Hong Kong Career Blog

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.

As we’ve mentioned in recent posts, recruitment in Hong Kong (and Asia in general) is still on the rebound and we get scores of requests from firms who are looking for talented professionals to fill key roles.  So, as ever, this week we’re featuring some of our latest, most attractive job opportunities. Below are just a couple examples of the kind of opportunities waiting for both expat and local job seekers:

1. Derivatives Product Control Manager (Supervisory Role)

Our client is a reputable and rapidly growing international bank committed to growth in Asia. To bring their business to greater heights, they are looking for an experienced Product Control Manager to lead the Equity Derivatives team.

This is more a supervisory role. You will be responsible for reviewing the completion of daily P&L and the month-end process performed by subordinates. You are expected to lead and coach the teammates to resolve complicated issues and build a strong business partnership with the front office such as traders. In addition, you will lead and drive project initiatives. Product coverage of this role is Structured Equity Derivatives. This role is also open to candidates who have strong derivatives experience but not necessarily from Equities.

To qualify, individuals must possess:

• A university degree in business or mathematical discipline
• Qualification in CFA or/and FRM is preferred
• Minimum of 5 years experience in Product Control or Middle Office function
• Experience in derivatives products
• Strong analytical skills and system skills (Excel, basic VBA, modelling, etc)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Fluency in English and Cantonese

2. Staff Accountant – Leading Global Private Equity Firm

Our client is a leading Private Equity Fund house with extensive operations in Asia Pacific. Currently they are experiencing accelerated growth in the business and require a talented Staff Accountant to support the finance team.

Reporting to the Asia Controller, your primary focus will be to support the accounts payable function for the Asia Pacific region. Other duties involve bank and balance sheet reconciliation, performing accounting entries, producing financial statements and analysis with supporting schedules for period closing. In addition, you will be performing cost allocation, monitoring daily cash flow, performing cost allocation on professionals expenses and reviewing management accounts of overseas offices. You will also be expected to perform ad hoc projects and support the ERP system rollout. This is an excellent opportunity for talented candidates to enter one of the worlds foremost Private Equity Houses which is committed to growing and retaining its talent through developing their exposure within the business.

To qualify individuals must possess:

• Accounting or Business Degree
• Minimum 3 years of experience in accounts payable and / or financial accounting from a financial institution or MNC
• Familiarity with financial services industry is a plus
• US GAAP and IFRS experience is highly advantageous
• Good initiative, ability to work independently and willing to work under pressure
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English, Mandarin skills will be highly advantageous

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

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. Quality Assurance Manager

With offices in Europe and Asia, our client offers strategic marketing solutions to diversified retailers across both regions. They are committed to delivering top quality services and products to their clients. With ongoing expansion plans a new opportunity exists for talented individual with proven, relevant experience to join the team.

Based in Hong Kong and reporting to the Senior Manager, your prime responsibility will be to develop the testing strategy and standard for the full range of household and premium merchandise produced by the business’ manufacturing partners, for use both in Europe and Asia.

As the Quality Assurance Manager, you will be working closely with the head office to define product specifications and ensure all product testing and results consistently meet client’s quality, international safety and legal standards. At the execution level, you will conduct quality testing from sample development through to shipment delivery. This is a stand alone role and you will need to be resourceful and capable of being a key point of consultation for all quality issues.

To qualify, individuals must possess:

• Min of 6 years’ experience from a manufacturing or retailing environment
• Experience with international quality standards and legislation issues
• Practical knowledge of production and product testing
• Excellent communication skills in English and Cantonese, Mandarin is a plus
• Team player spirit, flexible and open minded
• University degree in Engineering or equivalent education

2. VP Equity Derivative Market Risk

Our client is leading European Wholesale Bank with a solid expansion plan in Asia. As part of new initiatives to develop and expand the Equity Derivatives business in Hong Kong, a newly created position has arisen for an experience Market Risk Manager to join the team in Hong Kong.

Acting as a deputy to the Head of Equity Derivative Market Risk, you will support the global equity derivatives business on market risk management and interact with the trading team and regional market risk team. You will review and analyse the equity trading book positions, highlighting significant outright and embedded risks. You will perform backtesting and VaR data analysis and investigate breaches. Working with the trading desk on understanding the risks and trading strategies, you will review new products and evaluate risk capture, monitoring and valuation. You will compute monthly provisions and familiarise with local and FSA regulatory capital requirements. In addition, you will implement new risk engine, perform UAT, implement value at risk on new risk engine and to write up backtesting P&L requirements. You will also be involved in the setup of daily risk sensitivities for risk limit monitoring, setup and run stress testing and spot-vol scenario matrix.

