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Inventory Controller - Job Opportunity at KEOLIS

Dubai, AE
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 19, 2025
On-site
Based on Dubai's competitive market for specialized transportation roles and the mid-level experience requirements, this position likely offers AED 8,000-12,000 monthly (USD 65,000-98,000 annually). KEOLIS's international presence and the critical nature of metro operations typically command premium compensation packages including housing allowances, transportation benefits, and performance-based increases.

Benefits

Opportunity to work with cutting-edge metro infrastructure technology in one of the world's most advanced transportation systems
Professional development in specialized rail industry operations and maintenance management
Exposure to international best practices in public transportation through KEOLIS's global expertise
Career advancement within a leading multinational transportation operator
Experience with enterprise-level systems and advanced inventory management technologies

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive inbound receiving operations ensuring quality control and compliance across all material deliveries, directly impacting operational efficiency and safety standards
Drive digital transformation initiatives by maintaining accurate records in Maintenance Management Systems, supporting data-driven decision making across engineering teams
Orchestrate complex outbound issuance processes that directly support critical maintenance operations, ensuring zero downtime for metro services
Manage strategic asset lifecycle processes including repair coordination and decommissioning, optimizing capital expenditure and operational costs
Implement sustainable waste management programs coordinating with approved vendors while ensuring environmental compliance and cost optimization
Oversee critical equipment calibration and certification processes ensuring regulatory compliance and operational safety standards
Execute comprehensive inventory audits and stock management procedures that maintain accuracy levels critical for uninterrupted metro operations
Lead cross-functional teams including Lead Storekeepers and Storekeepers, developing operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives

Requirements

Education

Degree, Diploma or other relevant qualification in engineering, supply chain management or another relevant field

Experience

A minimum 3 years of stores / warehousing experience

Required Skills

Proficient in using ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems, preferably IBM Maximo Ability to lift, move and handle heavy items and packages for extended periods Fluent in English Strong English written and verbal communication skills Strong organisational skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines High attention to detail to accurately plan deliveries Ability to work productively in a fast-paced, team-orientated environment Computer literate with sound knowledge of the Microsoft Office application including Outlook, Excel, Power Point and Word in particular Holder of a valid UAE forklift licence

Certifications

Certification in supply chain management
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The Middle East transportation infrastructure sector is experiencing unprecedented growth with UAE investing over $50 billion in smart city initiatives, creating sustained demand for specialized inventory management professionals who can handle complex rail systems. The integration of IoT and predictive maintenance technologies in metro operations is revolutionizing inventory management, requiring professionals who can bridge traditional warehousing with digital transformation initiatives. Public-private partnerships in transportation are becoming the dominant model across the Gulf region, with companies like KEOLIS leading the charge in bringing European operational excellence to Middle Eastern markets. This trend is creating premium opportunities for inventory professionals who can work within international frameworks while adapting to local regulatory requirements. The shift towards predictive maintenance and condition-based monitoring in rail systems is fundamentally changing inventory management approaches, with professionals now required to manage not just physical stock but also digital asset data, calibration schedules, and compliance documentation in integrated enterprise systems.

Role Significance

Typically manages 3-6 direct reports including Lead Storekeepers and Storekeepers, while coordinating with engineering teams, logistics personnel, and external vendors. The role serves as a critical interface between maintenance operations and supply chain management, requiring strong stakeholder management across multiple departments.
This is a substantial mid-management role with significant operational authority, overseeing critical supply chain functions that directly impact metro service reliability. The position combines hands-on technical expertise with team leadership responsibilities, requiring both strategic thinking and operational execution capabilities within a high-stakes public transportation environment.

Key Projects

Implementation of advanced inventory optimization systems using predictive analytics to reduce stock levels while maintaining service availability Leading digital transformation initiatives to integrate IoT sensors with inventory management systems for real-time asset tracking Managing complex vendor consolidation projects to streamline procurement processes and reduce operational costs Overseeing compliance audit preparations and regulatory reporting for safety-critical rail components and hazardous materials management

Success Factors

Mastery of enterprise resource planning systems, particularly IBM Maximo, combined with deep understanding of rail industry maintenance cycles and regulatory requirements. Success requires the ability to translate complex technical specifications into operational procedures while maintaining absolute accuracy in safety-critical environments. Exceptional stakeholder management skills enabling effective coordination between engineering teams, external suppliers, and regulatory bodies while managing competing priorities in a 24/7 operational environment. The ability to communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences and build consensus across departments is essential. Strategic thinking capabilities that extend beyond traditional warehousing to encompass asset lifecycle management, predictive maintenance support, and continuous improvement initiatives. Success requires understanding how inventory decisions impact overall system reliability and operational costs. Cultural adaptability and international business acumen necessary to work within KEOLIS's global framework while navigating local UAE regulations, customs procedures, and business practices in a multicultural environment.

