Executive Director Operations, APAC

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing

Job Description: 

The Executive Director of APAC Operations will oversee and drive strategic operational initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region, providing leadership in supply chain innovation, cost reduction, and operational optimization. The role requires a seasoned leader with strong experience in supply chain design, warehouse automation, and lean process methodologies, with the capacity to manage change in a complex, diverse environment. As a member of the Global Operations Leadership Team and APAC Leadership Team, this leader will report directly to the Senior Vice President of Global Operations and collaborate across regions to build an agile, resilient, and high-performing APAC network.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Vision:

• Develop and execute strategic operations plans to align with corporate objectives, focusing on cost efficiency, waste reduction, and customer experience.
• Lead initiatives to enhance the supply chain network across Australia, New Zealand, ASEAN, Hong Kong, China, and India, incorporating lean principles to boost productivity.
• Ensure effective change management practices to support growth, adaptation to market dynamics, and continuous improvement.

Operational Excellence and Automation:

• Spearhead initiatives to optimize distribution, logistics, and fulfillment processes, targeting end-to-end efficiency, network design, inventory management, and customer satisfaction.
• Drive the implementation and retrofitting of automation equipment in warehouses, from WMS upgrades to various automation levels, ensuring smooth integrations and ROI tracking.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with regional leaders, finance, and other functions to identify and pursue growth opportunities while addressing operational challenges.
• Foster a collaborative environment to engage cross-functional teams in supply chain and logistics projects that enhance fulfillment capabilities and align with local market demands.

Team Development and Leadership:

• Build and lead a high-performance, collaborative team, fostering accountability, employee engagement, and leadership development.
• Mentor regional leaders, emphasizing the development of competencies in lean methodologies, automation, and customer-focused decision-making.

Financial Management and CapEx:

• Oversee the APAC region's Operating Plan and Forecast in partnership with finance leaders, ensuring alignment with overall corporate financial goals.
• Manage CapEx investment projects, focusing on automation initiatives and supply chain innovations, with accountability for achieving targeted ROI.

Executive Communication and Market Expertise:

• Maintain a strong executive presence, providing clear summaries and insights to senior leadership on regional operational performance and market trends.
• Ensure a deep understanding of and adaptability to APAC market nuances, particularly within Australia, India, and China, aligning operational strategies with regional market conditions.

ESG & Compliance:

• Lead the development of regional ESG strategies in line with Ingram's "0 by 30" initiative.
• Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and internal policy requirements across all APAC operations, with a proactive approach to risk mitigation and compliance.

Experience & Qualifications:

• 10 to 15 years of operations experience, including at least 5 years in executive-level roles within complex, geographically diverse organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in supply chain network design, lean process improvement, and automation in warehousing and distribution.
• Proven track record in leading large-scale change management initiatives and implementing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Extensive experience managing expansive, internally operated distribution networks (as opposed to outsourced operations), with a strong ability to design and execute strategies.
• Strong understanding of APAC markets, particularly in Australia, India, and China, with the ability to navigate diverse business environments and regulatory landscapes.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills with the ability to engage and influence senior executives and foster cross-functional collaboration.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field required; MSc/MA preferred.