Location: Greater China or South/East Asia (Proximity to International Airport Preferred)
Industry: Connectivity & Charging Technologies
Confidentiality: This is a confidential search for a strategic leadership role.
Our client is a is private equity-backed global leader in Connectivity and Charging Technologies, providing cutting-edge testing, research, and engineering services/solutions, with a network of over 10 labs globally, including significant operations in Asia and the United States. We are currently hiring for a Chief Operating Officer to focus on driving operational efficiency, excellence, project delivery & to improve the customer journey. With a strong foundation and a clear vision for growth, we feel there is significant opportunity to make an impact, contribute effectively towards the development & growth of a business at senior exec level, and to be a valued senior leader within a fast paced & growing organisation.
The Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for overseeing the operational functions of our client on a global scale. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in managing multi-site operations in Asia & the US, and will spend approximately 30-50% of their time in Asia. The ideal candidate will be expected to lead efforts to harmonize systems and processes across the organization, reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction. This role requires a hands-on leader with the ability to implement and drive strategic initiatives while fostering a culture of operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee and manage the operations of 10+ sites across Asia and the US, ensuring high standards of quality, delivery, and timeliness.
- Implement best-in-class processes and metrics, focusing on operational excellence, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
- Lead the integration and harmonization of operational systems and processes across all sites to ensure consistency and efficiency.
- Develop and execute strategies for organic growth, ensuring each site has a clear operational plan aligned with the company’s overall objectives.
- Collaborate with the executive team to define the future network of laboratories and competence centers, focusing on regional needs and global integration.
- Drive initiatives to improve economic profit, including cost reduction, resource optimization, and service delivery enhancement.
- Partner with Finance to lead the operational implementation of a new ERP system and ensure seamless integration across all sites.
- Standardize and streamline operational practices, focusing on Operational Best Practices, Test Portfolio Management, Equipment Standardization, Automation, and Sustainability.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, leveraging technology and lean methodologies.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with site leaders and teams, ensuring alignment with corporate goals.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to regional managers, fostering a high-performance & customer focused culture.
- Drive talent development initiatives to ensure the team is well-equipped to meet operational challenges.
- Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction by improving communication and reporting processes from quote to cash.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers, stakeholders, and partners.
- Act as a key liaison between the operations team and the executive leadership, providing regular updates on performance, challenges, and opportunities.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role within a PE-backed company, preferably in the connected technologies or Testing/Inspection/Certification, or related industries which relate to digital connectivity and charging technologies.
- Significant experience in managing multi-site operations in Asia, with a deep understanding of the regional business environment.
- Strong background in operational management, process optimization, and implementing ERP systems.
- Experience in driving operational excellence, efficiency, and cost reduction initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-national operations with a hands-on approach.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to speak Mandarin, preferred but not required.
- Ability to spend significant time in Asia (30-50%) and be based out of Greater China or South/East Asia.
- Strong leadership qualities with the ability to inspire and lead a diverse, multi-national team.
How to Apply:
If you or anyone you know is interested in this position, please contact mason.cherry@novo-talent.com for further information.