General Manager Operations
Role Overview
The General Manager – Operations will lead end-to-end logistics and operational functions, ensuring seamless execution across supply chain operations, transportation management, warehousing, planning, and customer service. This role requires strong leadership capability, deep exposure to high-volume and multi-location logistics environments, and an ability to work effectively within a Japanese corporate culture known for discipline, quality, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
A. Operations Leadership & Strategy
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Provide strategic direction and operational leadership across logistics, warehousing, transportation, supply chain coordination, and production planning (PPC).
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Develop and implement long-term operational plans aligned with organizational goals, productivity targets, customer requirements, and Japanese quality standards.
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Strengthen operational processes through Lean, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies.
B. Multi-Location Operations Management
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Lead large, complex, multi-location operations, ensuring consistency in performance, compliance, and service levels.
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Drive standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all sites for efficiency, safety, and quality.
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Oversee manpower management, shift operations, dispatch planning, and timely delivery performance.
C. Team Leadership & Capability Building
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Manage and mentor senior managers, AGMs, and people managers across multiple sites.
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Build high-performance teams through structured training, capability development, and performance management.
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Foster a culture of discipline, respect, Kaizen, and teamwork aligned with Japanese work ethics.
D. Labour & Compliance Management
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Oversee contract labour operations (1000+ workforce) including productivity, attendance, compliance, and safety.
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Ensure adherence to labour laws, statutory norms, safety standards, and risk-mitigation guidelines.
E. P&L Ownership & Financial Governance
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Own operational P&L, ensuring cost optimization, productivity improvement, budget compliance, and financial discipline.
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Lead cost-reduction initiatives across logistics, transport, warehousing, manpower, and asset utilization.
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Implement governance mechanisms to monitor KPIs, risks, operational gaps, and compliance requirements.
F. Stakeholder & Customer Management
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Manage key customer accounts, ensuring high satisfaction levels, SLA adherence, and proactive problem resolution.
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Liaise with Japanese stakeholders, requiring cultural sensitivity, structured communication, and transparency.
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Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, SCM, Transport, and IT to resolve operational challenges.
G. Business Development & New Initiatives
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Support new business development through operational proposals, costings, feasibility analysis, and start-up leadership.
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Drive automation, digital tools, and process digitization in alignment with Japanese corporate standards.
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Lead transformation initiatives to enhance safety, efficiency, and customer experience.
3. Candidate Profile
Education & Experience
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Bachelor’s degree in engineering; MBA preferred.
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20+ years of operations experience in logistics, automotive, or 3PL sectors.
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Strong experience managing large multi-location teams and senior-level managers.
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Proven capability in handling high-volume contract labour and labour-law knowledge.
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Hands-on experience in P&L management, cost optimization, operational governance, and risk management.
Technical & Behavioural Competencies
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Expertise in logistics operations, warehousing, transport network management, and PPC.
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Strong analytical mindset with business acumen and financial discipline.
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Excellent communication skills, including experience working with Japanese leadership teams.
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Demonstrated capability in transformation, process excellence, and efficiency improvements.
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High emotional intelligence, cultural adaptability, and a disciplined approach to leadership.
Additional Preferences
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Exposure to Japanese work culture or prior experience in a Japanese organization.
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Industry experience in Automotive, Auto Components, or 3PL strongly preferred.
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Should be below 50 years of age (as per typical leadership hiring norms, if applicable).
4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
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On-time delivery performance and service-level adherence
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Cost per unit reduction and budget compliance
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Productivity improvements and warehouse/transport KPIs
5. Work Conditions
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6-day working structure (as per Japanese/industry standards).
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Travel required between operational sites, customer locations, and regional offices.
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High level of coordination with Japanese stakeholders—requires flexibility and cross-cultural communication skills.