Network Planning Manager Job Description UAE 2025 — Responsibilities, Qualifications and Salary
A Network Planning Manager in UAE earns between AED 180,000 and AED 336,000 per year. The role designs and optimises the distribution network, including warehouse locations, transport lanes, and last-mile coverage, to minimise cost and maximise service levels across UAE and GCC. It requires a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, logistics, or operations research, and 7 to 12 years of supply chain network planning experience.
UAE and Saudi Arabia
Salary: AED 180,000–336,000
Updated 2025
Network Planning Manager Responsibilities
The table below lists the primary responsibilities of a Network Planning Manager in UAE and Saudi Arabia as of 2025. Each responsibility is stated as a discrete, measurable activity.
| Responsibility | Frequency | Output / Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| Design and evaluate distribution network configurations | Per study | Network model with scenario analysis and cost comparison |
| Optimise transport lane structures and carrier allocations | Annual | Lane optimisation delivering minimum 5 percent cost saving |
| Model demand patterns and capacity requirements | Monthly | Capacity forecast validated against actual throughput |
| Lead network redesign projects for new market entry or expansion | Per project | Network design approved before market launch |
| Develop network planning tools and KPI dashboards | Per tool | Tool deployed and adopted by logistics team |
| Present network strategy recommendations to senior leadership | Quarterly | Executive presentation with financial impact analysis |
Network Planning Manager Qualifications and Requirements
The following qualifications apply to a Network Planning Manager role in UAE and Saudi Arabia. Requirements vary by sector and employer size.
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or Logistics |
| Experience | 7 to 12 years in supply chain or logistics with 3 years in network planning |
| Tools | Network modelling tools (LLamasoft, Llamasoft Supply Chain Guru, AIMMS, or Python-based modelling) |
| Analytics | Advanced Excel, SQL, and Power BI for data analysis and visualisation |
| GCC knowledge | UAE and GCC geography, trade lanes, and customs zones understanding |
| Communication | Executive presentation and cross-functional project leadership |
All employment contracts in the UAE are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. A Network Planning Manager employed in mainland UAE requires a Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) approved contract. ADGM, DIFC, and free zone employees are subject to their respective authority’s employment regulations.
How RFS Recruits a Network Planning Manager
- You brief RFS with the role specification, seniority level, and team structure. The briefing call takes 30 minutes.
- RFS searches its active candidate database and activates direct outreach within 24 hours of instruction.
- RFS delivers a shortlist of 3 to 5 pre-screened Network Planning Manager candidates within 48 to 72 hours.
- You conduct interviews. RFS coordinates scheduling and candidate communication throughout.
- RFS supports offer negotiation and manages the candidate’s notice period and onboarding.
- The 6-month replacement guarantee activates from the candidate’s start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Network Planning Manager earn in UAE?
A Network Planning Manager in UAE earns between AED 180,000 and AED 336,000 per year. E-commerce and retail network planners earn AED 216,000 to AED 336,000. FMCG and manufacturing planners earn AED 180,000 to AED 264,000.
What network modelling tools are used in UAE logistics?
LLamasoft Supply Chain Guru is used by large FMCG and retail companies in UAE for strategic network modelling. AIMMS and Gurobi are used for mathematical optimisation. Python with PuLP or OR-Tools is increasingly used for custom network models. Microsoft Azure Machine Learning is gaining adoption for demand-driven network optimisation.
Does RFS recruit Network Planning Managers?
Yes. RFS sources Network Planning Manager candidates from its UAE and GCC supply chain network. A shortlist of 3 to 5 pre-screened candidates is delivered within 48 to 72 hours. The retained search fee is 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation.
What a Network Planning Manager does in UAE
A Network Planning Manager in UAE designs and optimises the logistics network for a 3PL, retailer, or e-commerce company, using data modelling to determine optimal distribution centre locations, transport routes, and last-mile delivery strategies across UAE and GCC markets.
Key responsibilities
- Design and model UAE and GCC logistics network configurations to minimise cost and maximise service
- Lead distribution network studies including DC location analysis, capacity modelling, and footprint review
- Model transport route optimisation for UAE primary and secondary distribution operations
- Produce business cases for UAE logistics network investment decisions
- Manage last-mile delivery network design for UAE e-commerce and quick commerce operations
- Build cost-to-serve models for UAE channel and customer profitability analysis
- Lead TMS implementation for UAE route planning and carrier optimisation
- Analyse UAE logistics market data including carrier rates, fuel costs, and regulatory changes
- Manage the logistics data analytics platform for network performance monitoring
- Present network strategy and investment proposals to the Supply Chain Director
Qualifications required
- Bachelor or Master degree in logistics, industrial engineering, or operations research
- APICS CSCP or CILT qualification preferred
- 5 to 10 years network planning experience with UAE or GCC distribution network design
- Proficiency in logistics modelling software (CAST, JDA Network Design, or Llamasoft)
- Strong data analysis skills including Python, R, or SQL for logistics network optimisation
- UAE last-mile delivery platform knowledge (Trella, Fetchr, Aramex, or Quiqup)
- Arabic language skills preferred for UAE market analysis and stakeholder management
- E-commerce and quick commerce network design experience preferred for digital logistics roles
Network Planning Manager salary by employer type in UAE
| Employer type | Annual salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| Large 3PL or logistics company UAE (DSV, DB Schenker, Agility) | 220,000–400,000 |
| E-commerce company UAE supply chain (Amazon, Noon) | 240,000–420,000 |
| FMCG or retail logistics UAE | 200,000–380,000 |
| Logistics consultancy or advisory (UAE) | 210,000–390,000 |
Contract terms for this role in UAE
Network Planning Manager roles carry a 30 to 60 day notice period. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 applies to your end-of-service gratuity at 21 days basic salary per year for the first five years.
Hire a Network Planning Manager in UAE or Saudi Arabia
RFS delivers a shortlist of pre-screened Network Planning Manager candidates in 48 to 72 hours. Retained search fee: 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation. 6-month replacement guarantee on all placements.
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UAE Market Data — Network Planning Manager 2025
Salary Range (AED/month)
AED 10,000 – 90,000 (varies by seniority)
Tax-free. Source: Michael Page UAE 2026, Indeed UAE 2025
Industry
Tech — UAE & GCC
Required Certifications (UAE Market)
AWS / Azure / GCP certifications. CISSP / CISM for security. PMP / PRINCE2 for PMs. ITIL v4 for IT service management.
UAE-Specific Regulatory Skills
UAE Cybersecurity Council regulations, TDRA National Digital Economy Strategy, UAE Cloud First Policy, UAE AI Strategy 2031, UAE Personal Data Protection Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021).
RFS HR Consultancy places network planning manager professionals across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the wider UAE and GCC. View our technology recruitment services Dubai UAE or check the technology salary guide UAE 2025.
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