Director, Logistics Operations

UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) seeks to appoint a Director, Logistics Operations reporting to the Deputy Chief Administrative Business Officer.

The Director, Logistics is a critical leadership role at NYU Abu Dhabi and is a visionary leader who fully understands and embraces the core research and academic mission of NYU Abu Dhabi and who has a breadth of professional experience in translating this vision into effective delivery of services.

The Director will initially be responsible for implementing a restructured Logistics Department to support the core operations of the University and will provide strategic planning and management of all logistics activities and collaborates with departments to streamline operations, enhance service delivery, and support the university's academic, research and administrative functions while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

The Director, Logistics will be accountable for building and executing a comprehensive logistics strategy and responsible for the day to day operations both domestically and internationally to provide end-to-end management and support of the requirements to fulfill University logistics needs, primarily in research and academics, but overarching for the entire University.  This includes, but is not limited to:

• Managing the support for all logistics components of on and off-campus research and academic activities
• Managing the support for the transportation and importation and exportation of goods and products from a worldwide network of vendors and collaboration partners, inclusive of specialized items such as live animals, samples or other biological/chemical goods and how to properly handle these key goods (e.g. - cold chain, life chain, etc.)
• Keeping track of all UAE laws and regulations regarding imports and exports, including licenses and permits, and supporting the acquisition of these requirements including managing customs clearances
• Managing campus mail services and internal distribution
• Providing continuous development and training of Logistics staff and supporting departments

The Director, Logistics will report on an interim basis into the Office of the COO to lead the formal restructuring of the Logistics Department, during which time the Director will work closely with the Office to establish balanced success criteria for a high functioning department and an opportunity to set the long-term goals for the department with the COO.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Resource Management:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for the Logistics department, ensuring seamless management of logistics operations. This involves evaluating requirements, resources, budgets, and variables—both known and unknown—to oversee the end-to-end flow of goods and materials
• Focus on ensuring timely execution of imports and exports, from source through transit to destination, while continuously identifying opportunities to optimize resources and processes for long-term efficiency

Cost, Service, and Process Optimization:

• Create and implement strategies to balance costs, service, and inventory in logistics operations. This includes optimizing flow paths for goods and materials, addressing service requirements, specialized logistics such as cold chain, and replenishment needs
• Collaborate with trade partners to enhance reporting accuracy, refine standard operating procedures (SOPs), and drive continuous improvement
• Monitor market conditions and industry best practices to develop cost-effective solutions while maintaining compliance and aligning processes with the university’s goals

Compliance Management:

• Ensure compliance with all applicable export/import control rules, including obtaining necessary licenses and permits for customs clearance at both source and destination locations
• Maintain high standards and ensure compliance with Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) requirements on campus, at research field work off campus, and in all phases of logistics operations workflow from source, transit/transport, to destination

Department Leadership:

• Provide oversight and guidance to the Logistics department personnel in managing day-to-day domestic and international operations, including managing trade partners and third-party providers
• Provide decisive steering as needed to ensure all risks are mitigated and issues are resolved timely to limit any impact to University operations

Stakeholder Engagement and Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, especially with Faculty and Researchers to align logistics operations with University goals and priorities. Collaborate with cross-functional support teams, including Procurement, Finance, Campus Operations, and Provost Administration, to ensure seamless coordination and communication
• Act as a key liaison with trade partners, vendors, and regulatory agencies to address challenges, resolve issues, and maintain compliance
• Facilitate regular updates and feedback loops to enhance transparency, drive collaborative problem-solving, and ensure that logistics activities meet the evolving needs of the University

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or a related field

Required Certification/Other Qualifications:

• IATA Cat Six Dangerous Goods Regulations, Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Preferred Education:

• Masters or higher degree in global supply chain or logistics, Business Administration or equivalent experience

Required Experience:

• 10 years or more of supply chain experience with Global Logistics Expertise
• 8 years or more of international logistics, freight forwarding and distribution experience
• Demonstrated experience in managing logistics trade partners and carriers
• Demonstrated ability to map and analyze processes from a lean perspective, integrating systems, leveraging data analysis, reporting and process components into an efficient operating model
• Able to lead and inspire a diverse team of professionals that serve a broad portfolio of clients
• Strong communication, verbal and written skills
• High level of organization and process discipline with a focus on customer service, efficient and timely delivery of goods and act on behalf and in the interest of end users
• Comprehensive understanding of the principles of commercial and operational risk
• Ability to solve complex problems with both a data driven, analytical and an end user centric approach

Preferred Experience:

• 15 years of global operations management experience in manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain, including experience leading multi-site/international warehousing, supply chain, or manufacturing operations

• 10 years of experience managing third-party logistics suppliers including 8+ years of international logistics, freight forwarding and distribution experience

• Experience in higher education logistics

• Experience with various UAE ministries that influence and/or regulate imported goods, materials, animals, biologicals, etc.

• Customer service-oriented must have a sense of urgency and prioritize work
• Ability to lead a team that works in a fast-paced environment
• Team player and the ability to work well with the leaders of other departments within the organization
• Knowledge of Environmental and Sustainability Practices
• Proficiency with Logistics Technology

The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion.