Head of Operations- Indonesia

HEAD OF INDONESIA OPERATIONS

Build and lead our Indonesia operation

A senior leadership opportunity based in Batam, at the heart of one of Southeast Asia’s most strategically important manufacturing and logistics hubs.

LOCATION            Batam, Riau Islands, Indonesia

EMPLOYMENT    Permanent, Office-based

SALARY                  CN¥300,000–500,000 per year

SUPPORT              Visa sponsorship and relocation allowance

The opportunity

An established international logistics and supply-chain business is expanding its international footprint and is seeking an accomplished logistics leader to establish and grow its operations in Indonesia.

Based in Batam, you will take ownership of the operation from the ground up: setting up the local entity, securing the required logistics qualifications, building a capable team, establishing warehousing and distribution, winning customers and creating an efficient cross-border network linking Indonesia with China and Malaysia.

This is a hands-on country leadership role with genuine scope to shape the commercial strategy, operating model and long-term success of the Indonesian business.

About the company

Our client is an established international logistics and supply-chain business providing integrated solutions across domestic and international transportation, warehousing and customs brokerage. Through its network and strategic partnerships, the organisation supports manufacturers, traders and logistics providers with end-to-end services, including cross-border supply chains for businesses expanding internationally.

What you will lead

Establish the Indonesian business

• Lead the registration and operational launch of the Indonesian company.
• Secure the relevant logistics qualifications and establish robust tax, employment and regulatory compliance.
• Create practical governance and risk-control processes that support sustainable growth.

Build the team and operating model

• Recruit, develop and lead the local team, establishing fit-for-purpose compensation, performance and management systems.
• Build local warehousing and distribution capability and develop effective links with the Batam Industrial Park ecosystem.
• Source, appoint and manage third-party customs brokerage and fleet partners, maintaining clear service and compliance standards.

Drive commercial growth

• Develop new customers across Batam and the wider Indonesian electronics manufacturing sector.
• Build productive relationships with BP Batam and other relevant government, free-trade-zone and industry stakeholders.
• Convert the company’s China–Indonesia transport capabilities into compelling logistics solutions for Chinese businesses entering or growing within Indonesia.

Own logistics operations

• Oversee customs clearance, warehousing, distribution and last-mile delivery across Indonesia.
• Apply a strong understanding of Indonesian import policy and tariff structures, particularly for electronic products.
• Set measurable service, cost, quality and compliance standards across internal operations and external suppliers.

Connect the regional network

• Work closely with the China headquarters to optimise the China–Indonesia supply chain using combined sea and land transport.
• Assess Batam’s potential as a regional distribution centre serving Southeast Asia.
• Coordinate with the Malaysia operation to develop a multimodal Indonesia–Malaysia–China transport corridor.

What you will bring

Essential experience

• At least five years’ experience in logistics, supply chain or freight operations, including a minimum of two years leading a team.
• Fluency in Chinese and English, with the confidence to work across local teams, customers, government stakeholders and the China headquarters.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher from a recognised university.
• The willingness and ability to be based in Batam on a long-term basis.
• A practical, entrepreneurial leadership style: comfortable moving between market development, operational delivery, compliance and team building.

Highly advantageous

• Previous work or living experience in Indonesia, with a sound understanding of local business culture and regulation.
• Bahasa Indonesia language capability.
• Experience operating within a free-trade zone, bonded area or similar customs environment.
• Knowledge of electronics manufacturing supply chains and an established network of potential customers in the sector.
• Experience selecting and managing outsourced logistics, customs and transport partners.

Package and support

Interested in finding out more?

If you have the experience to build a logistics operation, develop a market and lead across cultures, Envisage Recruitment would be pleased to discuss the opportunity with you in confidence.