Country Supply Chain Manager | Retail | IKEA Egypt

Job Requisition ID: 165157 

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. 

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day

Overview of the role

The Country Supply Chain Manager to lead Customs, Warehousing, and Distribution for IKEA Egypt. The role is critical in ensuring seamless supply chain operations while upholding product quality, safety, and environmental compliance in alignment with Inter IKEA standards and regulations. You will play a key role in optimizing logistics efficiency, supporting business growth, and maintaining sustainable long-term profitability.

What you will do

Product Quality, Compliance & Safety

• Lead and oversee processes related to product quality, compliance, and reporting while ensuring adherence to national product legislation, safety standards, and local market deviations.
• Work closely with IOS PR&C (Inter IKEA Systems Product Requirements & Compliance) to maintain alignment with global quality and safety protocols.

Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with national consumer authorities to ensure adherence to safety regulations and compliance standards.
• Manage product safety reporting, recalls, and risk mitigation strategies, representing IKEA in regulatory and standardization efforts.

Operational Support & Continuous Improvement

• Provide guidance on product investigations, safety alerts, and crisis management (e.g., media or product-related concerns).
• Drive the implementation of compliance tools, digital solutions, and process improvements to enhance efficiency.
• Foster a collaborative and values-driven work environment that aligns with IKEA’s culture.

Customs & Import/Export Management

• Oversee customs clearance and regulatory compliance for IKEA Egypt, ensuring smooth import/export processes.
• Manage timely duty payments, claims processing, and coordinate with customs authorities and Finance to ensure compliance.

Logistics & Transport Coordination

• Supervise the flow of shipping documents, regulatory approvals, and transport logistics from ports to warehouses or stores.
• Ensure efficient cross-border clearance and timely delivery of goods while optimizing transport routes.

Warehouse Operations & Technology Integration

• Oversee third-party warehouse operations, ensuring alignment with IKEA guidelines and IT systems.
• Implement modern warehouse technologies to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and overall supply chain performance.

Supply Chain Optimization & Expansion

• Regularly review supply chain processes, supplier performance, and cost efficiencies to optimize operations.
• Align logistics capacity with IKEA’s expansion plans, commercial calendars, and market needs.
• Negotiate optimized supplier agreements and consolidation strategies to reduce costs.

Required Skills to be successful

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Strategic, analytical, and problem-solving mindset with strong commercial awareness
• Proven leadership capabilities with the ability to inspire and drive performance
• Deep understanding of local laws, customs regulations, and compliance frameworks
• Customer-focused approach, ensuring high service levels and operational excellence
• Ability to foster an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, aligned with IKEA values

What equips you for the role

Minimum Qualification and Knowledge

Education: Post graduate degree in Logistics, Supply Chain or Business Management Degree

Minimum Experience

• 10+ years of experience in high-volume or multi-unit retail supply chain management
• 5-10 years of experience in logistics management, preferably in a leadership role
• Strong background in supply chain optimization, warehousing, and transportation
• Deep knowledge of Egyptian market regulations, trade laws, and economic trends
• Familiarity with IKEA’s global supply chain network and operational frameworks is a plus

 Behavioral Competencies

• High levels of personal integrity and accountability.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
• Team-oriented mindset with a collaborative leadership approach.
• Strong time management skills with a focus on meeting deadlines.

About Al-Futtaim Retail

Al-Futtaim Retail has established itself as one of the leaders in Retail across the Middle East, Africa & Asia over the past 30 years. We have developed partnerships with some of the biggest and most respected Brands in the world including IKEA, ACE and Toys R Us in the Middle East and the Inditex Group of Brands (Zara, Mango, Bershka and P&B) across Asia. We are also one of the largest Global partners of Marks and Spencer’s in both regions with over 75 stores offering both fashion & food options.
 
Most recently we have been responsible for bringing brands to the Middle East for the first time with the exciting launches of Watsons and B&Q and we aim to continue to be agile and adaptive to our markets with new launches and further development. For this to be possible we aim to recruit the best talent from all backgrounds who will continue to challenge and develop our diverse workforce which includes over 100 nationalities across 12 countries. Join us today and make a difference…

About Al-Futtaim IKEA

GROWING TOGETHER...

We are a values-driven company with a passion for life at home. Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people.

Al-Futtaim IKEA holds the franchise rights for IKEA in Egypt, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.