Head of Indonesia Operations - Logistics

The candidate is required to work fully on-site in Batam, Riau Islands, Indonesia.

Client Overview

Our client is an established international logistics and supply chain company headquartered in China, providing integrated domestic and cross-border logistics solutions covering transportation, warehousing, customs coordination, and last-mile delivery.

As part of its international expansion strategy, the company is establishing and developing its Indonesia operations with a strategic focus on Batam and the surrounding electronics manufacturing ecosystem.

The Indonesia operation will support Chinese companies expanding into Indonesia while strengthening China–Indonesia logistics connectivity and developing Batam as a potential regional distribution hub for Southeast Asia.

Job Role

The Head of Indonesia Operations – Logistics is a senior management position responsible for establishing and developing the company's Indonesia operations, covering branch development, local team management, business development, logistics operations, supplier management, and cross-border transportation coordination.

The role will focus on developing relationships with electronics manufacturing companies in Batam and across Indonesia, establishing local warehousing and distribution capabilities, managing local logistics partners, and coordinating closely with the China headquarters and regional operations.

The ideal candidate is an experienced logistics professional with strong knowledge of the Indonesian market, experience in free trade zones or bonded areas, established relationships within the electronics manufacturing sector, and strong capabilities in cross-border logistics and local operations management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment, development, and expansion of the company's Indonesia operations.
• Coordinate the establishment of the local business structure, logistics qualifications, tax compliance, labor compliance, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Build and manage local teams across operations, sales, customer service, and other relevant functions.
• Develop localized compensation structures, management systems, operational procedures, and reporting mechanisms.
• Establish local warehousing and distribution capabilities and coordinate logistics services supporting the Batam industrial ecosystem.
• Develop new B2B clients within the electronics manufacturing sector in Batam and other major industrial areas across Indonesia.
• Build and maintain relationships with industrial parks, government authorities, business associations, manufacturers, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Develop logistics solutions for Chinese companies expanding their manufacturing and commercial operations in Indonesia.
• Leverage China–Indonesia cross-border transportation capabilities to develop integrated logistics solutions for corporate clients.
• Oversee customs clearance coordination, warehousing, domestic transportation, and last-mile delivery activities within Indonesia.
• Apply knowledge of Indonesian customs regulations, import policies, tariff structures, and logistics requirements, particularly for electronic products.
• Establish operational risk-prevention mechanisms and ensure local logistics activities comply with applicable Indonesian regulations.
• Source, evaluate, and manage local logistics suppliers, warehousing providers, transportation partners, and other third-party service providers.
• Work closely with the China headquarters to optimize China–Indonesia sea and land transportation routes.
• Coordinate with outsourced customs brokerage and fleet-management providers to ensure efficient and reliable service delivery.
• Explore opportunities to develop Batam as a regional distribution and logistics hub for Southeast Asia.
• Coordinate with regional operations to develop multimodal logistics corridors connecting Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and other Southeast Asian markets.
• Manage operational exceptions, customer complaints, supplier issues, and cross-border logistics challenges.
• Establish and monitor local operational KPIs, reporting systems, and performance metrics.
• Provide regular operational, market, business development, and performance reports to the China headquarters.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, expand the customer base, and strengthen the company's Indonesia logistics network.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree (S1) or equivalent from a recognized university.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the logistics industry, with at least 2 years of team management experience.
• Proven experience in logistics operations, freight forwarding, supply chain, warehousing, transportation, or related areas.
• Strong understanding of the Indonesian logistics market, business environment, and regulatory requirements.
• Previous experience working or living in Indonesia is strongly preferred.
• Experience managing logistics operations within free trade zones, bonded areas, or special economic zones is highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of Indonesian customs regulations, import procedures, tariff structures, and logistics compliance.
• Proven experience developing B2B clients within the electronics manufacturing, industrial, or related sectors.
• Existing client relationships or business networks within the electronics manufacturing sector are highly advantageous.
• Experience establishing, developing, or managing overseas branches or new business operations is preferred.
• Strong experience managing third-party logistics providers, suppliers, warehouses, transportation partners, and other local service providers.
• Strong business development, negotiation, client relationship management, and commercial capabilities.
• Fluent Chinese and English, both spoken and written, for communication with headquarters, international clients, and business partners.
• Professional proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia is preferred for communication with local government authorities, customers, suppliers, and employees.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, operational management, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to independently develop business opportunities and manage local operations.
• High adaptability and willingness to work in a fast-growing international business environment.
• Willingness to relocate and work fully on-site in Batam, Riau Islands.
• Willingness to travel within Indonesia and Southeast Asia when required.