Head of Asia Pacific Control Tower
Lean Six Search Supply Chain Recruitment
Job Description
Department: Control Tower DepartmentReport To: CEOWork Location: APAC Region (Flexible based on business needs)
Job Type: Full-timeCompany Overview: We are a leading global freight forwarding company, dedicated toproviding integrated logistics solutions across air and ocean freight, with a strong focus onsupporting our sales teams and clients in winning bids and expanding business in the APACregion.
Job Purpose: Lead the APAC Control Tower team to develop and manage air and oceanfreight products, optimize pricing strategies, oversee localized carrier network and capacitymanagement, and maintain strategic airline relationships. The role is critical to enabling thesales team to deliver competitive solutions, support client bids, and drive revenue growthacross the APAC region.
Key Responsibilities1. Air & Ocean Product Development & ManagementLead the development, launch, and continuous optimization of air and oceanfreight products tailored to the APAC market’s unique needs, aligning withglobal product strategies while adapting to local market dynamics.Monitor market trends, customer demands, and competitor offerings to identifyproduct gaps and innovation opportunities, ensuring our products remaincompetitive and meet client requirements for bid responses.Manage the full product lifecycle, including product positioning, servicestandards, and performance tracking, collaborating with operations, sales, andcustomer service teams to ensure seamless execution.Ensure product compliance with local regulations, industry standards (such asIATA guidelines for air cargo) and company policies across all APAC markets.
- Pricing ManagementDevelop and implement regional pricing strategies for air and ocean freightservices, balancing competitiveness, profitability, and market demand to supportsales bid efforts.Oversee the quotation process, establishing pricing guidelines, approvingcomplex quotes, and ensuring consistency and accuracy across the APAC region.Analyze pricing performance, market rate fluctuations, and cost structures toadjust pricing strategies proactively, optimizing profit margins while supportingsales in winning client bids.Collaborate with the global pricing team to align regional pricing with globalstandards, while retaining flexibility to address local market conditions.
- Localized Network Carrier ManagementBuild, manage, and optimize the localized carrier network across the APACregion, including airlines, shipping lines, and local logistics partners, to ensurereliable service and competitive resources.Negotiate and secure favorable pricing, contract terms, and priority space (cargospace) with regional carriers, leveraging volume and long-term partnerships togain competitive advantages.Monitor carrier performance (on-time delivery, service quality, cost efficiency)and conduct regular reviews to address issues, renew contracts, or replaceunderperforming carriers.Ensure the carrier network meets the diverse needs of clients across APACmarkets, supporting sales in delivering tailored solutions for bids and long-termclient partnerships.
- Airline Relationship Maintenance & Rate OptimizationCultivate and maintain strategic relationships with key airlines operating in theAPAC region, serving as the primary point of contact for senior carrierstakeholders.Proactively negotiate improved rates, preferential terms, and priority capacitywith airlines, leveraging market insights and volume commitments to securecompetitive advantages for the company.Stay updated on airline industry trends, capacity changes, and rate fluctuations,communicating key insights to the sales and pricing teams to support bidpreparation and client negotiations.Collaborate with airlines on service improvements, problem resolution, and jointbusiness initiatives to enhance service quality and strengthen partnerships.
- Capacity ManagementOversee capacity planning and management for air and ocean freight across theAPAC region, ensuring adequate capacity to meet client demand and supportsales bid commitments.Monitor capacity availability, seasonal fluctuations, and market disruptions (e.g.,peak seasons, supply chain bottlenecks) to proactively adjust strategies, secureadditional capacity, or optimize resource allocation.Coordinate with carriers to reserve priority capacity for key clients and high-value bids, ensuring timely fulfillment of service commitments.Analyze capacity utilization data to identify inefficiencies, optimize resourceallocation, and maximize profitability while supporting sales in winning andretaining business.
- Sales & Bid SupportProvide direct support to the APAC sales team in client bids, offering expertise inproduct solutions, pricing strategies, carrier resources, and capacity availability tostrengthen bid proposals.Collaborate with sales to understand client requirements, tailor solutions to meettheir needs, and ensure competitive pricing and service commitments in bidresponses.Address sales and client inquiries related to products, pricing, carrier capabilities,and capacity, providing timely and accurate information to support sales efforts.Participate in key client meetings and bid presentations as needed, showcasingthe company’s capabilities and competitive advantages.
- Team Leadership & Cross-Functional CollaborationLead, mentor, and develop the APAC Control Tower team, setting performancegoals, providing coaching, and fostering a culture of accountability andcontinuous improvement.Collaborate with regional operations, sales, marketing, and finance to alignstrategies, share best practices, and drive cross-functional initiatives.Report on key performance metrics (KPMs) related to product performance,pricing, carrier management, and capacity utilization to senior leadership,providing insights and recommendations for improvement.
Requirements & Qualifications1. Bachelor’s degree or above in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, BusinessAdministration, or a related field; Master’s degree is preferred.2. Minimum 10 years of experience in the freight forwarding or logistics industry, withat least 5 years in a senior management role focusing on APAC region, air/oceanfreight, and carrier management.3.
Proven track record in air and ocean freight product development, pricing strategy,carrier network management, and capacity planning. Exceptional communication(written and verbal) with fluency in English; proficiency in additional APAClanguages (e.g., Mandarin) is a plus.4. Strong experience in negotiating with airlines, shipping lines, and other carriers,with a demonstrated ability to secure favorable rates, terms, and capacity.5.
Excellent leadership, team management, and cross-functional collaboration skills,with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team.6. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze market data,pricing trends, and capacity utilization to drive informed decisions. Familiarity withlogistics management systems and tools (eg.
Cargo Wise) and knowledge of IATAand industry standards.7. Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, manage multiple priorities,and meet tight deadlines to support sales bid efforts.What We Offer• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus scheme and benefits.• Opportunities for global career development and cross-regional collaboration.• A dynamic, inclusive work environment with a focus on innovation and professionalgrowth.• The chance to lead a critical team and make a significant impact on the company’sgrowth.