Head of Business Operations, APAC

About the role

Flexport is seeking a Head of Business Operations for the Asia-Pacific region, based in Singapore. This senior leadership role oversees the operational backbone of the company's APAC activities, ensuring that cross-border logistics, supply chain coordination, and regional business processes run efficiently. The role reports into the global operations leadership team and is responsible for setting strategic priorities, managing regional teams, and driving continuous improvement across all APAC markets. The Head of Business Operations, APAC will work closely with commercial, finance, and technology stakeholders to align operational execution with the company's broader growth objectives in the region.

Key facts

What you'll do

Define and execute the regional operational strategy for all APAC markets, aligning with global business goals and priorities.

Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of operations managers, analysts, and coordinators across the APAC region.

Oversee end-to-end supply chain workflows, including freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, and last-mile delivery coordination.

Establish standardized operating procedures and performance benchmarks for all APAC country teams to ensure consistency and scalability.

Collaborate with the commercial team to identify growth opportunities and remove operational bottlenecks that may slow market expansion.

Manage relationships with regional logistics partners, customs brokers, and third-party service providers to maintain service quality and cost efficiency.

Drive data-driven decision-making by building dashboards and reporting frameworks that track KPIs across the APAC portfolio.

Coordinate cross-functional initiatives with finance, legal, and compliance teams to ensure regulatory adherence in each APAC jurisdiction.

Lead quarterly business reviews and present operational performance, risks, and improvement plans to senior leadership.

Champion operational excellence programs, including process automation, vendor consolidation, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Requirements

Proven track record of leading large-scale operations in a logistics, supply chain, or international trade environment.

Minimum of ten years of professional experience, with at least five years in a senior leadership or head-level role.

Deep understanding of APAC market dynamics, including regulatory environments, trade routes, and regional business practices.

Strong experience managing cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders across multiple time zones and cultures.

Demonstrated ability to design and implement operational processes that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and scale effectively.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex operational data clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Proficiency in English; proficiency in a second APAC language is a strong advantage.

Experience working with global logistics platforms, ERP systems, or supply chain management software.

Nice to have

Familiarity with customs regulations and trade compliance frameworks across major APAC economies such as China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

Background in building and scaling operations teams from the ground up in emerging markets.

Experience with digital transformation initiatives, including the implementation of workflow automation tools and data analytics platforms.

Knowledge of sustainability and carbon reduction strategies within logistics and freight operations.

Skills & tools

Strategic planning and regional market assessment for the Asia-Pacific geography.

Team leadership, organizational design, and talent development across distributed workforces.

Supply chain management, freight forwarding, and customs brokerage process optimization.

Data analysis and KPI dashboard creation using tools such as Excel, Tableau, or similar platforms.

ERP and logistics management systems including SAP, Oracle, or equivalent enterprise software.

Project management methodologies including Agile, Lean, and Six Sigma for continuous improvement.

Practical notes

This role is based in Singapore, with regular travel required across APAC markets to visit regional offices and partner facilities.

The position involves close collaboration with the global headquarters team, requiring availability for overlapping working hours with the company's primary time zone.

Candidates should expect to manage a budget responsible for regional operations, including headcount, vendor contracts, and technology investments.

The hiring process includes multiple rounds of interviews with regional and global leadership, as well as a case study or operational exercise.

Flexport values diversity and inclusion and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role.