Vice President, APAC - Human Health Ingredient Solutions

Vice President, Head of Human Health Ingredients (APAC)

Location: Shanghai, China

The Opportunity

The Aicila Group is exclusively partnering with a global market leader in health ingredient solutions to identify a visionary Vice President to lead their Human Health division across the Asia-Pacific region.

This is a rare opportunity to sit at the intersection of advanced biotechnology and high-growth commercial strategy. You will take the helm of a sophisticated portfolio—including Probiotics, HMOs, and Advanced Proteins —and define the strategic direction for present and future success in one of the world's most dynamic regions.

The Mandate

As the Senior Leader for the region, you will hold the mandate to coordinate all related functions in APAC. You will serve as a member of the Global Leadership Team, acting as the strong voice for the APAC region while driving a long-term, strategically oriented focus on growing the business.

Key Priorities:

• Strategic Leadership: Maximize value creation across the region and set the strategic direction. You will represent regional market needs in divisional strategy and provide market-relevant input to innovation strategies
• Ecosystem Building: Establish strong strategic networks for external innovation, particularly in China. This involves building deep stakeholder connections within academia, industry, and government
• Commercial Growth: Strengthen the company's position with customers through senior-level engagement at regional and strategic accounts
• People Leadership: Lead regional teams, developing talent and providing continuous coaching to build a high-performing organization

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a senior regional business executive with 15+ years of experience in biotechnology, life sciences, or related industries, possessing a deep understanding of the Human Health Ingredients market

China & Regional Expertise:

• You must have extensive China market experience with a proven track record of scaling businesses in not only China but broader APAC markets
• You will possess the cultural adaptability to seamlessly navigate between Western corporate culture, Chinese and other Asia market business practices

Technical & Commercial Fluency:

• Ideally, you have a deep technical understanding of human health ingredients (e.g probiotics, HMO's, proteins etc) products combined with B2B enterprise sales experience managing large strategic customers
• We are however, open to candidates if you have broader experience in driving business growth in other 'Specialty Ingredients' sectors such as from the Food & Beverage industry for example, where transferable skill are clear and apparent
• Your commercial acumen must be outstanding, demonstrating an excellent track record in delivering significant business outcomes across diverse markets
• As a well honed senior business strategist, you will be at ease communicating and strategically contributing to global leadership team initiatives

Education:

A PhD/Master’s in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or Life Sciences, or an MBA from a top-tier business school is highly regarded

Leadership Style:

You are a visionary thinker with executive presence. You are relationship-oriented, valuing long-term relationship building over transactional interactions.

You will be highly competent at inspiring, mentoring and leading diverse teams to drive business performance.

Language:

Fluency in English and Chinese is required.

Why Apply?

This is a platform for an entrepreneurial spirit comfortable with ambiguity to act as an innovation catalyst. You will have the autonomy to drive growth in dynamic markets while being supported by a global powerhouse committed to enterprise thinking and collective success.

To Discuss Confidentiality

Please submit your CV for a confidential discussion regarding this mandate by following the links OR reach out to Alicia Keenan via email:akeenan@aicila.com OR WhatsApp: +61416890346 OR my WeChat ID : Aliciakeenan_aicila