To qualify, individuals must possess:

• A university degree preferably with a quantitative focus
• Around 5 to 8 years of related experience in equity derivative and exotic products with at least 3 years in a market risk function
• Strong understanding of risk greeks and value at risk methodologies as well as pricing models including limitations and weaknesses
• Excellent communication skills with fluency in English

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

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. VP, Team Leader of Equity Exotics & Volatility Product Control, Asia

Our client is a leading Global Investment Bank with growing activities in Capital Markets area in Asia. To further develop their Asian business, they are currently upskilling and strengthening the support in the Equity Derivatives Product Control function and are seeking a high-calibre Regional Team Leader for the Exotics & Volatility team, based in Hong Kong.

Reporting to the Regional Head of Product Control Equity Derivatives, you will lead a team of experienced Product Controllers in Asia covering the Exotics Derivatives and Volatility books. You will supervise the team on P&L production and explanation, look into the risk positions, review trade bookings, ensure correct use of models and accuracy of data feeds. As a team leader, you will perform reserves calculations, valuation adjustments and advise on the P&L impacts. In addition, you will also review monthly balance sheet, explain on movements and perform funding analysis. Working with other product control teams, you will assist on new product reviews, provide solutions on queries from trading desks and participate in regional and global projects.

To qualify, individuals must possess:

• A university degree. CFA, FRM or accounting qualifications would be highly advantageous
• Minimum 8 to 10 years relevant experience in Derivatives Product Control
• Knowledge of Equity Derivatives
• Experience in other Derivatives products group would also be considered
• Strong control mind-set
• Team management skills with ability to work with junior to senior level staff
• Excellent communication skills with fluency in English

2. VP Equity Derivative Market Risk

Our client is leading European Wholesale Bank with a solid expansion plan in Asia. As part of new initiatives to develop and expand the Equity Derivatives business in Hong Kong, a newly created position has arisen for an experience Market Risk Manager to join the team in Hong Kong.

Acting as a deputy to the Head of Equity Derivative Market Risk, you will support the global equity derivatives business on market risk management and interact with the trading team and regional market risk team. You will review and analyse the equity trading book positions, highlighting significant outright and embedded risks. You will perform backtesting and VaR data analysis and investigate breaches. Working with the trading desk on understanding the risks and trading strategies, you will review new products and evaluate risk capture, monitoring and valuation. You will compute monthly provisions and familiarise with local and FSA regulatory capital requirements. In addition, you will implement new risk engine, perform UAT, implement value at risk on new risk engine and to write up backtesting P&L requirements. You will also be involved in the setup of daily risk sensitivities for risk limit monitoring, setup and run stress testing and spot-vol scenario matrix.

To qualify, individuals must possess:

• A university degree preferably with a quantitative focus
• Around 5 to 8 years of related experience in equity derivative and exotic products with at least 3 years in a market risk function
• Strong understanding of risk greeks and value at risk methodologies as well as pricing models including limitations and weaknesses
• Excellent communication skills with fluency in English

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

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.

With brightening economic prospects and improving employment news in Hong Kong, 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. Manager/Senior Manager, Financial Statuatory Body

Our client is a well known financial services statutory establishment currently looking for a dynamic and committed individual to support their ongoing initiatives and to assist the organisation in facilitating the growth of the banking industry in Hong Kong.

In this role, you will work closely with the banking industry and have multiple opportunities to interact with banking professionals to resolve issues that can impact the industry. The main responsibility of this position will be to act as the establishments representative and will have to issue regular circulars, prepare and drive industry meetings as well as to provide executive support to committees and working groups. In addition, you will prepare reports representing the banking industry to various regulators in refining new regulations and policies.

To qualify, the individuals must possess:

• A university degree with 10 to 12 years of working experience gained from a well-established bank
• Prior HKMA/SFC rules and regulations exposure would be preferred
• Proven project management skills
• An independent and self motivated personality
• Strong problem solving abilities and a passion to be able to liaise with multiple counterparts
• Excellent command in both written and spoken English
• Ability to read and write in Chinese

2. Client Administration Manager, Private Bank

Our client is a global banking group with established businesses within the Asia Pacific region. An exciting new opportunity has recently arisen within their Private Wealth management business.

The core responsibility of this role is to oversee the day to day business functions within their Private Wealth business and identify gaps within their business process by performing analysis into their local and regional support team. You will perform transactional review to ensure its compliance to the groups policies and procedures. In addition, you will be involved in talent recruitment into the business support functions.

