David Kilshaw
Dubai,United Arab Emirates
Summary
Dynamic operations manager possessing 30+ years of global experience in manufacturing, logistics, sourcing, production, and interior design operations within UK and UAE.
Results-oriented professional with a strong history of increasing operational efficiency and achieving cost savings across multiple locations. Skilled in leading diverse teams, managing recruitment processes, and applying lean methodologies to enhance performance metrics. Track record of fostering robust relationships with suppliers and clients to drive business success.
Leading operational development initiatives in UAE, with extensive experience in GCC business models and emerging companies.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work history
Operations Manager
ELE Interior Design
Dubai, UAE
01.2026 - 05.2026
- Lead full-spectrum operations for multi-department interior design firm, ensuring commercial discipline, operational scalability, and consistent project delivery.
- Manage organisational performance across HR, finance, procurement, production, and sales operations.
- Strengthen governance, compliance, and financial controls while driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Develop and implement company-wide performance frameworks and accountability systems.
- Support revenue growth through structured sales processes, margin oversight, and operational alignment.
- Handled disciplinary proceedings, preserving workplace harmony.
- Reviewed and updated company policies, ensuring compliance with employment law.
- Managed full recruitment lifecycle of job adverts, applicant vetting and new employee onboarding.
Division Head Of Operations (USA Division)
Nejoum Aljazeera
Sharjah, UAE
04.2025 - 01.2026
- Managed end-to-end warehouse and logistics operations for vehicle imports from the United States to the UAE, overseeing inventory control, dispatch coordination, transportation scheduling, and operational performance across multiple facilities.
- Shipped over 100 containers, 400 Vehicles per day from the US to the UAE.
- Led multifunctional teams across warehouse operations, dispatch, data entry, and logistics coordination, ensuring productivity targets, operational KPIs, and shipping deadlines were consistently achieved.
- Developed and implemented SOPs for loading, unloading, vehicle handling, storage, damage prevention, and container operations to improve operational efficiency and reduce risk.
- Monitored warehouse productivity through operational reporting, cycle-time analysis, and inventory tracking, improving turnaround times and minimizing delays in shipment processing.
- Coordinated closely with transport companies, freight partners, and suppliers to optimize trucking schedules, reduce transportation costs, and improve overall supply chain performance.
- Managed damage control procedures and internal investigations relating to vehicle handling, maintaining strict quality standards and preparing detailed incident reports with supporting documentation.
- Supervised warehouse safety compliance, equipment maintenance schedules, forklift operations, and staff training programs to ensure adherence to operational and safety standards.
- Introduced process improvements and digital tracking methods that enhanced warehouse accuracy, reduced paperwork, and streamlined operational workflows.
- Assisted senior management with budgeting, cost analysis, vendor negotiations, and strategic planning to improve profitability while maintaining service quality.
- Worked effectively under high-pressure operational environments, handling urgent shipment issues, staffing challenges, and client requirements while maintaining smooth daily operations.
Operations Manager
XBD Collective
Dubai, UAE
06.2024 - 04.2025
- Directed daily business operations within fast-paced design environment.
- Implemented structured workflows to improve project delivery timelines.
- Strengthened vendor partnerships for improved cost control and reliability.
- Improved accountability across departments through KPI tracking.
- Worked closely with senior leadership to align operational strategy with business growth.
- Led recruitment campaigns to attract high-quality candidates.
- Improved business HR policies by guiding and collaborating with managers.
- Improved employee productivity and organisational effectiveness by reviewing processes to ensure optimal HR service delivery.
Operations Manager - 6 Mths Consultancy
Illumin8
Sharjah, UAE
03.2024 - 06.2024
- Managed full operational function including production, logistics, and manufacturing.
- Optimised workflow procedures with strategic planning and team coordination.
- Led team of 120 across multiple departments.
- Reduced print remakes by 50% through quality control interventions.
- Analysed financial and operational KPIs to address bottlenecks.
- Implemented structured reporting systems for improved visibility.
Global Sourcing / Operations Manager
Graham & Brown Ltd
Lancashire
06.2011 - 03.2024
- Increased profit margins by up to 85% through strategic sourcing and supplier restructuring.
- Negotiated high-value international contracts across global supplier networks.
- Reduced waste and overhead costs through operational restructuring.
- Managed stock control, supplier compliance, and logistics planning.
- Developed procurement frameworks improving cost, lead time, and quality performance.
- Implemented new operational procedures improving accuracy and reducing risk.
- Managed budgets and forecasting aligned with commercial strategy.
Operations Manager
Cott Beverages
Lancashire, UK
07.2004 - 06.2011
- Managed 55 warehouse staff across 3 shifts.
- Achieved consistent KPI performance and service targets.
- Led cost reduction initiatives and efficiency programmes.
- Implemented performance management frameworks for team leaders.
- Negotiated vendor agreements for operational cost savings.
Education
Diploma - Business & Finance (Distinction)
Sefton CBTC
United KingdomSkills
- Building operational procedures
- Process optimisation
- KPI management
- Budget management
- ERP implementation
- Strategic business planning
- Process optimisation
- Mentoring and leadership skills
- Operations management
- Recruitment strategies
- HR policy implementation
- Onboarding Process Optimisation
- Cost reduction and efficiency
- Contract negotiation
- Performance monitoring
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Languages: English (Fluent)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Location: UAE (Available across GCC)
Affiliations
- Hiking, Mountain Biking, Interior Design.
Timeline
Operations Manager
ELE Interior Design
01.2026 - 05.2026
Division Head Of Operations (USA Division)
Nejoum Aljazeera
04.2025 - 01.2026
Operations Manager
XBD Collective
06.2024 - 04.2025
Operations Manager - 6 Mths Consultancy
Illumin8
03.2024 - 06.2024
Global Sourcing / Operations Manager
Graham & Brown Ltd
06.2011 - 03.2024
Operations Manager
Cott Beverages
07.2004 - 06.2011
Diploma - Business & Finance (Distinction)
Sefton CBTC