Hong Kong Career Blog

A wealth of job opportunities isn’t far away when you’re in the Asia Pacific region. In Hong Kong, we’ve got more job offerings and requests for qualified applicants this week.  Here are some of our latest, most attractive positions for which our clients are recruiting in Hong Kong:

1. Business Analyst — European MNC

Our client is a leading and well-respected broadcaster of news and lifestyle consumer programmes. An exciting and newly created position now exists for a dynamic Business Analyst to join the accounting & finance team.

Reporting to the Senior Finance & Administration Manager, you will focus on financial analysis for the Asia Pacific Regions business. Working closely with the regional operation and sales teams, you will identify and implement improvements to better the quality and efficiency of the business.You will also be required to work with the general ledger team on the groups consolidation.

To qualify, individuals must possess:

• A university degree and an internationally recognised accounting qualification
• A minimum of 5 years of management accounting experience
• Exposure gained from the media or broadcasting industry
• Energy, initiative and a willingness to take on responsibility
• Excellent English and fluency in Cantonese and Mandarin advantageous

2. Product Manager — Travel Retail

Our client is a niche but widely recognized skincare company. Relatively new in the region the brand continues to capture a loyal and developing pool of consumers. A new and exciting role has been created for a sales or marketing professional to join the team as Product Manager.

Based in Hong Kong and reporting to the Head of Marketing you will be responsible for performing product management duties for the AP region with particular emphasis on the travel retail sector. Responsibilities include new product launch set ups, sales forecasting, inventory management, sales analysis and the development of product marketing collateral. Internally you will work with sales and merchandising on point of sales opportunity, visual set ups and counter design. This is a rare opportunity for a dynamic junior candidate to join a unique organization with regional exposure.

To qualify individuals must possess:

• 3+ year’s marketing/sales experience
• Skincare or travel retail experience preferred
• International mindset
• Excellent analytical and project management skills
• Native English
• University degree

To find out more about these jobs and to search for other openings, please visit our job search page at Ambition Hong Kong.

An excellent point/counterpoint over at Adage, which discusses the obviously huge potential that Asia has as a target for marketing professionals yet also makes no bones about some interesting challenges:

“How many campaigns can you think of which have the potential to reach 384 million consumers? Every digital campaign in China has that potential. A recent campaign that tapped effectively into this market was the Experience New Zealand Right Now campaign, which rolled out in April 2010. Tourism New Zealand teamed up with filmmaker Lu Chuan and celebrity blogger Hung Huang to promote New Zealand to Chinese travelers. Capitalizing on the star power of these big names, Tourism New Zealand rolled out mini video travelogues showing great experiences these stars had in New Zealand. The content was shared on a range of media platforms including social-media sites like Kaixin.com, video-sharing sites like Tudou.com, blogs, online communities, and Tourism New Zealand’s Chinese-language website.”

And now the bad news…sort of

“In these respects, Asia is significantly different from mature markets like Western Europe or North America. In these markets, digital technology is often ahead of other regions, and the consumer engages with the online medium at a deeper level. Ideas that “wow” you and break through the clutter in a big way are more successful here. This could explain why European agencies like AMV BBDO and Jung von Matt outscore Asian agencies in sheer number of creative awards. Even in the Asia-Pacific region, the markets that win a disproportionate number of awards are Australia and New Zealand, both mature markets not very different from Western Europe and North America.”

Totally true, although not too surprising, and relative market development does pose a big challenge.  However, it seems that that challenge may also be a great opportunity for truly creative and in-tune marketing pros to make their mark.  Especially in markets where their audience might be more receptive to ideas that might not work as well in Western markets where the audiences can be more difficult to impress, even with the most interesting campaigns.

You can read the full Adage article here…

To see some of the great jobs we have for sales and marketing execs in Asia, please visit us at Ambition Hong Kong.

Unlike our many of our counterparts in the U.S. and U.K., we are still getting more and more requests to search for candidates in the APAC region.  Each week, we will continue to feature some of our latest, most attractive job opportunities.   Below are some of the newest positions for which our clients are recruiting in Hong Kong:

1. Product Manager – Travel Retail

Based in Hong Kong and reporting to the Head of Marketing you will be responsible for performing product management duties for the AP region with particular emphasis on the travel retail sector. Responsibilities include new product launch set ups, sales forecasting, inventory management, sales analysis and the development of product marketing collateral. Internally you will work with sales and merchandising on point of sales opportunity, visual set ups and counter design. This is a rare opportunity for a dynamic junior candidate to join a unique organization with regional exposure.

