leadership

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Business
• [X]+ years of supply chain management experience, preferably in the GCC
• CSCP or CPIM certification (preferred)
• Strong SAP experience (MM, WM, SD modules)
• Knowledge of GCC customs regulations and free zone operations
• Proven track record of cost reduction and efficiency improvement
• Experience managing multicultural teams
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills

Nice to Have

• CIPS qualification
• Arabic language proficiency
• Cold chain management expertise
• E-commerce fulfillment experience
• Python/Power BI for supply chain analytics

What We Offer

• Competitive salary + performance bonus
• Housing allowance
• Annual flight tickets for employee and family
• Health insurance
• 30 days annual leave
• Company car or car allowance
• Professional certification sponsorship

Tailoring Your Resume to Supply Chain Manager Job Descriptions

When applying for supply chain management roles in the GCC, your resume must demonstrate both strategic capability and operational expertise:

1. Lead with quantified impact: Every role should include specific metrics. “Reduced total supply chain costs by 22% (AED 15M annually) through freight consolidation, supplier renegotiation, and inventory optimization” communicates scale and impact in one line. Cost savings, OTIF improvements, inventory reduction, and lead time improvements are the metrics GCC employers value most.
2. Specify your technology stack: List SAP modules by name (MM, PP, WM, SD, IBP), WMS platforms (Manhattan, Blue Yonder, SAP EWM), and analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau, Python). Technology proficiency is a primary screening criterion for GCC supply chain roles.
3. Detail your operational scope: Describe the scale of operations you managed — number of SKUs, warehouse square footage, daily order volumes, fleet size, number of countries served, and supplier base size. Scale demonstrates capability for GCC operations that are often larger than equivalent roles in other markets.
4. Highlight GCC-specific experience: Reference free zone operations (JAFZA, DAFZA), customs procedures, ICV compliance, cold chain management, and trade documentation you have managed. These demonstrate immediate operational readiness for the GCC market.
5. Show certifications prominently: Place CSCP, CPIM, CIPS, and other relevant credentials directly below your name. These are frequently used as initial screening criteria by GCC recruiters and should be impossible to miss in a quick CV review.