Vice President - Operations, APAC

Role overview

This senior leadership position is responsible for steering APAC operations strategy and execution across the region. The role focuses on improving supply chain performance, lowering operating costs, and strengthening overall operational effectiveness. It calls for a highly experienced leader with deep knowledge of supply chain network design, warehouse automation, lean methods, and complex change management.

As part of both the Global Operations Leadership Team and the APAC Leadership Team, the role reports to the Senior Vice President of Global Operations and works closely with regional and functional stakeholders to create a more agile, resilient, and high-performing network across Asia-Pacific.

Strategic leadership and vision

• Create and roll out operations strategies that support business goals, with emphasis on cost control, waste reduction, and better customer experience.
• Drive improvements across the supply chain footprint in Australia, New Zealand, ASEAN, Hong Kong, China, and India by applying lean principles to lift productivity.
• Lead structured change management efforts that support expansion, evolving market needs, and ongoing continuous improvement.

Operational excellence and automation

• Direct programs that improve distribution, logistics, and fulfilment performance, with a focus on end-to-end efficiency, network design, inventory control, and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee warehouse automation and retrofit initiatives, including WMS enhancements and different automation tiers, while ensuring seamless deployment and return-on-investment tracking.

Cross-functional collaboration

• Work with regional leaders, finance, and other business functions to uncover growth opportunities and resolve operational issues.
• Promote a team-oriented environment that brings together supply chain and logistics stakeholders to strengthen fulfilment capabilities and align operations with local market needs.

Team development and leadership

• Lead a strong, high-performing team culture built on accountability, engagement, and leadership growth.
• Coach regional leaders and develop capability in lean thinking, automation, and customer-centric decision-making.

Financial management and CapEx

• Own the APAC operating plan and forecast together with finance leaders, ensuring it stays aligned to corporate financial targets.
• Manage capital expenditure projects tied to automation and supply chain innovation, with clear responsibility for delivering the expected ROI.

Executive communication and market expertise

• Present concise performance updates and regional insights to senior leadership with a strong executive presence.
• Bring a strong understanding of APAC market differences, especially in Australia, India, and China, and adapt operating decisions to local business conditions.

ESG and compliance

• Lead regional ESG initiatives aligned with the company’s “0 by 30” commitment.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal policy requirements across APAC operations, while proactively reducing risk.

Experience and qualifications

• 10 to 15 years of operations experience, including at least 5 years in executive-level leadership roles within complex and geographically spread organisations.
• Hands-on background in supply chain network design, lean process improvement, and warehouse/distribution automation.
• Proven success in leading major change programs and implementing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Experience managing large, internally run distribution networks rather than outsourced operations, with the ability to design and execute strategy effectively.
• Strong familiarity with APAC markets, particularly Australia, India, and China, and the ability to operate across varied business and regulatory environments.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior executives and coordinate cross-functional partners.
• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related discipline such as Supply Chain Management; a Master’s degree or MBA is preferred.