Toa Payoh - General Manager/ Deputy GM, Equipment Quality Control (EQC)
About the Company:
China United Lines Limited and CU Lines PTE LTD (Collectively referred as “CULINES”) were incorporated in 2005 and 2022, separately. With the restructuring of CULINES being complete in November 2024, the headquarters of CUNLINES was moved from Shanghai to Singapore.We have been focusing on both short and long-haul trades. In 2021, we expanded into TP and European markets. During the recent years, we have established an international network covering coastal ports in Mainland China, other countries and areas such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East.
We also have a comprehensive agency network comprising of 3rd party, joint ventures and fully owned agents that support in providing customers with high quality and value-added logistics services.
We are equipped with an international management team, excellent IT system, and digital service platform. As a socially responsible enterprise, we will continue to provide customers and partners efficient, economical, and reliable services and create more values to benefit the society.During 2021, our Alphaliner ranking has improved from No. 79 to No. 23 and we became the second Chinese mainland-based carrier offering regular China-U.S. and China-Europe services.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented General Manager/ Deputy GM, Equipment Quality Control (EQC) to oversee and enhance the quality assurance processes for our equipment assets. This role is critical in ensuring that all company-owned and operated equipment meets internal standards, customer expectations, and regulatory compliance requirements.The successful candidate will drive initiatives for quality improvement, vendor performance, and operational excellence across our global operations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the equipment control team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Develop and implement strategic plans for equipment control to optimize container fleet utilization, minimize costs, and enhance operational efficiency.
- Oversee the accurate tracking and management of container inventory, ensuring timely availability and proper utilization across various depots, terminals, and vessels.
- Coordinate the movement and positioning of containers, including allocation, repositioning, and interchange activities, to meet operational requirements and customer needs.
- Lead the inspection, certification, and maintenance processes for containers, chassis, and other equipment.
- Supervise container maintenance and repair activities, collaborating with vendors and repair facilities to ensure timely and cost-effective service while adhering to quality and safety standards.
- Work cross-functionally with Operations, Procurement, Commercial, and Technical teams to address equipment-related quality issues.
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards (ISO, IICL, CSC, etc.).
- Develop and manage the equipment control budget, monitoring expenses, analyzing variances, and implementing cost-saving initiatives without compromising operational effectiveness.
- Establish performance metrics and KPIs to evaluate equipment utilization, maintenance efficiency, and service levels, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
- Contract negotiation with vendors (Leasing companies, depot)
- Develop and implement EQC strategies, policies, and procedures aligned with corporate goals.
- Stay abreast of industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental requirements related to equipment control, ensuring compliance in all operational activities.
- Identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in equipment control operations, developing and implementing risk mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions and ensure continuity of services.
- Analyze EQC performance data, identify trends, and recommend corrective actions or process improvements.
- Any ad-hoc duties as and when assigned.
Required Competencies:
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to develop and motivate diverse teams.
- Excellent strategic planning and operational execution capabilities.
- Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Data-driven decision-making approach, with excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- In-depth understanding of container equipment types, repair standards, and global container logistics.
- Proactive and hands-on attitude, with the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- High attention to detail, organizational skills, and project management capabilities.
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Maritime Studies, Logistics, Quality Management, or related discipline.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in Equipment Quality Control, Container Management, Depot Operations, or a similar role, preferably within the shipowner or shipping sectors.
- Strong understanding of container types, repair standards (e.g., IICL guidelines), inspection protocols, and international compliance standards such as ISO/CSC regulations.
- Proven experience in managing third-party vendors, depots, and inspection contractors.
- Prior experience leading cross-functional projects or teams; budget management experience preferred, especially for GM level.
- Solid background in chartering and maritime operations is an advantage.
- Strong capability to negotiate, finalize agreements, and build strategic partnerships.
- Ability to make informed commercial decisions based on up-to-date market and operational intelligence.
- Experience managing P&L responsibilities is highly desirable.
- Ability to prepare accurate reports and provide timely market updates to senior management.
- Skilled at building and maintaining strong relationships with vessel owners, brokers, and key industry stakeholders.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple demands, and adapt effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with depot management systems or asset tracking platforms is an advantage.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Effectively bilingual in both English and Mandarin (as the position needs to frequently communicate with English/Chinese speaking associates verbally/ in writing whenever appropriate
- Able to start work with short notice.
Please indicate the below information in your resume:
- Current & Expected Salary.
- Reason(s) for leaving.
- Notice Period / Availability to commence work.
Please be informed that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
By submitting any application or resume to us, you will be deemed to have agreed and consented to us collecting, using, retaining, and disclosing your personal information to prospective employers for their consideration.
**Salary may vary based on your experience.
Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunity in conformance with all applicable laws and regulations to individuals who are qualified to perform job requirements. The Company administers its personnel policies, programs, and practices in a non-discriminatory manner in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, work assignment, promotion, transfer, termination, wage and salary administration, and selection for training.
BE A PART OF CULINES FAMILY
The Company complies with the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices (TGFEP), including the prevailing guidelines on recruitment. All qualified applicants will be considered for the position regardless of their age, race, religion, nationality, marital status, or family responsibilities.A more detailed discussion of the TGFEP is available on the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) website at https://www.tal.sg/tafep.
BELONGING, ACHIEVING, TOGETHER
Collaboration, diversity, and teamwork underpin everything we do here at CULINES. We know that collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals. Come bring your difference!