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APAC Operations Director, Global Specialty Chemicals company
THE CHALLENGE
Our client, a global specialty chemical company that helps create innovative formulations for consumers and industrial markets, needed a critical hire based in Shanghai, China to manage their plant operations in 4 locations while reporting to the HQ in the U.S. The ideal candidate would have experience working for Western corporations in a role requiring global stakeholder engagement and driving strategic and consistent standardization and processes. They must develop programs to improve safety, enhance customer focus, and implement the most effective technologies at lowest manufacturing cost to enable sustainable growth in the region. This individual would ideally speak fluent English and Mandarin to be able to support and influence in both environments effectively.
THE SOLUTION
Our solution began with focus on the Western chemical and specialty chemical businesses that were based in China. To ensure full coverage of potential talent, we researched pharmaceutical manufacturing businesses, as this area is buoyant with strong operations talent. The role was perceived as a highly sought after opportunity to the market, but there was limited talent available with the relevant criteria. The market for an ideal candidate was restricted, which required us to think creatively and approach candidates who qualified for most of the criteria but potentially lacked in other areas. This solution provided a clear view of the talent options in the specialty chemical market across China, including both expat and local talent.
THE RESULT
Our team were able to identify 6 profiles from our search strategy criteria, ultimately finding the ideal candidate who was in many ways the “perfect profile” our Client had asked for among the 160+ identified potential candidates. Our candidate came from the specialty chemicals industry, was a local talent based in the southern part of China and spoke fluent English and Mandarin. His experience also fitted all relevant skill sets required, as well as being an excellent cultural fit with the business.
The impact
Despite a highly constrained talent market, Miramar successfully delivered the “ideal profile” — a bilingual local leader with deep expertise in specialty chemicals and global operational experience. The appointment has strengthened the company’s manufacturing performance across China and improved alignment with global standards.
- Precision search: Over 160 potential candidates identified and assessed across China’s specialty chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
- Targeted outcome:6 shortlisted leaders presented, all aligned to global stakeholder and operational criteria.
- Ideal match secured: Appointed local leader fluent in English and Mandarin, with direct experience managing multi-site operations for Western corporations.
- Sustained performance impact: The new leader is now driving operational consistency, safety, and customer focus across four plants — embedding global standards and enabling sustainable growth in the region.