To qualify individuals must possess:

• 3+ year’s marketing/sales experience
• Skincare or travel retail experience preferred
• International mindset
• Excellent analytical and project management skills
• Native English
• University degree

2. Category Manager – International Retailer

Based in Hong Kong and reporting to the Divisional Manager, you will manage a group of international suppliers specific to your product line. You will drive sales targets through effective price negotiation, introducing new product initiatives and commanding priority lead-times for faster replenishment. In order to maintain product quality and service to the end consumer, you will act as a consultant to the vendors, monitoring their performance and providing them with feedback on their goods.

To qualify individuals must possess:

• 3+ years FMCG/retail/buying experience
• Exposure to trade term negotiation
• Excellent analytical and negotiation skills
• University degree
• Fluent in English and Cantonese

To find out more about these jobs and to search for other openings, please visit our job search page at Ambition Hong Kong.

On September 2-3, 2010, Hong Kong will be the site of The Integrated Marketing Communications Conference, which promises to help marketers develop effective applicable strategies for conveying their messages to their target consumers.

The advent of social media has signaled a fundamental shift in how marketers communicate with their target audience. The kind of content and message control that companies have come to relay on is no longer possible and now consumers can often control how your brand is perceived. One of the key difficulties for marketers to overcome is the seemingly endless array of platforms on which consumers can voice their opinions and from which companies can try to effectively communicate their message.

The conference promises to provide a wealth of information for marketing, sales and branding professionals:

“Through a showcase of best practices from and of global brands including HP, InterContinental, KFC, LG, Unilever, Nike, DBS, FairPrice, Volvo, Bank of Philippines, this 2-day conference will equip marketers with strategies and insights to funnel core messages with conviction and consistency. We will uncover Asia’s new IMC dynamics, hear strategies that evoke cohesive emotional responses and maximise impact via multiple touch points, in today’s digital age. Find out how you can capitalise on social media and integrate it seamlessly with offline channels to engage consumers and combat message dissonance. Grab this opportunity to acquire insights through best practices that will propel your brand up and above the rest!”

The conference is essential for “Vice Presidents, Directors, Heads and Professionals in charge of Strategic Marketing, Marketing Communications, Branding, Advertising & Promotions, Corporate Marketing, Business Development & Sales, and Media Management” and anyone else who needs to get a handle on how to effectively market on the new playing field.

You can get more info and register at the conference web site.

And be sure to subscribe and visit us at Ambition to keep up to date on upcoming events in Hong Kong.

We think all sales and marketing executives should thing about attending the Search Engine Strategies conference in Hong Kong coming up in September 13-14, 2010:

“SES brings its world renowned learning experience and thought leaders in the search engine marketing field to Hong Kong. Organized and programmed by the SES Advisory Board and searchenginewatch, the conference will be packed with sessions covering PPC management, keyword research, SEO, social media, local, mobile, link building, duplicate content, multiple site issues, video optimization and usability, plus networking events, parties and more.”

And be sure to check out the video interview with Search marketing interview with Avinash Kaushik

This is a great chance for brand managers and other marketing professionals to get real insight into how search marketing can add value to your business. Get more information and register with SES

To keep up to date on the latest events of interest to marketing and sales pros in Asia, please subscribe and check in with us at Ambition Hong Kong.

In an interview with Campaign Asia, Nick Brien, head of McCann Worldgroup’s Global Ops, discusses how the advertising industry needs to reshape itself in order to sustain its growth and remain a key component in pushing the growth of client companies.  Brien believes that marketers, ofen seen as cutting edge, have been slow to adapt to a changing business environment and  communication model.

Interview with McCann’s Nick Brien

Please visit us at Ambition Hong Kong to look at some of the jobs we have for sales and marketing professionals looking to help shape the industries future.

Next stop...dream job.

As the job market and overall economy in Hong Kong improves, we have been receiving a growing number of requests to search for candidates recently.  Each week, we will continue to feature some of our latest, most attractive job opportunities.   Below are some of the newest positions for which our clients are recruiting:

1. Product Manager – Travel Retail

Our client is a niche but widely recognized skincare company. Relatively new in the region the brand continues to capture a loyal and developing pool of consumers. A new and exciting role has been created for a sales or marketing professional to join the team as Product Manager.

