Transport and Compliance Manager

SCOPE OF JOB:

Hermès Middle East is seeking a highly analytical, structured and proactive Transport and Compliance Manager to manage international air freight operations from Europe to Dubai, exports from Dubai to GCC countries and local transport from the local distribution center to the UAE stores.

This role goes beyond day-to-day transport coordination. The successful candidate will be responsible for building a data-driven, performance-oriented logistics function, using reliable shipment data, operational KPIs, and regular performance reviews to identify inefficiencies, challenge service providers, adjust operational plans, and continuously improve lead times and service quality and optimize costs.

The candidate must demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to provide accurate, timely, and proactive shipment visibility to all relevant stakeholders (Retail, Planning, Merchandising, Finance). They must be comfortable translating operational data into clear reports, highlighting risks before they become issues, and driving corrective actions with carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers and internal teams.

A strong understanding of UAE and GCC customs regulations, Dubai free zone procedures, and all relevant applicable approval, permits and certificates for import and export in the region, is essential (Cites, NMC, DTRA).

Responsibilities

Data-driven Transport & Performance Management

• Manage inbound and outbound shipments across domestic, regional, and international networks ensuring compliance with agreed service levels, lead times, and cost objectives

• Execute import/export operations for UAE and QBK regions, including transfers, returns, and repairs with global partners (Hermès Sellier, LMH, Saint Louis, Puiforcat, John Lobb).

• Develop and implement a structured KPI framework to measure performance across the entire shipment journey, from booking and origin departure to arrival, customs clearance and final delivery.

• Establish clear baselines, targets, reporting frequency, and accountability for each operational KPI.

• Monitor actual performance against targets, identify deviations, analyze trends, and implement corrective actions to address recurring issues.

• Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and reliability across tracking systems, operational reports, and management dashboards.

• Develop standardized reporting formats, dashboards, and shipment trackers tailored to operational teams and management

• Communicate complex operational issues clearly and concisely, adapting the level of detail to the audience

Customs, Documentation and Regulatory compliance

• Maintain practical, up-to-date knowledge of UAE customs regulations, Dubai customs clearance processes, and relevant GCC import/export requirements

• Oversee the accuracy and completeness of commercial invoices, packing lists, air waybills, certificates of origin, permits, and other applicable shipping documentation.

• Coordinate with customs brokers and relevant authorities to resolve clearance issues and minimize avoidable delays

• Demonstrate working knowledge of Dubai free zone regulations and applicable procedures for import and exports, transfers, and customs documentation.

• Understand CITES requirements and ensure appropriate permits, supporting documentation, and regulatory checks are completed for applicable controlled goods.

• Implement controls to reduce documentation errors, compliance risks, and unnecessary storage or demurrage costs.

• Maintain accurate records and ensure that documentation and clearance processes are traceable and audit-ready

• Coordinate with group insurance providers for shipment-related claims.

• Arrange surveys for damaged goods, manage documentation for insurance processes, and request approvals for high-value shipments.

Carrier and service provider management

• Manage relationships with airlines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and local transport providers.

• Conduct structured carrier performance reviews using shipment-level data and agreed KPIs.

• Challenge service providers on missed commitments, inconsistent performance, poor communication, and recurring operational failures.

• Identify opportunities to improve reliability, reduce lead times, and optimize freight expenditure without compromising luxury service standards.

Stakeholder communication and cross functional support and visibility

• Establish a reliable shipment visibility process covering all shipments from origin booking through final delivery

• Maintain effective communication with customs authorities, freezone administrators, and internal departments.

• Support legal, finance, and supply chain teams on logistics-related matters, and assist in executing strategic projects such as store openings and events organization

• Act as the escalation point for critical shipments and ensure issues are followed through to resolution

Event & Special Shipment Coordination

• Handle consignment, loan, and event shipments under ATA Carnet and other regimes.

• Liaise with global teams for documentation and approvals,

• Arrange import/re-export post-events and ensure compliance with restricted items and delivery deadlines.

Continuous improvement and process optimization

• Take ownership of lead-time reduction and operational improvement initiatives

• Map existing processes, establish performance baselines, and identify the root causes of delays and inefficiencies

• Use trend analysis and operational data to distinguish isolated incidents from systemic problems

• Define improvement plans with measurable objectives, owners, deadlines, and expected benefits.

• Review results after implementation and adjust processes when improvements are insufficient or not sustained

• Standardize SOPs, reporting templates, escalation procedures, and documentation workflows.

• Introduce practical tools and automation to reduce manual reporting, improve data quality, and increase shipment visibility

Team leadership and management

• Manage, coach, and develop a team responsible for transport coordination and shipping documentation

• Set clear individual objectives, operational KPIS, responsibilities, and performance expectations

• Establish a culture of accountability, analytical thinking, proactive communication, and continuous improvement

• Review team performance regularly and use operational data to identify training needs and workload imbalances

• Ensure the team follows standardized processes, maintains accurate shipment records, and escalates risks promptly

• Develop cross training and back up arrangements to ensure operational continuity

• Lead by example through structured decision-making, clear communication, and a strong focus on measurable outcomes.

Measures of success

• High team performance and engagement across logistics and compliance functions.

• Timely and compliant execution of import/export operations.

• Strong regulatory relationships and successful audits.

• Accurate inventory reconciliation and documentation.

• Cost optimization and improved operational efficiency.

• Positive feedback from internal and external stakeholders.

• Successful execution of strategic logistics projects.

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics, International trade, business administration or a related discipline.

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in international Logistics, transport operations, with at least 5 years of experience managing a team, ideally in a fast-paced, international, multi-stakeholder environment

• Hands-on experience with UAE and GCC customs requirements

• Practical knowledge of UAE freezones procedures and applicable regulatory requirements

• Demonstrated experience managing carriers and freight forwarders against defined service levels and performance targets

• Proven track record of implementing KPIs, analyzing operational data, identifying performance gaps, and delivering measurable improvements

• A recognized logistics qualification, such as CILT or ASCM/APICS certification is a plus

Software and technical skills

• Microsoft office suits, advanced excel level

• Power BI for reporting is a strong advantage

• Knowledge of TMS and experience with ERP (SAP, oracle)

Key behavioral competencies

• Result driven and autonomous leader with an analytical, data-oriented approach in taking decisions

• Highly rigorous on compliance to regulations and internal guidelines

• Excellent communicator with structured and concise writing and verbal skills

• Luxury service and Continuous improvement mindset

• Strong people manager

Languages

• Fluent in English

• French/Arabic is a strong plus