Fofana Abdoulaye
Dubai
Summary
Strategic Supply Chain leader with 10+ years optimizing global operations through Lean excellence, data‑driven decision‑making, and advanced supply chain strategy. Backed by an MBA in Global Supply Chain and PhD research in AI‑enabled operational efficiency, delivering measurable improvements in productivity, resilience, and end‑to‑end performance.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Supply chain Expert
Emerson FZE
Dubai
2022.11 - 2026.03
- Organized logistics to ensure timely delivery of products.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to streamline production processes.
- Developed contingency plans to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions.
- Managed risk within the supply chain effectively addressing any potential issues proactively.
- Leveraged advanced technology solutions for efficient materials management.
- Managed supplier relationships, improving delivery timescales and product quality.
- Reduced procurement costs through effective negotiation strategies.
- Identified areas of improvement in the supply chain process, formulating action plans accordingly.
- Implemented a new vendor selection process, enhancing business partnerships.
- Conducted regular reviews of suppliers' performance, maintaining high standards across the board.
- Negotiated contracts for favourable purchase terms.
- Oversaw warehouse operations, ensuring optimal storage conditions for goods.
- Worked closely with sales team to manage customer expectations on product availability and delivery timings.
- Directed daily operations to achieve maximum output and reduce costs.
- Liaised with customers and other departments to plan timely transportation of goods.
- Planned logistics across international boundaries to reliably meet delivery requirements.
- Used trend data and financial forecasts to establish accurate budgets aligned with operational needs.
- Managed resources to yield high Return On Investment (ROI), raising cost-effectiveness.
- Used automatic tracking systems to keep computer system updated with goods movements and proactively place new orders at optimal times.
- Administered expenditure, preventing budget overages with successful control strategies.
- Adjusted inventory levels to keep obsolescence and cost low.
Commercial Manager
HB Fuller Middle East
Dubai
2017.03 - 2020.11
- Handled negotiations with vendors and suppliers, securing beneficial agreements.
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders for business growth.
- Fostered a collaborative work environment to encourage team productivity.
- Oversaw contract management process, mitigating potential disputes or conflicts.
- Maintained high-level knowledge of industry trends and competitor activities.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory guidelines to avoid legal issues.
- Led cross-functional team to meet organisational goals.
- Cultivated long-lasting client relationships, ensuring customer retention and loyalty.
- Managed commercial risks by implementing strategic plans.
- Improved profit margins with effective pricing strategies.
- Liaised with the finance department for accurate budget planning and control.
- Addressed customer issues with compassion and professionalism, ensuring swift, successful resolution.
- Planned and managed resources and budget to support and deliver objectives.
- Acted as point of contact for high-level queries and represented team at senior leadership meetings.
- Managed multiple partner relationships and internal projects simultaneously in fast-paced work environment.
- Analysed sales reports to identify trends and update strategies.
- Allocated teams, materials and calendar space for individual projects.
Import Export Specialist
Nestle Middle East (Regional Office)
Dubai
2013.06 - 2015.11
- Responsible for order Handling and Management by Generating PI shipping follow-up and billing these are done via supply and demand Alignment.
- Collaborate in MPBC (Monthly Planning Business Cycle) whereby we advise supply Planner, Demand planners & Sales team on markets product availability.
- Managed & Provided required Product visibility to Business (Sales process with the distributor and Nestle country office.
- Optimised logistics processes, improving overall operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Successfully liaised between sales teams and customers, enhancing communication flow and problem resolution timescales.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments for potential international trade opportunities.
- Demonstrated strong knowledge of both domestic and foreign import and export laws, reducing legal risks to the company.
- Interviewed transport professional to gain insight into shipment histories.
- Negotiated multi-stage transport services for international shipments.
- Established export strategies and standardised procedures for common shipments.
- Arranged and verified insurance for products, setting up correct values and types.
- Tracked shipping trends to identify consistent problems with customs, carriers or specific types of cargo.
- Helped clients navigate complex international shipping systems, comply with regulations and avoid shipping delays.
- Tracked shipments using multiple software systems and kept clients informed on progress.
- Assisted in negotiating contracts for securing better deals from vendors or service providers.
- Streamlined import and export procedures by establishing good relationships with customs officials.
- Managed stringent deadlines whilst juggling multiple projects simultaneously.
- Generated reports on shipment activities, providing valuable insights into the efficiency of operations.
- Promote sales events & campaigns and initiatives to customers.
- Ensuring All Clearance documents are received on time, free from Errors and sent to the distributors on time to ensure timely and smooth clearing process.
- Providing shipments status update to Business (Sales), Supply & demand planners and distributors on weekly basis & manage customers inquiries & requests coordinating with other functions i.e Finance.
- Meet with key internal & External stakeholders to coordinate the age on the dispatch is per what is agreed and maintain Service levels agreement with distributors.
- Manage all SAP activities and ensure they are smooth, accurate and updated.
- Manage all Nestle Purina activities from Our facilities to the distributors on SAP with collaboration between Demand, Sales & Supply Planning.
- Create tracking dashboards to drive visibility of inventory in various categories to the leadership team to ensure visibility Inventory Freshness, CFR & out of stock scenarios.