Based in Hong Kong and reporting to the Head of Marketing you will be responsible for performing product management duties for the AP region with particular emphasis on the travel retail sector. Responsibilities include new product launch set ups, sales forecasting, inventory management, sales analysis and the development of product marketing collateral. Internally you will work with sales and merchandising on point of sales opportunity, visual set ups and counter design. This is a rare opportunity for a dynamic junior candidate to join a unique organization with regional exposure.

To qualify individuals must possess:

• 3+ year’s marketing/sales experience
• Skincare or travel retail experience preferred
• International mindset
• Excellent analytical and project management skills
• Native English
• University degree

2. Assistant Manager/Senior Online Executive – Luxury Brand

Our client is a leading international luxury brand with products sold in over 40 countries through a combination of their own stores and recognised wholesalers. An exciting opportunity exists for a dynamic digital marketing specialist to join the organisation in the role of Regional Assistant Manager/Senior Online Executive.

Based in Hong Kong and reporting to the Regional Marketing Communications Manager, you will be responsible for developing and managing a website with the objective of growing the site as an ecommerce platform with various revenue streams including advertising, site subscriptions and premium access in addition to ancillary revenues. Additionally you will drive the sites communication strategy where you will introduce effective SEM & SEO tactics, engaging content designed to create noise in the market and a customer relationship management system where you can keep consumers informed of the latest products and promotions driving repeat purchase and brand loyalty.

To qualify, individuals must possess:

• Minimum 4 years of e-business or e-commerce experience
• Exposure with social media tools, copywriting and tracking tactics
• Background in website management
• Strong project management skills
• Fluent Cantonese and English
• University degree

To find out more about these jobs and to search for other openings, please visit our job search page at Ambition Hong Kong.

A decade after Y2K and mobile devices becoming a staple more than food, somehow, the evolution of equality between “Mars” and “Venus” hasn’t progressed as quickly as the speed of light.  No doubt, certain fields are prone to be gender biased due to working environment and conditions like logging as an extreme, have you ever imagined it is pretty much a men’s world in advertising too?  Some women stay away from the battlefield especially with life changing events like giving birth or getting married becoming priorities in the midst of their careers.  On the production side of things, it is pretty common to spot a camera “man” rather than a “woman” and maybe the physical strength needed to toy with the filming equipment is the culprit.  With the advancement of technology where smaller and lighter gear is being developed, it will be soon enough to see more women shooting ads.  Advertising is more than that and a couple divas in the business would share their insight and stories to get to the top, so the sky is the limit for the interested femmes.

Deb Henretta, Group President, Asia, Procter & Gamble oversees a U$14 billion operation with over 100 brands in Asia, and also a mother of three proves that a woman can indeed have it all.  Deb has learned first hand from her mom that having both a successful career and happy family is mission possible.  Moreover, her own positive work attitude further boosted that as she said, “Work is a very important aspect in my life to keep me intellectually stimulated, and encourages a curiosity to keep learning.”  It also explains why she was chosen as of most power businesswomen worldwide by Forbes and Fortune magazines.  She thinks that a typical women’s leadership style that is more conceptual, collaborative, and passionate might be a fatal factor to keep moving up the corporate ladder.  The industry has its foundation set with a more analytical, assertive and even sometimes aggressive leadership style for decades, so men seemed to be a natural choice upon harvesting the best talent.  For women who want to stand out proud in the crowd and knock down their male competitors, they probably have to work extra hard to get noticed.  Don’t be discouraged yet as Deb is generous enough to share 4 pieces of advices for young women who are interested to get into the biz – first and foremost, do something you love to do, challenge the status quo by exploring new and better ways of doing things, believe that woman can have it all (maybe not all at the same time) and finally, remember to help other women along the ride to the top.

Masako Okamura the Creative Director at Dentsu in Japan is the greatest inspiration of all as she’s from a country where some women are still shy or discouraged to have it all given the social pressure.  Masako is the first woman ever to be appointed creative director at Dentsu in a pretty much male dominant business and country, her story should move all young girls regardless of where they are geographically speaking.  She has an impressive track record such as Ad Council in Japan and the US plus Coca Cola as some of her clients; won global recognition for her work and also being a judge in award shows worldwide.  She believes there are not enough top women in advertising at the moment; she’s confident this would be changed soon than later.  Her advices include being strong physically as working long hours is a norm and knowing when to say “No”  is actually a display of having a strong will.  The last 2 tips are not ad-related yet showed Masako’s wisdom of the universe – fall in love with someone and enjoy the rollercoaster ride and travel a lot to appreciate diversity.  Also, she firmly believes the industry should play a more proactively role to promote its existence in the society as she thinks, “The younger generation don’t know how ads are made, so it’s very difficult for them to say ‘I want to work in advertising’.” 

