Managing Director

Nippon Shokubai (Asia) Pte Ltd is the Singapore-based subsidiary of Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., a globally listed chemical manufacturer headquartered in Japan. The company specializes in the production of acrylic acid. With a strong commitment to technological innovation, safety, and sustainability, the Singapore entity plays a key strategic role in supporting the group’s global supply chain and serving customers across Asia and other international markets.

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Managing Director to lead the overall operations and long-term development of the Singapore subsidiary. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting and executing business strategies, ensuring operational excellence, maintaining robust governance and compliance standards, and strengthening collaboration with headquarters in Japan and regional stakeholders.

This role carries full accountability for the company’s performance in Singapore, including financial results, regulatory compliance, risk management, and organizational leadership. The Managing Director will represent the company in dealings with government authorities, key customers, business partners, and external auditors, while driving sustainable growth aligned with the group’s global objectives.

• Understand and execute the management policies and corporate philosophy of the Nippon Shokubai Group, translating group-level strategies into actionable plans for the Singapore operations. Formulate and implement short-, mid-, and long-term business strategies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence, and financial performance in alignment with the group’s global objectives.
• Work closely with headquarters in Japan and related group companies to maximize overall group profitability, ensuring strong coordination in areas such as financial planning, investment decisions, and resource allocation.
• Provide overall leadership and management oversight of all departments within NIPPON SHOKUBAI (ASIA) Pte. Ltd. and its joint venture company, SINGAPORE ACRYLIC PTE LTD, including sales, manufacturing, finance & accounting, human resources, general affairs, and other corporate functions.
• Monitor market trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory developments, and regularly report on the business environment, operational performance, and strategic issues to the Board of Directors and senior management in Japan.
• Represent the company at Board meetings, management meetings, and other official forums, and respond to inquiries from directors, auditors, government authorities, and external stakeholders as required.
• Ensure robust corporate governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks are in place, including the implementation and maintenance of internal control systems and J-SOX-related financial reporting and internal control activities.
• Lead and supervise cross-functional initiatives and projects, leveraging financial, operational, and strategic insights to support management decision-making and long-term organizational development.

1. More than 25 years of experience with a globally listed company in the chemical manufacturing industry, or its overseas subsidiaries, with extensive hands-on knowledge and expertise in acrylic acid and its derivative products. The successful candidate must possess a minimum of 15 years of management experience, with such management responsibilities held within the last 3 years.
2. More than 5 years of experience in plant/factory accounting and at least 3 years of experience in corporate accounting (headquarters-level) in the chemical manufacturing industry, demonstrating a deep understanding of cost structures, manufacturing finance, and corporate financial management.
3. More than 10 years of experience in corporate planning / business planning within the chemical manufacturing industry at managerial level or above, with hands-on involvement in strategic planning, business performance management, and the operation and management of group or affiliated companies.
4. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in business-level English and Japanese (JLPT N1 or equivalent) is required for close coordination with the listed parent company in Japan, group companies, key customers, and other stakeholders.
5. Track record of involvement in the launch and development of new businesses within the chemical manufacturing industry, including feasibility assessment, business structuring, and execution phases.
6. At least 5 years of practical experience in internal control frameworks, including J-SOX and/or equivalent regulations such as SOX, with direct involvement in internal control operation and evaluation.
7. More than 5 years of experience overseeing financial statements and disclosure documents prepared under international accounting standards, at manager level or above.The successful candidate is expected to have direct reporting experience to a global headquarters as a member of senior management of a foreign subsidiary.