As more companies expand into China, experienced operations professionals are needed to oversee regional business activities. For foreigners, landing a lucrative regional operations manager job in China is an exciting opportunity. But what do these roles entail and what qualifications are needed? This guide covers key details around securing these coveted China jobs.
Defining the Regional Operations Manager Role
A regional operations manager is responsible for the daily functioning, processes and personnel across operational zones in China. Using specialized expertise, they develop strategies and set objectives for activities like:
– Manufacturing, production planning, inventory
– Logistics, supply chain distribution networks
– Quality control program implementation
– Process improvement initiatives
– Technology integration for operations
– Facilities maintenance and administration
It’s a multifaceted role requiring leadership talent, analytical chops and technical capabilities in your field. With local and expatriate staff to manage in China, cultural understanding is also key.
Typical Salary and Benefits Packages
Given specialized qualifications and scope, these managerial expats command competitive salaries in China:
– Base pay averages 15-35K USD yearly
– Additional compensation through performance bonuses
– Stipends for housing, transportation, flights home
– Comprehensive medical/dental insurance options
– Annual vacation and sick days more generous than local firms
– Assistance with visas, work permits, taxes
Top paying multinationals offer packages up to or beyond 1M RMB when factoring in allowances on top of base regional operations lead pay in China.
To stand out for a China-based operations leadership role as a foreigner, these attributes matter most:
– Fluent in native-level English and Chinese for regional communications
– 5-10 years experience managing end-to-end operations for global company
– Expertise in advanced operational concepts like Lean, Six Sigma
– Technologically adept, able to lead digitization strategies
– Proven success coaching Chinese colleagues on operational excellence
– Strong collaborator able work cross-culturally with virtual teams
Specialized credentials in fields like manufacturing or supply chain also appeal to recruiters. But ultimately showing adaptability and empathy alongside operational acumen is key for foreigners overseeing China teams.
For operations professionals, this fast-moving market provides an impactful opportunity to push one’s expertise. By blending international perspectives with regional insights, foreign leaders can achieve operational success in China.