Team Lead Supply Chain Performance | Dutch C1 & Chinese B2 | Shenzhen, China

As the Team Lead for the Supply Chain Performance department in China, you will take ownership of daily operations and lead the local team based in Shenzhen. Your primary objective is to ensure that business priorities are translated into concrete actions and measurable results.

The COO determines the strategy, direction and priorities, while you are responsible for execution and results. As the COO’s main operational counterpart in China, you will provide structure, delegate responsibilities and ensure that the team and suppliers deliver on their commitments.
We are looking for a strong, hands-on leader who independently drives operations forward, rather than someone who primarily coordinates or reports.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and managing the Chinese Supply Chain Performance team, including Supplier and Factory Managers.
• Translating business priorities into concrete actions, assigned owners and clear deadlines.
• Driving daily execution, delegating responsibilities and following up on commitments.
• Managing supplier performance, operational challenges and improvement projects.
• Preparing and conducting supplier visits, audits and operational meetings.
• Identifying problems proactively and implementing solutions.
• Acting as the main communication link between the COO, Dutch management and the Chinese team.
• Holding team members and suppliers accountable for delivering results.

RequirementsThe ideal candidate is a decisive and disciplined leader with a strong sense of ownership and an entrepreneurial, hands-on mentality. You are proactive, direct, trustworthy and highly results-driven, with the ability to manage people, provide clear feedback and get things done without constant supervision.

You combine a direct Dutch business mentality with a strong practical understanding of how to lead Chinese teams and work effectively with local suppliers. When an urgent issue arises, you take ownership: investigating the situation, involving the right people, setting deadlines, challenging suppliers, implementing solutions and proactively reporting results.

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Professional fluency in Dutch (C1), Mandarin Chinese B2, and English fluent.
• To be based in Shenzhen or willing to relocate, with daily presence in the office.
• Strong practical knowledge of both Dutch and Chinese business cultures.
• Proven leadership capabilities, including managing people, delegating tasks, providing direct feedback and delivering measurable results.
• An exceptionally driven and flexible approach, with a willingness to work outside regular hours, including evenings or weekends when operationally necessary.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly within China and occasionally to the Netherlands.
• An entrepreneurial, proactive, direct, disciplined, trustworthy and highly results-driven personality.

A traditional supply chain background is not required. Leadership, ownership, execution and cultural understanding are more important.BenefitsApplication ProcedureIf you are interested in this vacancy, you can apply by clicking on the button above. By clicking on apply, you agree to our privacy commitment and terms and conditions. Your application will be sent directly to the recruiter in charge. IMPORTANT: if you are not yet registered with Undutchables we kindly ask you to do so. Your information will be handled in the strictest confidence and your CV will not be sent to a company unless you have given prior permission. Curious about how the recruitment process works within Undutchables, click here to read more.