SEA Operations Director

About Dentsu Led by Dentsu Group Inc. (Tokyo: 4324; ISIN: JP3551520004), a pure holding company established on January 1, 2020, the Dentsu Group encompasses two operational networks: dentsu Japan network, which oversees Dentsu’s agency operations in Japan, and dentsu international, its international business headquarters in London, which oversees Dentsu’s agency operations outside of Japan. With a strong presence in approximately 145 countries and regions across five continents and with 65,000 dedicated professionals, the Dentsu Group provides a comprehensive range of client-centric integrated communications, media and digital services through its five leadership brands—Carat, dentsu X, iProspect, Dentsu Creative, and Merkle—as well as through Dentsu Japan Network companies, including Dentsu Inc., the world’s largest single brand agency with a history of innovation. The Group is also active in the production and marketing of sports and entertainment content on a global scale. www.dentsu.com Job Title : SEA Operations Director Role Purpose This business-critical role drives operational excellence across teams in Singapore and across Southeast Asia markets. We're looking for a leader who is energized and passionate about driving operational excellence, transformation, and embedding refreshed business governance. The leader will have a proven commercial track record for delivering growth, change, embedding new ways of working and organisational effectiveness. The role will have need to have an understanding of operational management principles, understanding of current technology trends (AI, Automation) client dynamics and talent. The SEA Operations Director will be both an integrator and influencer. The Role will involve working with the Leadership Team, market leadership, and functional leaders to coordinate, govern and execute initiatives across markets within the SEA Cluster. Key Responsibilities Strategic Transformation Leadership • Lead cross-functional programs that integrate finance, HR, IT, procurement, and media operations across the markets within the SEA Cluster. • Implementation and execution of key business initiatives such as technology integrations, AI enablement and automation with a focus on improving ways of working (processes) including (as relevant) moving work to more cost-effective locations End-to-End Process Optimization • Identify inefficiencies and redesign core operational workflows across markets, • Drive harmonization and standardization of processes across SEA Markets, ensuring scalability and agility. Program & Change Management • Oversee large-scale transformation programs from initiation to delivery, ensuring milestones, budgets, and KPIs are met. • Lead change management efforts to ensure adoption of new systems, processes, and organizational structures. • Deploying continuous improvement techniques to improve service quality and leveraging the Cost to Serve levers to drive margin % improvements. • Leading and empowering an inclusive culture that unites our markets, providing a dynamic environment Stakeholder Engagement & Governance • Collaborate with Market CEO, CFO, CPO and Regional teams to ensure alignment and transparency. • Establish governance frameworks and reporting mechanisms to track progress and escalate risks. • Serve as the senior interface for transformation updates with executive sponsors and market leadership. Technology & Data Integration • Partner with IT and data teams to drive digital transformation , including AI Enablement, ERP upgrades, automation, and analytics enablement • Deploying continuous improvement techniques to improve service quality and leveraging the Cost to Serve levers to drive margin % improvements • Qualifications • 12+ years of experience in transformation leadership, preferably within shared services, media, or consulting environments. • Proven track record of leading multi-country transformation programs with measurable impact. • Strong understanding of finance, HR, IT, and operational processes in agency or SSC settings. • Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills across cultures and seniority levels. • Experience with AI products , emerging technology landscape, ERP systems, process reengineering, and digital enablement. • PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or similar certifications are a plus. • Fluent in English is a must • Key Behaviours • High Learning Agility – unbridled curiosity and the ability to discover trends ahead of time (“look around corners”) and glean valuable insights; not merely an effective executor of initiatives, anticipatory in her / his approach and provokes senior level conversation • Making Complex Decisions – can solve even the toughest and most complex of problems; great at taking meaning from whatever data is available; is a quick study of the new and different; adds personal wisdom and experience to come to the best conclusion and solution, given the situation; uses multiple problem-solving tools and techniques • Getting organised – is well organised and resourceful; effective and efficient at marshalling multiple resources to get things done; lays out work in sufficient detail to mark the trail; is able to get things done with less and in less time; can work on multiple tasks at once without losing track; foresees and plans around obstacles • Dealing with Trouble – fearlessly takes on all issues, challenges and people; comfortably confronts and works through conflict; delivers negative feedback and messages without hesitation; deals promptly and fairly with problem performers; lets everyone know where they stand; thrives in crises and is energized by tough challenges; not afraid to make negative decisions and take tough action • Trusted executive partner -to the Senior Leadership Team who will be innovative and solution oriented. • Inclusive and empathetic influence - Connects broadly and deeply across the organisation, consulting and inf…