Head of China

Permanent | China or Singapore

On behalf of our client

NRL is working with a leading international shipping and maritime investment organisation to recruit a Head of China / China Representative. This is a strategically important role responsible for representing the client’s commercial, financing, and newbuilding interests across China.

The role will be based either in Singapore (office based) or China (remote at this point until office established), with regular engagement across major Chinese maritime hubs.

Role Summary The China Representative will serve as the client’s primary interface with Chinese partners, including leasing houses, shipyards, trading groups and industrial stakeholders. The successful candidate will support commercial initiatives, help structure and execute financing transactions, coordinate newbuilding activities, and strengthen long‑term relationships with key institutions across China.

This is a high‑impact role requiring exceptional relationship‑building skills, strong market knowledge, and the ability to operate independently while maintaining close alignment with senior management.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Partnership Development:

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships across trading houses, industrial groups, maritime operators, and financiers in China.
• Represent the client at meetings, negotiations, industry events, and visits.
• Provide continuous market intelligence covering counterparties, opportunities, and the competitive landscape.

 

2. Leasing & Finance Support:

• Work closely with Chinese leasing companies on the structuring, negotiation, and execution of vessel leasing transactions.
• Support internal finance teams with commercial insights, documentation preparation, and relationship management.
• Assist in negotiations relating to leasing terms, transaction timelines, and commercial deliverables.

 

3. Shipyard & Newbuilding Coordination:

• Act as the day‑to‑day liaison between the client and major Chinese shipyards involved in newbuilding programmes.
• Ensure smooth coordination around specifications, milestones, technical discussions, and issue resolution.
• Align shipyard activity with technical teams and leasing houses where relevant.
• Conduct site visits as needed and provide timely progress reporting to senior management.

 

4. General Representation & Support:

• Promote the client’s brand, values, and commercial interests within the Chinese maritime ecosystem.
• Facilitate visits, negotiations, and meetings for senior management and technical/finance stakeholders.
• Provide insights into regulatory developments, government incentives, and broader maritime sector trends in China.

 

Qualifications & Experience:

• Strong network within the Chinese maritime, shipyard, or leasing sectors.
• Background in shipping, shipbuilding, maritime finance, or related industries.
• Fluent in Mandarin and English, with excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Able to work independently and represent the organisation professionally at all senior levels.

 

Personal Attributes:

• Relationship‑driven with strong commercial awareness.
• Highly organised, reliable, and consistent in follow‑through.
• Culturally intelligent; able to bridge communication between Chinese and international teams.
• Proactive, confident, and effective when managing senior external stakeholders.

 
About NRL
The NRL Group connect global companies with the right people to bring engineering projects to life. Supporting contracting companies with energy transition plans and working with our clients to create a cleaner, greener future.
 
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