Deputy Head of Supply Chain and Logistics
Our client is a multi-brand retail group operating across five markets in Southeast Asia, seeking a Deputy Head of Logistics to support the Head of Logistics in leading end-to-end logistics operations.
This role carries responsibility across international inbound, customs and trade compliance, distribution centre and 3PL management, store replenishment, inventory management, e-commerce and omnichannel fulfilment, reverse logistics, and procurement.
The successful candidate will carry a clear mandate to modernise the function through automation and data analytics, whilst delivering reliable and cost-efficient service to the brands every day.
Key Responsibilities
Requirements
This role carries responsibility across international inbound, customs and trade compliance, distribution centre and 3PL management, store replenishment, inventory management, e-commerce and omnichannel fulfilment, reverse logistics, and procurement.
The successful candidate will carry a clear mandate to modernise the function through automation and data analytics, whilst delivering reliable and cost-efficient service to the brands every day.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Head of Logistics in defining and delivering the end-to-end supply chain strategy, including network, capacity, and systems roadmap for brand and market expansion
- Manage day-to-day distribution centre and 3PL operations across markets, covering SLAs, capacity, productivity, quality, and safety
- Oversee international inbound flows including sea and air freight, consolidation, customs clearance, and trade compliance across multiple Southeast Asian jurisdictions
- Drive duty optimisation, FTA utilisation, and cross-border road freight management across markets
- Direct outbound operations including store replenishment, new store opening support, inter-market transfers, and campaign logistics
- Manage specialised handling requirements including temperature-controlled logistics for confectionery and F&B, and high-value handling for luxury product
- Own e-commerce and omnichannel fulfilment performance including last-mile partners and peak readiness for mega-sale events
- Run reverse logistics covering customer returns, returns-to-vendor, defectives, and stock consolidation and exit programmes
- Lead freight, 3PL, and last-mile procurement including tenders, rate negotiations, contract management, and performance reviews
- Support sourcing and procurement of goods and services across all brands and entities
- Ensure procurement compliance and accuracy of contracts, purchase orders, and vendor records
- Co-own the logistics budget with the Head of Logistics and finance, driving cost-per-unit programmes and productivity initiatives
- Safeguard inventory accuracy through cycle counts, stock takes, and shrinkage controls
- Use ageing, shrinkage, and fast and slow mover analysis to optimise stock levels and reduce holding costs
- Ensure import and export compliance across markets including labelling, permits, insurance, and claims management
- Build resilience and business continuity plans across the network and manage disruptions proactively
- Champion sustainability across the network including emissions measurement and packaging optimisation
- Lead, coach, and develop multi-market teams across logistics, shipping, inventory, and procurement functions
- Build individual development and succession plans for key roles and raise data and AI literacy across the function
- Collaborate with finance, retail, commercial, IT, and brand teams locally and internationally to align supply chain delivery with business needs
Requirements
- Minimum 10 years of experience in logistics and supply chain within retail, fashion, FMCG, or e-commerce, including 3 to 5 years in senior management
- Deputy or second-in-command experience is a strong advantage
- Multi-market Southeast Asia experience with strong knowledge of customs, import and export regulations, trade compliance, and Incoterms
- Proven 3PL and distribution centre management at scale with hands-on e-commerce and omnichannel fulfilment experience including peak trading
- Proven experience overseeing shipping, warehousing, inventory, and procurement across multiple brands or markets
- Demonstrated people leadership with experience building capability and succession for teams of 10 or more
- Experience within an international or multi-market retail organisation coordinating with regional or global brand headquarters and franchisors
- Demonstrable record of cost reduction, network improvement, and change delivery
- Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, or Business; APICS CSCP, CLTD, or Lean Six Sigma certification is advantageous
- Working knowledge of RPA and process automation, with the ability to identify opportunities, run pilots, and scale solutions in collaboration with IT and technology vendors