To qualify, the individuals must possess:

• Minimum 6 years of working experience gained within an international finance institution, preferably with 3 years within a Private Bank
• Strong Project or Business Management exposure
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to foster strong working relationship with the business
• Excellent analytical and problem solving mindset
• Proficiency in English, Cantonese and/or Mandarin

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

With brightening economic prospects and improving employment news in Hong Kong, 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. Demand & Supply Planner – FMCG

Our client is a leading FMCG brand with worldwide distribution. An opportunity now exists for an ambitious logistics specialist to join the team as Demand & Supply Planner.

Based in Hong Kong and reporting to the department head this role will be responsible for supply planning and demand forecasting for all the products in Hong Kong. You will ensure the optimum level of inventory to support a profitable P&L and return on assets. Additionally you will monitor customs clearance for inbound shipments and manage various logistics services providers. You will be working closely with the sales team and factories to achieve smooth operations in response to the changing customer demands and market volatility.

To qualify, individuals must possess:

• Minimum 3 years of supply and demand planning within FMCG or retail sectors
• Hands on experience delivering analysis reports
• Ability to manage vast amount of products of different categories
• Analytical, dynamic and able to work in a changing environment
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills
• University degree in logistic or supply chain planning

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

Economic recovery is moving along slowly, but relatively surely and recruiting momentum continues to pick up in Hong Kong as proven by the increasing number of requests we have received to find talented professionals in Asia.  Weekly, we will continue to feature some of our latest, most exciting job opportunities.  Below are some of the newest positions that we are seeking to match with  highly qualified professionals interested in working in Hong Kong.

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. Sourcing Manager, Toys & Premiums

With offices in Europe and Asia, our client offers strategic marketing solutions to diversified retailers across the globe. They are committed to delivering top quality services and products to their clients and have developed a strong reputation in the market for their services. Due to ongoing expansion plans the following outstanding opportunities now exist for talented individuals with proven, relevant experience to join their highly successful team.

Based in Hong Kong and reporting to the Department Head, you will manage all sourcing activities of assigned products for a global client base. You will be actively involved in identifying new manufacturing partners in Asia with a focus on northern China.
As the Sourcing Manager, you will be responsible for the overall sourcing strategy for toys and premiums, ensuring existing and new suppliers are able to deliver the best quality merchandise for clients. You will negotiate prices, quantities and payment terms with the vendors. In addition, you will be expected to utilise your network to expand the supplier base and attend trade shows to identify new product trends and potential new suppliers.
To qualify, individuals must possess:

• Minimum of 8 years’ sourcing experience with toys
• A solid knowledge of current toy and premium industry developments
• Excellent communication skills in English, Cantonese and Mandarin
• Strong problem solving skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines
• Readiness to travel extensively within China
• University degree in Business Management

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

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) has released the latest unemployment statistics for March-May 2010.   There was a small increase in unemployment, but not significant enough to indicate that economic recovery in Hong Kong is not continuing apace.  The Hong Kong government web site reported the following:

“According to the latest labour force statistics released today (June 17) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.4% in February-April 2010 to 4.6% (provisional figure) in March-May 2010.  Meanwhile, the underemployment rate declined from 2.1% to 2.0% (provisional figure).

Commentary

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate registered its first increase since mid-2009, going up by 0.2 percentage point to 4.6% in March-May 2010.

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said that the increased uncertainties in the external environment, coupled with the fluctuations in the local asset market, had to a certain extent affected general sentiment.  Some employers were more cautious in hiring, thus resulting in a decrease in total employment.

He said, “The labour supply is expected to pick up upon the entry of fresh graduates and school leavers into the labour market as summer holidays approach.  The latest 0.9 percentage point increase of the unemployment rate for persons aged 15-24 from 10.2% to 11.1% suggested that pressure on youth unemployment is beginning to emerge.

“Hong Kong’s overall economic performance remains largely positive at present,” Mr Cheung said.  ”Looking ahead, the trend of unemployment rate will hinge on the pace of economic growth, in particular whether the number of jobs to be created can absorb young job-seekers joining the labour force.  The Eurozone debt crisis and its contagion also pose uncertainties to the labour market.  This will bring pressure on the unemployment rate in the near future.  We will remain vigilant, continue to monitor the situation closely, and do whatever we can to assist job-seekers,” he added.”

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The C&SD numbers continue to be mix of good and bad news, indicating a standstill in economic recovery, but still giving us optimism about the continuing trend of decreasing unemployment, which began in mid-2009. .

Despite the latest figures, we continue to have an increasing number of requests for candidates and a wide range of openings for professionals in banking, financial services, accounting, sales and marketing.  To learn more about opportunities that fit your career goals, please visit us at Ambition Hong Kong and the My Ambition Career Blog.