Supply Chain Manager (Corporate) – Automotive

Location: Dubai, UAE (with frequent travel to China)

Industry: Automotive / OEM / Aftermarket / Automotive Products

Level: Senior Leadership

Job Description

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Corporate Supply Chain Manager to lead the end-to-end supply chain strategy across multiple business divisions, including automotive OEM programs, aftermarket and trading businesses, and high-end metal and car care products.

This strategic leadership role is responsible for defining global sourcing strategies, supplier governance, cost optimization, logistics coordination, and supply risk management across regions. A major focus of the position will be supplier sourcing and development in China, supported by a local China-based team responsible for supplier identification and on-ground execution.

The role operates at a corporate strategic level, while remaining closely involved in critical supplier decisions, OEM launches, and complex sourcing programs.

Key Responsibilities

Supply Chain Strategy & Governance

• Define and implement the corporate supply chain strategy aligned with the company’s multi-division business model (OEM, trading, aftermarket, and car care products).
• Establish standardized supply chain policies, sourcing frameworks, and governance models across business divisions.
• Define and monitor KPIs covering cost, quality, delivery, supplier performance, and supply risk.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across sourcing, logistics, and inventory management.

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development (China-Focused)

• Lead global sourcing strategy with a strong focus on China-based suppliers for automotive components, accessories, car care products, body parts, and related manufacturing.
• Manage supplier identification, qualification, and development in collaboration with China-based supply chain resources.
• Approve supplier selection strategies and supplier portfolios by product family and business segment (OEM vs trading).
• Conduct supplier capability assessments and factory audits covering quality systems, manufacturing capability, capacity, compliance, and commercial viability.
• Develop supplier improvement roadmaps supporting product development, cost reduction, and scalability.

Commercial Contracting & Cost Management

• Lead commercial negotiations and establish framework supply agreements including pricing models, payment terms, quality requirements, production capacity, and confidentiality terms.
• Ensure supplier contracts align with OEM program requirements, trading margins, and long-term business sustainability.
• Drive cost transparency, cost breakdown analysis, and continuous cost reduction initiatives.
• Monitor supplier commercial performance and implement corrective actions where necessary.

OEM Launch & Product Development Support

• Support OEM and customer program launches by ensuring supplier readiness, tooling timelines, and material availability.
• Track supplier project milestones and mitigate risks related to quality, capacity, or delivery.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Design, Quality, and Program teams during product development and industrialization phases.

Logistics, Inventory & Material Control

• Define and oversee inbound and outbound logistics strategies including shipping modes, routes, and lead-time optimization.
• Implement inventory control processes balancing service levels and working capital efficiency.
• Ensure proper material traceability, documentation, and audit processes are maintained.
• Monitor inventory accuracy, cycle counts, and physical audits in coordination with operations and finance teams.

Cross-Functional & Regional Coordination

• Act as the central supply chain interface between Engineering, Sales, Finance, Quality, Production, and R&D teams.
• Provide supply chain insights regarding cost feasibility, timelines, sourcing risks, and supplier capability.
• Coordinate closely with China-based supply chain resources to ensure alignment with corporate priorities.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks including supplier dependency, capacity limitations, geopolitical exposure, and logistics disruptions.
• Develop contingency sourcing strategies for critical materials and components.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality standards and regulatory requirements including ISO 9001:2015 where applicable.

Budgeting & Reporting

• Prepare and manage supply chain budgets, forecasts, and cost analyses.
• Monitor financial performance and initiate corrective actions where necessary.
• Provide structured reporting to senior management on supply chain performance, cost savings, and operational risks.