Supply Chain Program Director IHS Middle East

About the Role:

The Supply Chain Program Director IHS Middle East is a senior professional responsible for shaping, developing, leading, delivering, and owning the outcomes of large-scale supply chain transformation programs for external clients. The role emphasizes demonstrated development and delivery of complex supply chain projects, measurable performance improvement, and realization of financial and operational benefits.

The primary external client is the Saudi Ministry of Health. The Program Director will provide strategic direction and hands-on leadership across multi-year engagements for this important client. This includes designing and executing supply chain transformation initiatives across regulators, healthcare providers, medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and logistics partners.

The role requires deep expertise in supply chain digitization, supply chain innovation, analytics-driven planning, and execution excellence. You must be able to work credibly with senior stakeholders, translating strategy into tangible implementation plans with quantified results.

The role reports to the IHS Senior Director Operations IHS EMEA & EA WE and works closely with IHS Consulting, IHS Supply Chain Operations, IHS PMO, and IHS Service Delivery teams.

Responsibilities include the following and other duties may be assigned:

Supply Chain Strategic Planning & Execution

• Develop and execute supply chain strategies aligned to client objectives, with a clear link between strategy, execution roadmap, and quantified benefits.
• Lead initiatives across procurement transformation, demand and supply planning, inventory and stock optimization, network design, and supplier performance management.

Supply Chain Digitization and Innovation

• Define and drive supply chain digitization initiatives, including ERP, planning systems, inventory optimization tools, analytics platforms, and performance dashboards.
• Translate business requirements into digital and data-enabled solutions in collaboration with IT, vendors, and implementation partners.
• Promote adoption of digital tools and new innovative ways of working, ensuring solutions are embedded into day-to-day operations.

Analytics, Planning & Execution Excellence

• Apply advanced analytical techniques to demand planning, inventory optimization, capacity planning, and performance management.
• Use data to diagnose root causes, model scenarios, support decision-making, and track benefits realization.
• Establish clear execution discipline, performance tracking, and corrective-action mechanisms.

Supply Chain Program Delivery & Results

• Lead end-to-end delivery of complex supply chain transformation programs, from diagnostic and design through implementation and benefits realization.
• Demonstrate accountability for measurable outcomes, including cost reduction, service-level improvement, inventory optimization, working capital impact, and risk reduction.
• Structure, manage, and drive multi-workstream programs with clear milestones, dependencies, and governance.

Stakeholder Leadership & Team Oversight

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, including regulators and executive leadership teams.
• Be a trusted senior leader within the IHS organization and able to present and escalate appropriately to the company IHS Senior Leadership team.
• Lead, mentor and develop IHS team members assigned to programs, ensuring high-quality, insight-driven deliverables.
• Review, challenge, and refine analyses and recommendations to ensure practical, implementable outcomes.

Performance Management & Governance

• Define and monitor KPIs across supply chain performance, digital adoption, and program delivery.
• Work closely with the IHS PMO to ensure robust governance, reporting, and risk management.
• Prepare and present clear, executive-level progress and outcome reports.

Business Development Support

• Support IHS business development efforts by contributing to proposals, shaping solution approaches, and leveraging delivery experience to support growth in the region.

Required Knowledge and Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in supply chain roles spanning consulting and/or operational leadership, preferably within healthcare or regulated environments in the Middle East region.
• Proven track record of developing and delivering large-scale supply chain transformation programs, with clear evidence of results achieved.
• Strong consulting background (Big 4 or leading boutique) combined with hands-on execution experience.
• Deep expertise in supply chain planning, procurement, logistics, inventory management, and performance management.
• Demonstrated experience leading supply chain digitization initiatives, including planning systems, analytics, and data-driven decision support.
• Strong understanding of how digital tools enable execution discipline and performance improvement.
• Up-to-date on supply chain innovations available in the marketplace.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to structure complex problems, interpret data, and translate insights into action.
• Strong program and project management capabilities, with experience driving execution across multiple stakeholders.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivery, accountability, and benefits realization.
• Excellent executive-level communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Strong academic background: MBA or Master’s degree in Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related discipline from a Tier-1 institution preferred.
• Hybrid role with extensive travel to client sites in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East (approximately 50-75%).
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is essential, and Arabic is preferred.

Benefits & Compensation
the company offers a competitive Salary and flexible Benefits Package
A commitment to our employees lives at the core of our values. We recognize their contributions. They share in the success they help to create. We offer a wide range of benefits, resources, and competitive compensation plans designed to support you at every career and life stage.

• This position is eligible for a short-term incentive called the company Incentive Plan (MIP).
• This position is eligible for an annual long-term incentive plan.