The insiders’ report implies opportunities are definitely there and any women can rise to the top as long as she firmly believes in herself and work hard to achieve what she would like to get the best out of her life!

You can find more interviews and insight into the lives of women working in Marketing, Media and Public Relations at Media Asia. 

And to explore some great great career opportunities, please visit us at Ambition Hong Kong and Ambition Singapore.

Ambition has a number of great opportunities in Hong Kong and Singapore for talented professionals.  We are receiving an ever growing number of requests to find qualified candidates, as companies begin to increase recruitment in 2010 and reverse the recent trends of downsizing and hiring freezes.  Here are some of the latest positions for which we are seeking top quality professionals:

1. Head of Key Channels (Singapore)

Our client is a leading global FMCG supplier who is currently expanding their Regional Head Office in Singapore. They are looking for a Head of Key Channels of their Retail Travel Business, preferably with exposure to the Alcohol/Tobacco/FMCG sector to come on board in this senior role.

Reporting into the Head of Operations in Hong Kong, you will be responsible for developing and refining the account management portfolio in the emerging markets of APAC. You will manage a team of Account Managers and ensure competitive advantage and develop Duty Free take up in the region. You will have had extensive exposure to travel retail channels in the FMCG sector and have had experience of managing a team.

Learn more and apply

2. Head of Channel Management (Hong Kong)

Our client is one of the largest fund management companies and it has experienced major growth recently to become one of the major players in Asia. Assets are managed on behalf of a wide range of retail and institutional investors across the region. Their fund management business expands across 10 markets in Asia – Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Korea, Vietnam, China and United Arab Emirates. They are looking for a Head of Channel Management to drive sales for Hong Kong.

Based in Hong Kong and reporting to the General Manager, based in Singapore, you will head the Sales team and drive all the sales activities for the Hong Kong business, both unit-linked and offshore mutual fund products. You will be responsible for seeking distributors while managing both internal and external distribution relationships in Hong Kong. Working closely with partners, you will drive product development initiatives and sales process initiatives where appropriate. 

Learn more and apply

For more information on other sales and marketing opportunities, please visit us at ambition.com.hk and ambition.com.sg

Ambition has a number of great opportunities in Hong Kong and Singapore for talented professionals.  We also expect to have even more positions for qualified candidates in the coming months, as companies begin to increase recruitment in 2010 and reverse the recent trends of downsizing and hiring freezes.  Here are just a few of the latest positions for which we are seeking top quality professionals:

1. Director, Operational Risk, Trade Finance (Hong Kong)

Our client is one of the largest international banking groups with full range services in Corporate Banking including Trade Finance. Due to continuous improvement in risk and control across the region, a newly created opportunity has arisen for an experienced Risk Manager to join the team as Director of Operational Risk Management for the Trade Finance business in Asia, based in Hong Kong.  

Reporting to the Regional Head of Operational Risk, you will manage Operational Risk for the Trade Finance business in the Asia Pacific region ensuring the highest standard of risk management and governance are implemented and best practices are aligned across the business. You will partner with the business to guide and implement robust operational risk management practices, framework and self assessments. You will prioritise key risks and processes, identify, assess, escalate and mitigate risk issues. As a key representative from Operational Risk, you will drive risk awareness program, provide thought leadership to develop a balance between risk and reward, participate in risk review groups and regional / global projects.   

To learn more, please visit our job search page…

2. VP, Marketing and Brand Management – Private Bank (Singapore)

Our client is a Global Investment Bank that has a strong APAC presence. They are now looking to recruit a talented Marketing professional to drive the marketing strategy for their Private Bank across Asia Pacific.   

In this role you will be responsible for developing and implementing marketing, branding and advertising strategies and programs for APAC region. You will managing the full spectrum of brand marketing activities, which will include developing marketing materials and brand collateral, working closely with the product teams to provide marketing support for product launches and conducting in-depth market research, marketing analysis, value proposition and positioning development. In addition you will manage the agency relationships and online marketing strategies.   

To learn more, please visit our job search page…

For more information on these and other opportunities, please visit us at ambition.com.hk or ambition.com.sg