Job Began Listed From: 27 Feb 2010
Job Close On: 27 May 2010
Confidential Position Specification
Director, Asia
- China [Shanghai] -
Client
Our client is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances. With annual sales of approximately $19 billion, the company has 70,000 employees and operates 69 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world.
 
Recently ranked sixth in FORTUNE magazine's "World's Most Admired Companies" list in the electronics industry, the company continues to receive worldwide recognition from a variety of business and social efforts. Highlights among these were the 2009 selection of one of the Top 10 Most Respected U.S. Companies by the Reputation Institute and Forbes.com, 2008's selections as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere magazine and one of the Best Places to Launch a Career by BusinessWeek magazine. Further, in 2007, the client was ranked among the top 20 innovators in the consumer products segment by The Patent Board, the leading independent provider of best practices research, tools and metrics for patent analysis and intellectual property investment.
 
Their mission defines their focus and what they do differently to create value. The client is a company of people captivated with creating loyal customers. From every job, across every contact, they strive to build unmatched customer loyalty…one customer at a time.
 
The culture is driven, hard working, highly accountable and values based. People are keenly focused on providing the highest quality for the lowest cost to their consumers resulting in a constant hunger for innovation and efficiencies in all areas of the business. The organization has excellent processes in place to grow and develop talent, with a well-defined leadership model and talent management practices.
The company culture is defined by the behaviors expected of every employee which are based on these stated values:
 
  • Respect - We must trust one another as individuals and value the capabilities and contributions of each person.
  • Integrity — We must conduct all aspects of business honorably – ever mindful of the longtime Corporate belief that there is no right way to do a wrong thing.
  • Diversity and Inclusion — We must maintain the broad diversity of people and ideas. Diversity honors differences, while inclusion allows everyone to contribute. Together, we create value.
  • Teamwork — We must recognize that pride results in working together to unleash everyone's potential, achieving exceptional results.
  • Spirit of Winning — We must promote a corporate culture that enables individuals and teams to reach and take pride in extraordinary results and further inspire the “Spirit of Winning" in all of us.
Operations Today in Asia
 
The company does business in four reportable segments, divided geographically as North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Today, Asia is a growing region for their operations. 
 
In China and India, these operations include five manufacturing facilities, four consumer appliance care centers and five technology centers. The company has the #1 consumer preferred brand in India, and is a leader among western brands in China. Asia net sales increased 6.5% in 2008 (including the impact of foreign currency) and gross margin increased 3%.
Job Description
The Leader of Asia International Procurement Office (AIPO) role has existed for the past seven years, based in Shanghai.  At present, the client is seeking a successor to follow the current leader at the end of his assignment.
 
The key opportunities in the coming years for this role include the continued development of quality local suppliers, the fostering of relationships within the company to promote greater knowledge and understanding of regional capabilities and providing wise and motivational leadership to a multi-site, matrixed team of largely Chinese nationals. Once training and transition are complete, travel will be 20-30% in both Asia and other regions in which the company operates.
 
This is an exciting and unique opportunity for someone who is seeking:
  • Global career opportunities and excellent professional growth
  • Successful company with stability, global brand recognition and innovative spirit
  • Excellent opportunity to build international skills and cultural agility
  • Exciting work and a management opportunity in a dynamic, international environment
  • Living and working in one of the most fascinating regions of the world
Summary of Responsibilities
The incumbent is a successful and seasoned veteran who previously completed three expatriate assignments for the company in other parts of the world prior to this role in China. 
 
The incumbent is expected to train and mentor the new/incoming leader prior to departing China and transitioning to a new company role.
 
The position is responsible for direct materials sourcing from Asia and capital & tooling and oversees a team of 69 people (46 in Shanghai, 16 in Shenzen, 5 in India and 2 in Vietnam).
The position reports to the Vice President, Global Procurement – Asia, who has been with the company for seven years and is responsible for the AIPO and all procurement from India and China.  Previously, the VP Global Procurement spent 19 years in procurement within the automotive industry. He is an open and supportive leader who travels to Shanghai on a regular basis.
 
The ideal candidate for this role has exceptional knowledge of procurement processes and practices in Asia, is an exceptional leader and influencer, is a fluent Mandarin speaker, has worked in an automotive, durable consumer goods or engineering industry, and is experienced with western business practices. The successful candidate must be able to spend the next 3-5 years living and working in Shanghai. Additionally, they should be able to travel to the United States and possibly other regions for extended periods during the first year of employment for training and familiarization with organization's operations. 
 
The Leader of Asia International Procurement Office (AIPO) is responsible for interfacing with all product groups, regions and commodity teams to identify and drive sourcing opportunities from Asia. The position requires the ability to know and understand the fundamentals of purchasing, supplier assessment and development, as well as the ability to “sell” the opportunities to the various functions within company.
 
Summary of Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop clearly defined strategies and roadmaps within Commodity and Technology to identify and capitalize on “Best Cost Country Spend” opportunities
  • Create standardized approaches across product groups, commodities and regions to assess and develop suppliers and/or identify and pursue opportunities
  • Lead cross-functional team of Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese & other Asian nationals
  • Hire and develop high caliber English speaking talent that understands western business needs and can perform as buyers, sellers and supplier development engineers
  • Build effective and sustainable global relationships with company leaders across regions and functions while establishing credibility and respect within the organization
  • Lead team of project managers to effectively complete and deliver critical projects
  • Provide knowledge of quality process, tools and metrics to assist in the work of supplier identification and qualification
  • Act as key decision maker for critical AIPO issues; negotiate effectively to meet company and partner strategic goals
  • Participate in strategic planning at the enterprise level with organizational partners
  • Coach and mentor employees regarding company and western business practices
  • Promote collaboration, company values and innovative thinking
Work Experience and Abilities Required
  • Strong knowledge of process and project management methodologies
  • Experienced in supplier development processes including supplier quality audits.
  • Knowledge of western based durable consumer goods or related industry
  • Possesses leadership experience across regions and prior experience building high performing and effective teams in China and the rest of Asia
  • Experienced key business decision maker in similar current or past role
  • Knowledge of legal requirements for western business practices
  • Certifications related to this field or role are a plus
  • Ability to travel in country or internationally, as needed
Personal Characteristics and Skills
  • Ability to learn and participate in the company's culture and processes quickly
  • Ability to establish influence across regions and product groups
  • Strong analytical and negotiating skills
Education

12+ years experience with leading edge industry purchasing practices and complex procurement environments.
Language Ability

Bilingual in English and Mandarin, oral communication.  The incumbent will serve as the key point of contact between China / Asia and the rest of the global organization.
Compensation
The position compensation will be attractive and negotiable to the right candidate, comprising of a very competitive base salary supplemented by a performance oriented bonus opportunity and benefits where appropriate.