Head of Commercial and Operations Department

Job description

Overview
Job Overview: The Head of Commercial and Operations will be responsible for overseeing the strategic management of the finance, commercial, operations, human resources (HR), and quantity surveying (QS) functions.

This leadership role plays a key part in driving business growth, operational efficiency, and organizational sustainability.

The role requires significant collaboration across regions, particularly with senior leadership teams in China, and involves frequent travel to China and other Asia countries.


The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in finance, commercial strategy, and operations management, with a strong engineering background to facilitate cross-functional alignment.

The ability to communicate fluently in both English and Mandarin Chinese is essential for effective communication with internal teams in China and external stakeholders.


Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:
Develop and execute commercial and operational strategies to enhance business growth, profitability, and operational efficiency.


Lead cross-functional teams across the finance, commercial, HR, operations, and QS departments, ensuring alignment with the overall company objectives.


Provide leadership on the integration of China-based operations with regional teams (e.g., Singapore, Malaysia), ensuring consistent strategies and cohesive execution.


Foster a high-performance culture by setting clear objectives, ensuring accountability, and promoting collaboration across all functions.


Regularly report on strategic initiatives, performance metrics, and key outcomes to the executive team in China.


Finance Management & Strategy:
Oversee the financial management of the organization, ensuring robust financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.


Ensure compliance with China's financial regulations and international accounting standards.


Manage financial risks and opportunities, providing the company’s leadership with actionable insights on market conditions, cost control, and investment decisions.


Develop financial models and business cases to support strategic growth initiatives.


Report financial performance regularly to China-based senior management, providing insights into business performance, cash flow, and financial health.


Commercial Strategy:
Develop and drive strategies for business development, identifying opportunities for growth in both new markets and existing sectors.


Negotiate high-value contracts, manage client relationships, and ensure that commercial terms align with organizational objectives.


Collaborate with the engineering and project teams to align commercial activities with technical capabilities, ensuring delivery meets client expectations.


Oversee market analysis, pricing strategies, and competitor intelligence, ensuring the company remains competitive.


Regularly engage with China-based teams to review commercial strategies and ensure alignment with broader corporate goals.


QS Management:
Lead the Quantity Surveying (QS) function, ensuring accurate cost estimation, procurement processes, and contract management for large-scale projects.


Ensure continuous alignment with China-based operations, adapting to local needs while maintaining global standards.


Human Resources (HR) & Talent Development:
Oversee the HR function, focusing on recruitment, talent retention, training, and leadership development to ensure the company has the necessary human capital to meet its strategic goals.


Develop and implement HR policies and practices aligned with the company’s culture and values, ensuring compliance with local labor laws and regulations.


Promote an inclusive work culture and ensure the well-being and engagement of employees across all regions.


Collaborate with HR teams in China to ensure alignment on talent strategies, particularly for cross-regional leadership and development programs.


Qualifications
Master’s degree in Engineering (preferably Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or a related field).


10+ years of experience in commercial or operational leadership roles, with at least 5 years in senior management.


Demonstrated experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams, including finance, HR, operations, and technical functions.


Fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese (spoken and written), as the role requires frequent communication with teams and leadership in China.


Strong understanding of China’s business regulations and financial reporting standards.


Proven track record of driving strategic business growth, profitability, and operational efficiency.


In-depth knowledge of engineering processes, project management, and quality control practices.


Extensive experience in budgeting, cost estimation, and financial management in an engineering or construction context.


Familiarity with relevant industry regulations, standards, and best practices.


Experience working in renewable energy is highly preferred.


Skills & Competencies
Strong engineering acumen with the ability to manage both technical and commercial teams.


Leadership and team development, with the ability to inspire and mentor diverse teams.


Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a strategic mindset.


Exceptional communication and negotiation abilities, with the capacity to engage with senior leadership and external stakeholders.


Proven experience in change management, process optimization, and continuous improvement.


Ability to thrive in high-pressure situations and complex environments.


Project management expertise with a focus on delivering projects on time and within budget.


Willingness to travel frequently (primarily to China), with flexibility to meet business needs in international locations.


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Required Skill Profession

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