Head of Operations, Asia

Role Overview and Key Responsibilities

As the Head of Operations for Asia, you will set and steer the vision, strategy, and key performance indicators for regional operations, ensuring seamless and consistent adherence to global policies across all regional offices. Your role requires managing budgets, overseeing security protocols, and ensuring business continuity while driving operational excellence and efficiency.

Operations Management

• Define and implement the strategic objectives and KPIs for regional operations.
• Manage regional security measures and maintain robust business continuity plans.
• Ensure strict compliance with global operational policies across all Asian offices to promote uniformity and operational excellence.
• Develop and optimize financial plans for all regional offices, aligning expenditures with strategic goals.
• Lead the deployment and optimization of regional operational resources by applying best practices.
• Collaborate with leading industry experts to enhance the quality and execution of operational activities.

Facilities, Workplace, and Visitor Management

• Coordinate space occupancy evaluation and planning for regional offices.
• Initiate and manage projects that enhance employee engagement through better workspace design.
• Lead initiatives that ensure visitors receive an exceptional and streamlined experience.
• Implement technologies to improve process efficiency for employees and visitors alike.
• Work closely with the Global Real Estate team to negotiate, execute, and manage lease agreements within the region.
• Proactively recommend improvements to enhance space utilization and operational efficiency.

Vendor and Contract Management

• Lead regional vendor management, focusing on standardizing and refining vendor contracts and relationships to improve service outcomes.
• Monitor and review vendor performance regularly, instituting corrective measures as necessary.
• Forge strategic partnerships with vendors to foster service innovation and delivery improvements.
• Establish effective feedback mechanisms with vendors to encourage continuous refinement aligned with regional objectives.

Project Leadership

• Coordinate office and site relocations, renovations, and new construction projects in collaboration with other offices.
• Promote and implement scalable best practices across regions beyond Asia to enhance operational standards.

Required Expertise and Experience

• At least 10 years of senior leadership experience in regional operations within professional services or global matrix organizations.
• Proven capability in managing facilities and workplaces, including office moves, redesigns, contracts, and vendor relations across multiple countries.
• Strong background in enhancing employee and visitor experience in alignment with corporate values.
• Experience managing multi-million dollar operational budgets and implementing strategies to optimize efficiency and space utilization.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with ability to work cross-functionally and across geographies to achieve objectives.
• Expertise in contract negotiation, vendor performance oversight, and service level governance.
• Demonstrated leadership in motivating diverse teams and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

About Linklaters

Linklaters is an international law firm operating in 20 countries with 30 offices worldwide. Excellence in client service is underpinned by exceptional talent who thrive collaboratively and embrace innovation, agility, and responsibility. The firm fosters a supportive, fair, and inclusive environment celebrating diversity and promoting open communication.

Work Culture and Benefits

• Global exposure and opportunities to contribute to strategic projects that innovate and advance business goals.
• Strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental governance.
• Focus on attracting and retaining diverse talent, fostering inclusive workplaces where all employees feel valued and empowered.
• Promotion of a speak-up culture and open-door policy to encourage employee voices and feedback.
• Support for personalized career development tailored to individual talents and aspirations.
• Provision of flexible and agile working arrangements to meet evolving workforce and business needs.
• Investment in mental health and wellbeing resources, offering safe environments and expert support.
• Development programs for future leaders emphasizing emotional intelligence and coaching abilities.

Technical Proficiencies

• Budget and financial management
• Change and project management
• Contract and lease administration
• Facility and security management
• Strategic sourcing and vendor relationship management
• Sustainability strategy implementation

Additional Information

This overview is not exhaustive and additional tasks may be assigned as necessary to fulfill the role's objectives.