Distribution Strategy Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a Distribution Strategy Manager to lead the planning and optimization of enterprise-level distribution networks and channel strategies. This fully remote, full-time position based in the United Arab Emirates will focus on enhancing supply chain efficiency, expanding market reach, and improving customer satisfaction through strategic distribution management.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and execute comprehensive distribution strategies, channel frameworks, and network optimization in line with organizational growth objectives.
• Guide network planning, market expansion, fulfillment methods, inventory management, and channel optimization across both domestic and international markets.
• Partner with various departments including Supply Chain, Logistics, Sales, Commercial Operations, Procurement, Finance, Marketing, Customer Success, Data Analytics, IT, and Executive Management to create cohesive distribution solutions.
• Evaluate distribution channels, transport models, warehouse systems, order fulfillment workflows, customer demand, and service quality to pinpoint areas for enhancement.
• Devise channel strategies for distributors, wholesalers, retailers, e-commerce platforms, direct-to-consumer operations, and strategic partners.
• Conduct market analyses, competitive benchmarks, cost assessments, capacity planning, and scenario modeling to inform strategic decisions.
• Improve logistics performance, inventory flow, delivery networks, warehouse usage, and last-mile distribution to boost operational efficiency.
• Assess distribution partners including 3PL providers, freight services, warehouse operators, and suppliers to ensure high service standards.
• Maintain compliance with UAE trade laws, transportation regulations, customs, health and safety standards, contracts, and corporate governance policies.
• Track KPIs such as order fulfillment rates, on-time delivery, distribution costs, inventory turnover, logistics efficiency, warehouse productivity, customer satisfaction, channel profitability, market coverage, and SLA adherence.
• Lead audits, operational reviews, supplier evaluations, risk assessments, network optimizations, and continuous improvement projects.
• Oversee distribution budgets, transport expenses, warehouse investments, logistics technology platforms, sourcing strategies, and transformation initiatives.
• Drive digital innovation through AI-powered demand forecasting, logistics analytics, route optimization, smart inventory planning, warehouse automation, workflow automation, and business intelligence tools.
• Utilize platforms such as SAP S/4HANA, Oracle SCM Cloud, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Blue Yonder, Manhattan Active, Salesforce, Microsoft 365, Power BI, Tableau, TMS, WMS, and ERP systems to enhance distribution insights and performance.
• Prepare executive dashboards, performance reports, cost optimization analyses, market expansion reviews, and strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
• Lead and mentor cross-functional teams including distribution analysts, logistics planners, supply chain experts, and commercial strategists while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Commerce, Economics, or related fields.
• Master's degree (MBA or relevant master's) is highly preferred.
• Professional certifications like APICS CSCP, CLTD, CPSM, Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or equivalents are advantageous.
• At least 5 years in distribution strategy, supply chain management, logistics, or related areas with minimum 2 years in leadership over distribution networks or strategic programs preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of distribution strategy, logistics, warehouse operations, transportation planning, inventory optimization, demand forecasting, channel management, supply chain analytics, and operational excellence.
• Experience with enterprise software including SAP S/4HANA, Oracle SCM Cloud, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Blue Yonder, Manhattan Active, Salesforce, Microsoft Office Suite, Power BI, Tableau, TMS, WMS, ERP systems.
• Familiarity with AI-based supply chain analytics, predictive logistics, digital twin technologies, warehouse automation, robotics, IoT logistics, advanced forecasting tools, and intelligent planning systems is a plus.
• Strong leadership, communication, stakeholder management, analytical thinking, financial acumen, project management, negotiation, organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities.
• Adept at balancing multiple strategic initiatives while maintaining operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, cost control, inventory management, compliance, budgets, timelines, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to operate effectively in a remote setup collaborating with diverse teams worldwide, with occasional travel as needed for site visits and meetings.

Benefits and Work Culture

• Fully remote working setup with flexible coordination across global supply chain and commercial teams.
• Competitive salary with performance-driven bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness coverage.
• Opportunities for career growth in distribution strategy leadership.
• Exposure to cutting-edge AI-enabled supply chain technologies, logistics analytics, warehouse automation, and next-gen network optimization.
• An innovative, excellence-driven, and customer-focused collaborative culture emphasizing continuous improvement and accountability.
• A chance to influence world-class distribution networks by delivering operational enhancements, superior customer experience, and sustainable growth.