Job Overview

Al-Futtaim Automotive is seeking a UAE National Supply & Inventory Planner to join its Global After-Sales team in Dubai, UAE. The role is responsible for managing supply planning, procurement, inventory optimization, and logistics activities to maintain the right balance between inventory costs and customer service levels.

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The Supply & Inventory Planner will support the planning and purchasing of automotive spare parts, monitor stock availability, manage excess and obsolete inventory, and coordinate with suppliers, logistics, finance, and other internal teams.

The position requires strong analytical and planning skills, with a focus on inventory control, demand forecasting, supply chain optimization, procurement, SAP ERP systems, and continuous process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Supply Planning and Procurement

Process daily, weekly, and monthly purchase orders for automotive spare parts and related inventory.
Ensure purchase orders are accurately transmitted to suppliers and supplier confirmations are received on time.
Monitor supplier lead times and ensure orders are dispatched according to agreed delivery schedules.
Track and follow up on supplier back orders to minimize supply disruptions.
Communicate changes in demand forecasts and purchasing requirements to suppliers.
Prepare purchasing budgets based on order schedules, forecasts, inventory requirements, and business recommendations.
Monitor stock availability and conduct risk-of-stock-out analysis to identify potential shortages.
Plan and order spare parts for new vehicle models and product introductions.
Obtain required purchasing and inventory approvals in line with the company’s delegation of authority.

Inventory Management and Stock Optimization

Review inventory policies and target service levels to maintain appropriate stock availability.
Monitor inventory levels, ageing, slow-moving items, and obsolete stock.
Forecast inventory provision requirements and support appropriate financial planning.
Identify and follow up on opportunities to reduce excess and obsolete inventory.
Initiate and coordinate dead-stock disposal activities.
Analyze inventory performance and recommend actions to improve stock turnover and inventory efficiency.
Balance inventory investment with required customer service levels and business demand.

Logistics and Supply Chain Operations

Prepare and create Advance Shipping Notifications (ASNs) in accordance with supplier invoices and shipment requirements.
Provide accurate shipment and inventory data to logistics teams to support inbound planning and timely customs clearance.
Monitor logistics costs against agreed commercial terms and conditions.
Coordinate logistics-related payments and provide finance teams with the required reports and documentation.
Follow up with finance departments to support timely payment clearance.
Arrange and renew Letters of Credit (LCs) when required.
Register customs claims and coordinate associated payments.
Coordinate ESMA and RFID-related approvals where applicable.
Declare cargo shipments for insurance purposes and ensure required documentation is completed.

Continuous Improvement and Business Intelligence

Develop and maintain dashboards to monitor supply chain, inventory, procurement, and logistics performance.
Analyze operational data and identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Participate in Kaizen initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
Recommend effective inventory control measures based on data and business requirements.
Escalate supply chain and inventory issues when processes or performance fall outside required controls.
Monitor project delivery to ensure activities are completed on time and within approved budgets.
Apply agile ways of working to improve collaboration, responsiveness, and operational efficiency.

Systems and Process Management

Regularly review ERP and inventory system parameters to improve service levels and inventory availability.
Monitor system alerts related to demand changes, lead times, forecasts, and supply requirements.
Evaluate potential stock-out risks and take proactive purchasing or planning actions.
Maintain strong knowledge of supply chain and inventory management processes within relevant business systems.
Use ERP and reporting tools to improve planning accuracy, productivity, and operational control.

Required Skills and Competencies

Strong experience in supply chain planning and inventory management, preferably within the automotive industry.
Good understanding of automotive spare-parts supply chains and after-sales operations.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, forecasting, and decision-making skills.
Knowledge of inventory optimization, demand planning, procurement, and stock control.
Strong process improvement and cost-reduction capabilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and MS Project.
Experience using SAP or other ERP systems for supply chain and inventory management.
Ability to prepare and present management reporting packs, dashboards, and performance analysis.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with suppliers, logistics, finance, and senior management.

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, Business Administration, or an equivalent discipline.
Approximately 5 years of professional experience in supply chain, inventory management, procurement, or related functions.
Automotive industry experience is preferred, particularly in after-sales, spare parts, inventory planning, or supply planning.
Strong knowledge of inventory management systems and supply chain processes.
Experience in process improvement methodologies and operational cost optimization.
Proven ability to develop management reports, dashboards, and analytical presentations.
Proficiency in SAP ERP and Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and MS Project.
Position is specifically intended for a UAE National in accordance with the employer’s hiring requirements.

Job Details

Job Title: UAE National Supply & Inventory Planner
Company: Al-Futtaim Automotive
Department: Global After-Sales
Industry: Automotive / After-Sales
Experience: Approximately 5 Years
Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Employment Category: UAE National Job