The General Manager will hold end-to-end accountability for profit & loss, operations, and commercial management of the chemical manufacturing facility and trading operations in the UAE.

This includes oversight of plant production, procurement, logistics, sales, and financial performance. The GM acts as the single point of leadership for operational execution and commercial growth, ensuring smooth coordination between manufacturing and market delivery.

Key Responsibilities

P & L; Ownership

- Full accountability for plant profitability, revenue growth, and cost management.

- Prepare annual budgets, rolling forecasts, and margin improvement plans.

- Monitor raw material costs, operating overheads, and shipping expenses to protect contribution margins.

Plant & Production Operations

- Oversee day-to-day production, maintenance, QC, and EHS.

- Ensure maximum utilization of reactors, blending kettles, and utility systems.

- Monitor tank farm safety and compliance with Civil Defense, EHS, and Free Zone Authority regulations.

- Coordinate preventive maintenance and statutory inspections for storage tanks, boilers, and utilities.

Supply Chain & Logistics (UAE-Specific)

- Manage bulk vessel discharge and tank terminal operations at Jebel Ali, Hamriyah, and Sharjah free zones.

- Coordinate IBC/drum packaging lines, bonded warehouses, and local deliveries.

- Oversee import/export documentation (B/L, COO, Health & MSDS, FIRS, DP World clearances).

- Negotiate with shipping lines, freight forwarders, and transporters for best rates, claims, and demurrage settlements.

- Ensure efficient turnaround of containers, tank trucks, and reduce detention/demurrage.

Procurement & Raw Material Management

- Oversee sourcing of feedstock, packaging, and imported intermediates.

- Negotiate long-term contracts with global and regional suppliers.

- Monitor landed cost economics and secure competitive supply chain routes.

- Manage procurement claims, quality disputes, and supplier credit terms.

Sales & Business Development

- Lead sales team for local GCC & export business.

- Set sales targets, approve pricing strategies, and ensure credit discipline.

- Work with key customers in paints, inks, PVC, detergents, and plastics industries.

- Resolve claims and disputes (shortages, quality complaints, insurance recoveries).

Banking & Trade Finance

- Oversee day-to-day banking operations: Import LCs, supplier financing, TR facilities.

- Manage Export LCs, CAD, bank collections, invoice discounting, and LC negotiation.

- Ensure compliance with trade finance and insurance requirements.

- Liaise with banks for renewal of facilities and documentation accuracy.

Cross-Functional Leadership

- Integrate plant operations with sales & operations support (S&OP;).

- Lead monthly business reviews to align demand, supply, and financial performance.

- Build and mentor teams across production, sales, logistics, and accounts.

- Ensure documentation discipline and ERP/MIS reporting.

Qualifications & Skills

- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Management, or equivalent; MBA preferred.

- 12-15 years of chemical manufacturing & trading experience in the UAE/GCC.

- Deep knowledge of bulk chemical storage & handling, UAE customs & free zone documentation, shipping line operations (freight, demurrage, claims), and trade finance.

- Strong leadership, negotiation, and P&L; management experience.

- Ability to handle high-pressure situations, including vessel discharge disputes, supply chain disruptions, and customer complaints.