Market Demand

High demand driven by massive infrastructure investments across the Gulf region, with specialized rail inventory management professionals being particularly scarce. The combination of technical ERP expertise, regulatory compliance knowledge, and operational leadership skills creates a premium talent market with limited qualified candidates.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

IBM Maximo ERP proficiency represents the cornerstone technical skill, as this system manages all asset lifecycles, maintenance schedules, and inventory movements in the metro operation. Deep expertise in this platform directly correlates with operational effectiveness and career advancement opportunities within the rail industry, where Maximo is the dominant enterprise system. Regulatory compliance and safety management capabilities are absolutely essential given the safety-critical nature of rail operations and Dubai's stringent transportation safety standards. Understanding COSHH regulations, material safety protocols, and asset certification requirements directly impacts public safety and operational licensing. Cross-cultural communication and stakeholder management skills are critical for success in Dubai's multicultural environment, where effective coordination between international management, local regulatory bodies, and diverse supplier networks determines operational efficiency and compliance outcomes.

Beneficial Skills

Advanced data analytics and reporting capabilities would significantly enhance value proposition, as transportation operators increasingly rely on data-driven decision making for inventory optimization and predictive maintenance planning Project management certification and change management expertise would provide competitive advantages, as the role frequently involves implementing new procedures, coordinating system upgrades, and managing continuous improvement initiatives Additional language skills, particularly Arabic, would enhance effectiveness in local vendor management and regulatory interactions, potentially accelerating career advancement within the regional transportation sector

Unique Aspects

This role offers rare exposure to one of the world's most technologically advanced metro systems, providing experience with cutting-edge automated rail operations and integrated digital maintenance management that few professionals globally can access
The position combines traditional supply chain management with specialized rail industry requirements including safety-critical component handling, regulatory compliance, and coordination with highly technical engineering teams in a 24/7 operational environment
Working within KEOLIS's international framework provides access to global best practices and potential international career mobility across 16 countries, while gaining expertise in Middle Eastern business practices and regulatory frameworks
The role encompasses emerging technologies including IoT integration, predictive maintenance support, and digital asset management, positioning the professional at the forefront of transportation industry transformation

Career Growth

Progression to senior management roles typically occurs within 2-3 years given the specialized nature of rail operations expertise and the rapid growth of transportation infrastructure in the region. The combination of international company experience and local market knowledge creates accelerated career trajectories.

Potential Next Roles

Assistant Stores Manager or Stores Manager positions within KEOLIS or similar transportation operators, typically involving broader P&L responsibility and strategic vendor relationship management Supply Chain Manager roles in infrastructure or industrial sectors, leveraging the specialized ERP and compliance expertise gained in rail operations Operations Manager positions in logistics companies or industrial facilities, where the combination of team leadership and technical systems expertise provides competitive advantages Consulting opportunities in transportation infrastructure development projects across the Middle East, providing inventory management and operational setup expertise

Company Overview

KEOLIS

KEOLIS is a leading multinational public transportation operator headquartered in France, managing transport networks across 16 countries and serving over 3 billion passenger journeys annually. The company operates some of the world's most advanced metro, bus, and tram systems, bringing European operational excellence and technological innovation to global markets including major Middle Eastern transportation hubs.

KEOLIS ranks among the top three global public transportation operators alongside Transdev and Arriva, with particular strength in automated metro systems and smart mobility solutions. The company's expertise in driverless metro operations and integrated transportation networks positions it as a premium service provider in the rapidly expanding Gulf transportation market.
In the Middle East, KEOLIS operates critical infrastructure including the Dubai Metro, one of the world's most advanced automated rail networks. The company's regional operations serve as a hub for expansion across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, with ongoing projects in Saudi Arabia's NEOM development and potential involvement in Qatar's transportation infrastructure expansion.
KEOLIS emphasizes operational excellence, safety leadership, and continuous innovation within a structured European management framework adapted to local markets. The company culture prioritizes technical expertise, regulatory compliance, and collaborative problem-solving, offering international career mobility and comprehensive professional development programs for high-performing employees.
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