The Role
As Manager, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing the entire commercial and operational architecture of our trading business across Southeast Asia. This role requires a seasoned leader who can manage multiple departments (Sales, Operations, Procurement) simultaneously, drive scalable growth, and mentor high-performing teams. You are expected to elevate processes from ad-hoc procedures into repeatable, profitable systems.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sales & Market Expansion Leadership
- Develop and execute comprehensive market entry strategies for Singapore and surrounding regions (SEA), identifying new vertical opportunities within the construction, engineering, and electronics sectors.
- Lead the development of key client relationships at an executive level to secure major contracts and drive long-term project loyalty.
- Analyze sales data and market penetration metrics to forecast revenue growth, identify profitability gaps, and recommend strategic pricing models.
Operational Excellence & Risk Management (Process Ownership)
- Design, implement, and manage Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the end-to-end cross-border trade cycle, ensuring maximum efficiency and compliance across all jurisdictions.
- Oversee and mitigate operational risks associated with complex international logistics, including managing geopolitical shifts, supply chain disruptions, and sudden regulatory changes.
- Directly manage relationships with Tier 1 logistics partners, customs brokers, and legal counsel to ensure seamless, compliant trade flow.
Strategic Procurement & Vendor Management
- Develop long-term sourcing strategies and negotiate high-level master agreements with primary manufacturers and core commodity suppliers (e.g., M&E component manufacturers).
- Lead cost optimization initiatives by analyzing global market trends for key commodities, negotiating bulk pricing structures, and securing favorable credit terms.
- Establish robust quality control frameworks that ensure all sourced materials consistently meet technical specifications and project requirements.
Team Leadership & Mentorship (The Managerial Shift)
- Provide direct mentorship and guidance to the Executive/Specialist team members, fostering their growth in both sales acumen and operational compliance.
- Lead cross-functional meetings, aligning Sales objectives with Operational capabilities, ensuring that market promises are backed by viable supply chain processes.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Experience: 5–8 years of progressive experience in international trade, operations management, or complex commodity trading. Must include a minimum of 2-3 years in a direct supervisory or managerial role leading operational teams.
- Domain Knowledge: Deep understanding of the construction/ industrial supply chain and specific technical knowledge of M&E materials is highly desirable.
- Technical Knowledge: Expert working knowledge of global trade mechanisms, including Incoterms (all variations), advanced Letters of Credit (LC) structures, customs valuation procedures, and regional compliance frameworks.
- Language Proficiency: Mandatory professional fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English (written and spoken) for high-level negotiation with both suppliers and clients across SEA.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, International Business, Engineering, or a related field.
