The Managing Director is responsible for the overall strategic direction, profit, sustainable growth and operational excellence of the entity. This role involves leading a diverse team across air, ocean, contract logistics, and specialized removals, ensuring alignment with global corporate philosophy while navigating local regulatory compliance and market dynamics. The position will leverage extensive expertise in Japanese freight forwarding and supply chain logistics to orchestrate strategic business plans and establish comprehensive organizational goals aligned with evolving market trends.
Key Roles & Responsibilities:
A. Strategic Leadership& Alignment
- Visionary Alignment: Translate Japan HQ Mid-Term and Long-Term Business Plan into actionable local strategies to drive sustainable growth.
- The Bridge Function: Bridge the gap between regional operations and Japan HQ by harmonizing global objectives with local market dynamics, ensuring seamless communication and cultural alignment across all levels of the organization.
- Governance: Maintained rigorous corporate governance standards while ensuring full alignment with local regulatory requirements.
B. Business Development & Commercial Growth
- Executive Relationships: Maintain high-level engagement with strategic Japanese and non-Japanese MNC clients and government bodies.
- Local Market Expansion: Identify and penetrate non-Japanese market segments to diversify the customer portfolio.
- Strategic Partnerships: Negotiate high-level contracts with carriers and local vendors to ensure competitive buying rates.
- Brand Stewardship: Act as the face of the organization during pivotal industry milestones and ceremonial engagements to bolster brand equity.
C. Operational Excellence
- P&L Ownership: Full accountability for the country's financial performance, budgeting, and cost-control measures.
- Quality Management: Ensure Operational Excellence in logistics operations, targeting zero-defect services in warehousing, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery.
- Supply Chain Resilience: Optimize multi-modal operations (Air, Ocean, Road) to maintain high Service Level Agreements amid global disruptions.
- Digital Transformation: Spearhead digital initiatives to drive organizational change and optimize performance.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with local and international regulations, including customs, trade, and safety standards, while minimizing risk and maintaining operation alintegrity.
D. People Management & Cultural Leadership
- Talent Development & Succession Planning: Identify and mentor high-potential talent for senior leadership roles to ensure organizational continuity.
- Corporate Culture: Cultivate a workplace environment that harmonizes global standards with local regulatory practices.
- Sustainability: Lead Green Logistics initiatives, including solar power integration and ESG reporting, to meet corporate environmental targets.
Requirements& Qualifications:
- Experience: 30+ years in International Freight Forwarding / Logistics Supply Chain, demonstrating a proven track record in leadership and strategic management.
- Cultural Competency: Strong understanding of Japanese business etiquette and corporate culture, with track record of harmonizing cross-functional workflows and aligning local practices.
- Communications: Strong proficiency in Japanese and English, enabling effective business-level communication and relationship management across all organizational levels and external partners.
- Network: Forging strategic partnerships with carriers to deliver integrated, end-to-end logistics solutions.
- Education: Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or an equivalent field of study.
