Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Interests
Timeline
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Karim Barakat

Head Of Operation and Supply Chain
Riyadh,01

Summary

As a dedicated and results-driven leader in logistics and supply chain management, I bring over 14 years of experience to the table, having worked with premier organizations in logistics, shipping, and distribution. My expertise is rooted in Third-Party Logistics (3PL) operations and analysis, coupled with a robust track record in business development, distribution, fulfillment management, and strategic market planning. Notable milestones in my career include a 45% reduction in shipping costs within FY21-22, the successful negotiation of a 3PL partnership that established a new hub in the western region—cutting overheads by 26% and boosting sales by 18%. My leadership approach has been recognized by my peers for its excellence, creating a cooperative work environment, and inspiring team members to reach their full potential.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
16
16
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
2
2
Languages

Work History

Head of Operations and Supply Chain

Mindware - MIDIS
02.2022 - Current
  • Guided all facets of purchasing, planning, warehousing, and material control, from forecasting needs to the delivery of the final product.
  • Oversaw the company’s entire supply chain and logistics strategy, optimizing operations to enhance efficiency and productivity.
  • Showcased strategic acumen and an innovative mindset, addressing business challenges with creative solutions that aligned with organizational goals.
  • Engaged in product planning processes to ensure the timely procurement of materials for new launches and managed departmental budgets effectively.
  • Set and pursued annual objectives, including ambitious targets, in line with corporate goals, monitoring performance to guarantee their achievement.
  • Maintained strict adherence to local customs regulations, ensuring seamless clearance processes.
  • Commanded a diverse team of over 30 professionals, with 8 direct reports, cultivating a collaborative environment and open communication.
  • Selected and managed freight forwarders based on criteria that optimized costs and lead times.
  • Assessed potential suppliers for their cost-effectiveness, quality, delivery speed, and customer service.
  • Collaborated with executive leadership on strategic planning initiatives to drive business growth.
  • Automated manual processes using technology solutions, increasing accuracy and efficiency within operations.

Service Operations & Supply Chain Manager

Arab Computers - MIDIS
11.2017 - 02.2022
  • Reduced lead times for product deliveries through effective supplier management and communication strategies.
  • Implemented lean principles throughout the organization''s supply chain operations, contributing to waste reduction efforts and cost savings initiatives.
  • Directed comprehensive operations for Arab Computers as an authorized Apple service distributor, encompassing performance oversight, and the establishment and assessment of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
  • Supervised Arab Computers’ channels in alignment with Apple’s standards, ensuring efficient distribution of Apple Finished Goods (FG) parts to Independent Repairers (IRs) and Apple Premium Resellers (APRs) within Saudi Arabia.
  • Exhibited outstanding leadership by steering a team of 68 professionals, including 13 in managerial roles, towards achieving organizational goals.
  • Spearheaded the national Technical Service Lead (TSL) and assigned individual Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) to enhance customer satisfaction and operational consistency, successfully reducing the replenishment cycle from 12 to 5 days and elevating the Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) score to 80%.
  • Ensured adherence to all pertinent regulatory mandates and ethical norms within the procurement process.
  • Administered performance evaluations both internally and in collaboration with Apple on a monthly and quarterly basis, while integrating a warehouse management system across central and AASP warehouses throughout Saudi Arabia.
  • Regularly reviewed technical parameters, client contentment, repair throughput, and profit and loss statements, focusing on a sustainable volume-to-staff ratio for each AASP.
  • Fostered organizational growth by optimizing operational efficiency, along with driving sales and marketing initiatives.
  • Cultivated robust relationships with key regional stakeholders and account managers, reinforcing business connections.

Head of Logistics and Procurement

MDS -MIDIS
11.2011 - 11.2017
  • Developed strong relationships with key suppliers, resulting in improved service levels and cost savings.
  • Oversaw and enhanced the logistics team’s performance across all branches in Saudi Arabia. Negotiated and secured favorable shipping terms, pricing, and transit times, while ensuring compliance with local documentation processes.
  • Streamlined operations and fortified vendor relationships, achieving cost reductions and bolstering supplier reliability and precision. Resolved customs challenges for shipments throughout Saudi Arabia.
  • Coordinated shipping documentation and managed the scheduling, dispatching, and tracking of goods in transit. Maintained daily oversight and reporting with third-party logistics (3PL) companies.
  • Directed land transportation activities and optimized routes between warehouses and final destinations. Reviewed and authorized letters of credit from a logistics standpoint, liaised with banks, and monitored freight forwarders for shipping documents such as Air Waybills (AWB), Certificates of Origin (COO), Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) certifications, etc.

Freight Sales Manager

Kuehne + Nagel
07.2010 - 07.2011
  • Segmented customers into gold, silver, and bronze groups based on revenues and maintained customer relationship by visiting clients on a regular basis with sales team members.
  • Ensured that CRM is used to generate accurate reports and results and performed all aspects of the sales process where applicable for major country accounts.
  • Functioned as reference for my sales subordinates in selling K+N services (Air, Land, Sea Freight, Warehousing, projects/exhibitions & Customs Clearance Services).
  • Conducted quarterly business reviews for customers, discussed the results with country and regional management, and maintained close communication with customers and KN’s operations to understand customer expectations related to operational solutions, time frames, costs, and results.

Senior Customer Account Executive

Aramex
01.2008 - 01.2010
  • Implemented new CRM system, optimizing workflow efficiency, and reducing errors in data entry.
  • Developed annual plans that meet the company strategy and goals, coached, and motivated the team to deliver the best results, and monitored and reported current market trends, competition analysis, market shares, and opportunities to the country manager.
  • Managed the team to ensure targets are delivered, monitored overall sales performance and KPIs (visits, targets, prospecting, lost customers), and developed strong relations with decision-makers on the customer side.
  • Proactively identified potential account risks, implementing strategies to prevent loss of business.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing

Applied Science University
Amman, Jordan
09.2003 - 06.2007

High School Diploma -

National Orthodox School
Amman, Amman
09.1991 - 06.2003

Skills

Logistics Management

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Certification

CISCM - CISCP/ IFPSM

Interests

Swimming, football and Traveling

Timeline

CISCM - CISCP/ IFPSM

02-2024

Head of Operations and Supply Chain

Mindware - MIDIS
02.2022 - Current

Operations and Supply Chain Managment/ MSBM

05-2021

Service Operations & Supply Chain Manager

Arab Computers - MIDIS
11.2017 - 02.2022

Head of Logistics and Procurement

MDS -MIDIS
11.2011 - 11.2017

Freight Sales Manager

Kuehne + Nagel
07.2010 - 07.2011

Senior Customer Account Executive

Aramex
01.2008 - 01.2010

Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing

Applied Science University
09.2003 - 06.2007

High School Diploma -

National Orthodox School
09.1991 - 06.2003
Karim BarakatHead Of Operation and Supply Chain