Manager, China

Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP); Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

AMPP seeks a strategic leader to head the China Area, translating global strategy into local growth plans, and building high-level relationships across Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. The role drives market development, standards adoption, and education/certification growth, while ensuring compliance and effective governance.

The position requires extensive leadership, stakeholder management, and cross‑functional collaboration across AMPP’s Education, Certification, Standards,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, materials science, international relations, public administration, or related field required.
• At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in area management, business development, association management, strategic partnerships, or government/industry relations.
• Experience developing and executing market growth plans, budgets/forecasts, and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Experience with government agencies, SOEs, industry associations, academia, and multinational stakeholders in China is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the annual China Area strategy, business plan, and growth targets.
• Identify and pursue market opportunities in priority sectors to expand revenue and influence.
• Build executive-level relationships with government agencies, regulators, and industry partners.
• Lead partnerships and initiatives advancing AMPP's mission and sustainable growth.
• Represent AMPP at conferences, forums, and official engagements as the primary external contact.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

People leadership

Project management

Budgeting & forecasting

Cross-cultural communication

Negotiation

Bilingual: Mandarin & English

MS 365

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

MS 365

Association systems

Job description

The Manager, China Area is AMPP's primary regional leader for Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. The role translates global strategy into local growth plans, builds high-level stakeholder relationships, and expands AMPP's presence, influence, and business impact. Responsibilities span market development, government and industry engagement, standards advancement, education and certification growth, membership development, regional operations, and local compliance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Other duties may be assigned.

• Develop and execute the annual strategy, business plan, growth targets, and operating roadmap for the China Area, aligned with organizational priorities.
• Identify and pursue market opportunities in priority sectors (oil & gas, pipelines, offshore wind, maritime, infrastructure, manufacturing, corrosion protection) to expand reach and achieve revenue goals.
• Build and maintain executive-level relationships with government agencies, regulators, SOEs, corporations, associations, academia, members, and chapters.
• Lead strategic partnerships and joint initiatives that advance AMPP's mission and create sustainable growth pathways.
• Represent AMPP at conferences, technical forums, exhibitions, and official engagements as the primary external contact.
• Monitor market trends, policy, regulations, and competitors; provide timely intelligence and recommendations to global leadership.
• Advance local adoption and development of AMPP standards through outreach, partnerships, and Chinese expert participation.
• Drive growth in education, certification, corporate engagement, and membership by building demand, partner capability, and instructor networks.
• Oversee authorized training/certification partners (performance, quality, compliance, and issue resolution).
• Plan and deliver AMPP-branded events, workshops, and exhibitions with local partners.
• Lead localized marketing and communications, including the official WeChat account and other approved channels.
• Collaborate across AMPP functions (Education, Certification, Membership, Standards, Marketing, Finance, Legal, HR, etc.) to deliver China priorities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Chinese laws and regulatory requirements for representative offices and related activities.
• Manage the China Area budget, forecasts, local financial operations, and performance reporting.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for revenue, market development, partnerships, programs, membership, and operations; report outcomes and risks to senior leadership.
• Lead local workforce planning and people management (recruitment, development, performance, retention) in line with AMPP guidelines and China labor requirements.
• Lead special projects and strategic initiatives assigned by senior leadership.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages' direct reports, temporary staff, contractors, and service providers as assigned. Includes workforce planning, hiring, onboarding, work direction, performance management, development, and corrective action in coordination with HR and in accordance with applicable policy and law.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, materials science, international relations, public administration, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in area management, business development, association management, strategic partnerships, government/industry relations, or comparable leadership roles.
• Proven experience developing and executing market growth plans, managing budgets/forecasts, and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Experience with government agencies, SOEs, industry associations, academia, and multinational stakeholders in China highly desirable.
• Knowledge of corrosion, coatings, materials protection, asset integrity, standards, education, or certification programs beneficial.
• Experience in energy, oil & gas, pipelines, offshore, marine/shipbuilding, infrastructure, transportation, manufacturing, or water/wastewater highly desirable.

Language Skills

Fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English (written and spoken) required. Must interpret business, technical, legal, regulatory, and policy materials; prepare clear reports and correspondence; and present effectively to executives, partners, government agencies, and the public.

Other Key Skills

• Strategic leadership and business acumen; ability to convert market insight into focused plans and execution.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, diplomacy, presentation, and cross-cultural communication skills.
• People leadership: set priorities, provide direction, develop talent, and build accountable teams.
• Strong project and portfolio management across multiple priorities, partners, and stakeholders.
• High integrity and sound judgment on regulatory, financial, reputational, and confidential matters.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) and ability to learn association systems.
• Ability to prepare and interpret budgets, forecasts, business cases, and performance reports; use quantitative analysis to support decisions.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Travel expected approximately 40-60% of the time within China and internationally. Valid passport and ability to obtain required visas are required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Primarily office-based with regular external meetings, events, and travel. Regularly required to sit, use a computer, communicate, and travel; occasionally stand, walk, bend, or lift up to 25 pounds. Work environment is generally moderate in noise and spans office, conference, industrial, and travel settings. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN EMPLOYMENT

AMPP provides equal opportunity in employment and maintains a professional workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Reasonable accommodation for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities is provided in accordance with applicable law. Requests may be directed to Human Resources at [e-mail].