3PL Contract Logistics GM (General Manager)

General Manager – Contract Logistics / 3PL (Build & Scale) UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) | Multi-site | Overseas applicants welcome

A North American logistics powerhouse is scaling fast across the UAE and wider GCC. We’re hiring a General Manager to build and lead our Contract Logistics / 3PL division in the UAE.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with real autonomy. You’ll shape the operating model, launch and ramp new sites, win and retain customers, and deliver performance across warehousing and value-added logistics. You’ll be the person who turns strategy into an operating engine: people, process, systems, service, and margin.

Reporting line

• Reports to: VP Contract Logistics (Singapore)
• Functional interface: Regional/Group Contract Logistics leadership, Commercial/Solutions Design, Finance, IT

What you’ll own (core responsibilities)

• Lead the end-to-end P&L for the UAE Contract Logistics / 3PL product line (shared accountability with senior leadership).
• Own current and future sites across the UAE: launch, ramp-up, stabilization, and scale.
• Provide direct leadership to operational teams, building a strong bench through succession planning, coaching, and performance management.
• Partner with Sales on 3PL enquiries, solution design, pricing inputs, and customer proposals.
• Work with regional teams to develop client-specific solutions (layout, process design, systems, labor model, cost-to-serve).
• Drive continuous improvement and productivity programs across warehouse operations.
• Lead quality and HSE standards, training, and compliance to ensure safe, audit-ready operations.
• Build senior relationships with major customers and implement retention and growth plans.
• Lead strategic projects aligned to country and product strategy (new verticals, new capabilities, automation, systems upgrades).
• Maintain a close view of local market dynamics (rates, competitors, customer needs) to position the business effectively.
• Develop relationships with facility owners/landlords and stay current on availability and market rates.

OKRs

• On-time, on-budget launch of new Contract Logistics operations and sites in the UAE
• Strong customer KPI performance (service levels, inventory accuracy, productivity)
• Stable, scalable operating rhythms (SOPs, dashboards, governance)
• Healthy margin delivery and disciplined cost control
• High-performing leadership team with clear succession

Requirements

• 10+ years’ experience in Contract Logistics / 3PL / warehousing leadership (multi-site preferred).
• Proven track record owning operational performance and commercial outcomes (P&L exposure strongly preferred).
• Strong knowledge of warehousing processes: inbound/outbound, inventory control, VAS, returns, cycle counting.
• Experience designing and calculating warehouse/supply chain processes (labor model, layout, throughput, cost-to-serve).
• Confident stakeholder management with customers, internal leadership, and external partners.
• Strong communication skills and a practical, solutions-led mindset.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree (Logistics / Supply Chain / Engineering or similar)
• Master’s degree is a plus