Supply Chain Executive

About Kreol Group

Kreol Group is a parent organization managing multiple entrepreneurial ventures focused on channel-specific operations within the consumer goods sector. Its Butterfly division distributes apparel and lifestyle brands throughout the GCC region, servicing major hypermarkets, value retailers, cooperatives, and e-commerce platforms, with prominent brands like John Gladstone and Mariposa specializing in innerwear. Kreol Travel Retail functions as a multi-category duty-free distribution agency, supplying food, confectionery, beverages, fragrance, and personal care products to international travelers across airports in the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, and Africa. The Group has a joint venture with Avolta (formerly Dufry) through Alpha-Kreol, managing the duty-free business at Cochin International Airport since 2002. Complementary subsidiaries support the group's market leadership by providing services across the FMCG value chain, including logistics, warehousing, merchandising, human resources, marketing, direct sales promotions, and retail consultancy.

About the Role

The Supply Chain Executive role at Kreol Travel Retail, based onsite in Dubai Investments Park 2, involves overseeing the complete inbound supply chain process. The individual will manage supplier relations, coordinate freight logistics, ensure compliance with contracts, and maintain healthy inventory levels to guarantee smooth and cost-effective business operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all inbound supply chain operations for assigned vendors to ensure timely and accurate deliveries.
• Lead forecasting and demand planning efforts collaboratively with suppliers to align supply with market needs.
• Handle order placements, shipment scheduling, and manage documentation flows efficiently.
• Ensure compliance with supplier terms regarding lead times, minimum order quantities, shelf-life, and contractual agreements.
• Negotiate freight rates across air, sea, and road transports with freight forwarders for cost-effective shipments.
• Determine and implement the most efficient route-to-market strategies for each shipment to maximize logistics efficiency.
• Manage freight contracts, maintain rate cards, and monitor transit times to benchmark performance.
• Track and monitor shipments from dispatch to delivery to ensure punctual arrival.
• Maintain central records of supplier agreements including rebate programs.
• Communicate relevant financial deductions such as rebates, discounts, and damages to Finance for timely processing.
• Coordinate with Finance teams to ensure supplier payments are executed on schedule.
• Support audit activities by providing necessary documentation and reconciliation reports.
• Monitor inventory levels daily across categories to maintain optimal stock.
• Analyze stock aging and execute corrective measures for slow-moving items.
• Ensure strict adherence to FEFO/FIFO principles to prevent expiries and damages.
• Collaborate with warehouse teams on receiving procedures, quality checks, storage management, and batch control.
• Develop and present reports and dashboards covering inbound shipments, freight costs, inventory aging, and supplier performance metrics.
• Identify risks and delays promptly and communicate mitigation plans to management.
• Champion process enhancements aimed at improving operational efficiency and minimizing costs.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate must have prior experience in vendor-facing logistics roles within consumer goods import and export environments. Familiarity with travel retail operations is preferred to successfully manage the specific demands of duty-free distribution.