3PL Contract Logistics GM (General Manager)

Job description 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 Skills Skills & traits we value • Strong people leadership, motivation, and team-building • High standards on HSE, training, and operational discipline • Detail-oriented, highly organized, and comfortable with systems and KPIs • Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel/PowerPoint/Outlook) • Flexibility and resilience in a build-and-scale environment