Head of Transformation, Air & Ocean Freight (APAC)

CEVA Logistics Singapore Pte Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics and supply chain company in Singapore seeks a Head of Transformation. This role focuses on leading the transformation agenda across APAC, driving cost reduction, enhancing operational productivity, and ensuring alignment with global strategies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in logistics, project management, and stakeholder engagement. Responsibilities include defining the transformation roadmap and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Significant experience in freight forwarding and a bachelor's degree in a relevant field are essential.

Qualifications

• 7 to 10 years in freight forwarding / logistics, including 5 years in air and ocean freight operations.
• Proven experience in transformation and process improvement.
• Strong project management capabilities and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and structure the APAC Transformation roadmap.
• Review APAC operating models to improve productivity.
• Work closely with IT to accelerate tool adoption and process automation.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management

Master’s Degree in Business

Tools

Freight forwarding systems

TMS

Digital tools

Job description

YOUR ROLE

The Head of Transformation (APAC) is responsible for designing, driving, and executing the APAC Transformation agenda. With a clear mandate to optimize the organization, reduce costs, and accelerate business performance in coordination with all divisions, agencies, countries and support functions, and in strong alignment with the Global Transformation Office (GHO).

The role is structured around four core transformation pillars:

1. Organization (Lean & accountability mindset)
2. Productivity & Cost-to-Serve (Cost, service & asset optimization)
3. Digital & AI Enablement (Integration, harmonization & performance)
4. Commercial (Performance, pricing, sales optimization)

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?

1. Transformation Strategy & Prioritization

• Define and structure the APAC Transformation roadmap across the four pillars.
• Translate strategic ambitions into executable initiatives with accountability.
• Ensure alignment with CEVA’s global strategy and the Global Transformation Office.

2. Organization, Productivity & Cost-to-Serve

• Review APAC operating models & Org to reduce complexity & improve productivity.
• Identify and drive sustainable cost-reduction levers across SG&A & DOE.
• Develop internal & external benchmarks to improve cost and service performance.
• Support APAC countries teams in the execution of efficiency plans.

3. Digital & AI Enablement

• Work closely with IT, Data, and GBS to accelerate tool adoption, process automation, and digitization.
• Identify & prioritize digital and AI use cases with tangible impact on cost, service quality, and performance.

4. Commercial Performance Acceleration

• Support commercial teams on performance discipline, value creation, & execution.
• Contribute to improvements in customer mix, profitability, & effectiveness.
• Define and track clear commercial KPIs aligned with transformation objectives.

5.Performance Management & Governance

• Establish and run transformation cadence (weekly, monthly, executive reviews).
• Define and track clear KPIs, milestones, and financial impacts for each initiative.
• Build & maintain exec dashboards providing visibility on progress, risks, & results.
• Proactively identify gaps & risks and define mitigation plans.

6. Leadership & Change Management

• Act as a trusted transformation partner to APAC leadership & countries.
• Foster a culture of execution discipline, accountability, and improvement.
• Lead through expertise, humility, and impact, ensuring engagement across all stakeholders.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 7 to 10 years in freight forwarding / logistics, with at least 5 years in air and ocean freight operations.
• Proven experience leading transformation, process improvement, or large-scale operational projects in a regional or multi-country environment.
• Deep knowledge of air and ocean freight products and operations (FCL/LCL, consolidation, express, charter, special cargo, Incoterms, customs, APAC trade lanes).
• Strong process mapping, optimization, and documentation skills.
• Solid understanding of freight forwarding systems/TMS, visibility platforms, and digital tools.
• Strong analytical skills and business case development.
• Strong project management capabilities; able to manage multiple complex initiatives concurrently.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across different cultures and levels.
• Clear and confident communicator and facilitator, with strong presentation skills.
• Change agent mindset, resilient, and results-driven; comfortable working in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

Desirable:

• Master’s Degree, preferably in Business, Finance and/or Management.
• Strong understanding of financial metrics and statistics to generate KPIs and measure performance.
• Experience in leading virtual and cross-country teams; coaching and mentoring skills to build local transformation capabilities.
• 12–15+ years of experience in logistics, shipping, freight forwarding, contract logistics, or transportation.
• Proven track record in program management, transformation governance, cost optimization, and performance improvement.
• Experience in matrix organizations and cross-functional leadership.