Supply Chain Manager (Corporate) – Automotive

Location:Dubai UAE (with frequent travel to China)Industry:Automotive / OEM / Aftermarket / Automotive ProductsLevel:Senior LeadershipJob DescriptionRole SummaryWe 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 ResponsibilitiesSupply Chain Strategy & GovernanceDefine and implement the corporate supply chain strategy aligned with the companys 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 ManagementLead 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 SupportSupport 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 ControlDefine 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 CoordinationAct 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 & ComplianceIdentify 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 & ReportingPrepare 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.QualificationsEducationBachelors degree in Supply Chain Management Mechanical Engineering Electronics Engineering or a related discipline.Masters degree is considered an advantage.ExperienceProven experience in a senior supply chain leadership role within automotive OEMs Tier-1 suppliers automotive accessories or equivalent manufacturing/trading environments.Strong expertise in strategic sourcing and supplier development in China including supplier audits and commercial negotiations.Ex