- Working closely with the event planners to ensure availability for promotions and samplings etc.
- Advising demand planning and forecasting activities as a technical expert on the forecasting project team.
- Managing wining KPI’s (DOT, Lead times, CFR and DOR)
- Working closely with finance to ensure Monthly closing are done for distributors and handling and managing all letters of credit issued by distributors.
- Working with the factory quality team on recall and problematics batches.
- Working as a co-pilot for the business (Sales team) the demand planners and factory.
- Taking ownership of all the SAP data to ensure correct data, Accuracy and reliability.
- Influence product availability and capacity optimization by coordinating with Ops Planning to reach optimal Customer Order Fulfilment targets.
- Closely monitor order tracking reports to ensure product is inbounding as planned, focusing on scheduling and production constraints
- Analyze KPI reports to anticipate and identify issues and develop recommendations to improve operations.
Customer Service Officer
Hilti Emirates
Dubai
2010.09 - 2012.09
- Processed and issued refunds, exchanges and credit notes, providing tailored solutions to customer issues.
- Advised customers on availability, pricing and location of products.
- Applied conflict management to stressed and concerned customers.
- Listened actively to offer accurate information and best solution to their needs.
- Resolved customer complaints following guidelines and referred complex inquiries to team leaders.
- Audited calls and service levels to maintain high standards.
- Advised management of customer service trends, creating proactive strategies to maintain best practices.
- Explained benefits and advantages of different product and service offerings to customers.
- Offered detailed product and service advice based on customer needs.
- Resolved complaints with proactive problem-solving and analysis.
- Prioritised tasks as per urgency, ensuring completion of all tasks within shift.
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing prompt and efficient service.
- Delivered high-quality service with attention to detail and professionalism.
- Collaborated closely with team members to provide seamless service experience.
- Conducted regular follow-up calls for improved customer retention rates.
Senior Sales Coordinator (VIP Clients)
Aramex International
Dubai
2008.03 - 2010.09
- Scheduled deliveries according to customer requirements whilst ensuring timely dispatch.
- Boosted client satisfaction by delivering exceptional customer service.
- Recommended changes in products or services based on customer feedback analysis.
- Prioritised high-value leads, resulting in improved conversion rates.
- Developed detailed sales strategies for successful new product launches.
- Identified opportunities for upselling within existing accounts, leading to increased revenues.
- Maintained strong relationships with key clients to ensure loyalty and repeat business.
- Streamlined sales processes for increased efficiency and productivity.
- Established rapport with potential customers during initial contact stages to facilitate easier negotiations.
- Collaborated closely with marketing department for better understanding of consumer trends and preferences.
- Handled complex customer inquiries, resolving any issues promptly and efficiently.
- Reviewed competitors' offerings regularly, keeping abreast of market developments.
- Assisted in budget planning to help control costs and maximise profits.
- Enhanced team performance through regular training and feedback sessions.
- Collaborated on promotional materials design, ensuring relevance to target audiences.
- Conducted market research, resulting in improved product positioning.
- Coordinated logistics of large-scale sales events to ensure smooth operations.
- Followed up on sales quotes and potential leads within target timeframes.
- Processed purchases and sales orders promptly.
- Updated CRM systems with accurate customer information to enhance sales tracking.
- Defined business strategies and roadmaps to drive performance across sales, promotions and marketing departments.
- Allocated teams, materials and calendar space for individual projects.
Education
MBA - Global Supply Chain Management
Swiss School of Management
BA - Economics
University of Nairobi
Nairobi, KenyaDiploma - Armed Conflict Studies
University of Nairobi
Nairobi, KenyaDoctor of Philosophy - AI in Supply Chain
University of South Africa
South Africa /2026 -
Skills
- Change implementation strategies
- Workflow development and optimisation
- Just in time principles
- Environmental sustainability awareness
- International business laws
- Proficient in lean methodology
- Supply chain modelling
- Warehouse Management Systems
- Cost-reduction strategies
- Project management experience
- Six Sigma Methodologies
- Demand forecasting
- Project leadership
- Lean methodology
- Supply chain management
- Enterprise resource planning systems
Certification
- Certified International Supply Chain Professional – IPSCMI (International Purchase and Supply chain Management institute USA)
- Certified International Supply Chain Manager– IPSCMI (International Purchase and Supply chain Management institute (USA)
Languages
English
Native
French
Intermediate
Swahili
Native
Reference
Upon request.
References
References available upon request.
Personal details
- Nationality: Guinean
- Marital Status: Married
- Visa Status: Residence Visa
- UAE Drivinglic: Yes
Timeline
Supply chain Expert
Emerson FZE
2022.11 - 2026.03
Commercial Manager
HB Fuller Middle East
2017.03 - 2020.11
Import Export Specialist
Nestle Middle East (Regional Office)
2013.06 - 2015.11
Customer Service Officer
Hilti Emirates
2010.09 - 2012.09
Senior Sales Coordinator (VIP Clients)
Aramex International
2008.03 - 2010.09
Doctor of Philosophy - AI in Supply Chain
University of South Africa
/2026 -
MBA - Global Supply Chain Management
Swiss School of Management
BA - Economics
University of Nairobi
Diploma - Armed Conflict Studies
University of Nairobi