Director of Overseas Operations - Automotive Components

About the role

This role leads the overseas operations of an automotive components business, taking overall accountability for the overseas P&L, sales volume, profit margin, inventory and cash flow. It covers cross-border orders, logistics, customs clearance, overseas warehousing and after-sales service, and reports regularly to senior management.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute overseas operational strategies, business plans and annual targets aligned with global goals, and take accountability for overseas P&L, sales, margins, inventory and cash flow.
• Oversee cross-border orders, logistics, shipment, customs clearance, overseas warehousing and after-sales service, optimizing the supply chain to shorten lead times, cut logistics and operating costs and ensure stable delivery to overseas OEMs and Tier 1 customers.
• Work with domestic production, quality and technical teams on overseas customer requirements, quality complaints, PPAP and APQP milestones, and resolve quality, delivery and technical issues.
• Manage overseas regional teams, set KPIs, run performance reviews, build operation SOPs, standardize processes and develop high-performing talent.
• Monitor market dynamics, competitors, trade policies, tariffs and compliance, and propose mitigation plans for trade barriers, exchange-rate and legal risks.
• Maintain contact with key overseas customers, distributors and partners, supporting negotiations, new projects and business expansion.
• Set up an overseas reporting system, track core data and provide regular analysis reports to senior management.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree or above in International Trade, Supply Chain, Mechanical or Automotive Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 8-10 years of overseas operation experience in automotive components, with at least 3+ years as an operation leader; familiarity with the OEM/Tier 1 supply chain model.
• Proven track record of overseas business growth, supply chain optimization and team building; strong commercial awareness, negotiation and cross-department coordination skills.
• Deep understanding of overseas auto market rules, trade compliance, foreign exchange and risk control; able to travel abroad as required.
• Excellent business English (fluent oral and written); additional European language is a plus.

Required skills

• Automotive quality systems (IATF 16949) and development processes (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC)
• International trade terms (INCOTERMS), cross-border logistics, customs and overseas warehouse operations
• Overseas operation reporting and analysis