We are RS Group
Across the industrial design, manufacturing and maintenance worlds, we're the digital destination for product and service solutions to help our customers with the maintenance, repair and operation of their businesses. We provide global access to an unrivalled range of over 750,000 stocked industrial products. Each day our team of experts deliver solutions to resolve our customer's challenges across design, procurement, inventory and maintenance. We consistently strive to deliver the best possible service to all of our customers and challenge ourselves to provide a seamless procurement experience.
We are one team. We deliver brilliantly. We do the right thing. We make every day better. These are our values. They unite our c.9,000 global colleagues and differentiate us from our competition. They are a mix of how we work today and how we must step up for the future. Most importantly, it is one set of values shaped by our people, for our people.
Together, we can make great things happen. Aim for amazing and beyond.
Core Purpose of the Role
The Vice President of Operations, APAC, will lead logistics, transportation, inventory management, warehouse and distribution operations, facilities management, and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) functions. A key member of the APAC leadership team, this role partners closely with cross-functional leaders to drive business strategies, ensure operational excellence, and support sustainable growth across the region. The role will play a critical role in optimizing current operations while leading new market entries, ensuring seamless coordination across diverse markets and functions. A strong ability to influence, collaborate, and communicate strategic initiatives effectively will be essential for success.
Core Key Activities
- Develop and execute operations and supply chain strategies to support business growth, optimize warehouse operations, and manage supply chain networks across the region.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and productivity in warehouse, logistics, and inventory management.
- Oversee inventory to minimize stockouts, maximize inventory turnover, and reduce carrying costs.
- Build and manage a robust logistics network, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of goods across multiple markets.
- Ensure compliance with local and global regulatory and customs requirements.
- Lead EHS initiatives, building a culture of safety and sustainability across all APAC operations.
- Ensure all facilities (offices, warehouses) meet operational needs within budget, while optimizing for cost efficiency.
- Foster a customer-first culture, developing end-to-end supply chain solutions to deliver value-added services to customers.
- Collaborate with APAC market and function leaders to execute business strategies, while fostering a highly engaged, dynamic, and proactive operations team.
How I Make a Difference In This Role
Ideal candidate will need to strategically align operational processes with the company's overarching business objectives, ensuring that local needs in the APAC region are met while supporting global initiatives. They will implement best practices in inventory management and logistics to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, they will develop high-performance teams capable of driving change and innovation.
Essential
Useful Experience
- Proven senior leadership experience within international, high-volume product distribution networks.
- Strong customer orientation and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to lead with a commercial focus.
- End-to-end operations and supply chain management experience, including inventory management, logistics, warehousing, and safety compliance.
- Strategic and operational leadership experience, with a proven track record of driving continuous improvement and achieving operational excellence.
- Senior management experience in a matrix organization, influencing stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to build and upskill high-performance leadership teams, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
- Deep understanding of APAC markets, with cross-border leadership experience in logistics and supply chain operations.
- Expertise in safety management, with experience implementing comprehensive EHS strategies.
- Proven track record in freight cost deflation and optimization of logistics channels (air, sea, local sourcing).
- Strong analytical and financial acumen, with experience managing regional P&L.
- Lean or Six Sigma certification (Black Belt preferred), with advanced problem-solving skills.
- Experience in demand planning, inventory management (S&OP, PFEP), and low-cost sourcing strategies.
- Hands-on leadership style, with a proactive approach to operational performance and a strong focus on driving results.
- Ability to navigate complex, multicultural environments, adapting communication and leadership styles accordingly.
Desirable
- Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt certification for process optimization and continuous improvement.
- Experience in light manufacturing environments, with exposure to product flow mapping, assembly, and quality management (COPQ).
- A high level of energy, resilience, and engagement in supporting market teams and identifying growth opportunities.
- Experience in the industrial or electronics industry is preferred.
- Deep senior experience in leading operations in APAC with an intimate understanding of local cultural dynamics and have proficiency in one or more Asian languages is preferred.
