Head of Engineering - APAC

ABOUT FLS GROUP FLS Group is a leading international logistics and project cargo specialist, with operations across the globe. We excel in project logistics, heavy lift transportation, freight forwarding, warehousing, and engineering-driven supply chain solutions. Our reputation is built on delivering complex logistics with precision, innovation, and reliability.

JOB PURPOSE The Head of Engineering is responsible for establishing and leading the engineering function within Global Project Solutions, providing practical, innovative and commercially viable engineering support for complex project logistics and heavy-lift transportation. The role combines strong technical expertise with a commercial mindset, ensuring engineering solutions are safe, executable and competitive while actively supporting sales, tendering and project development.

Working closely with Project Solutions, Chartering, Tender, Sales and Operations teams, the Head of Engineering will develop tailor-made solutions, participate in customer engagements and help convert technical capability into business opportunities. Over time, the position will build, develop and lead a dedicated engineering team serving the wider FLS Group.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES Engineering Leadership and Team Development Establish and develop the Engineering function as a central technical resource for Global Project Solutions and the wider FLS Group. Build, mentor and lead the engineering team over time, including recruitment, competence development, workload allocation and performance guidance.

Develop practical engineering standards, templates, calculation methods, review processes and documentation to improve consistency and quality across projects. Promote knowledge sharing and provide technical coaching and training to Project Solutions, Sales, Tender and Operations personnel. Project Engineering and Technical Solution Design Lead technical feasibility studies and develop transport concepts for oversized, heavy and complex project cargo from enquiry stage through execution.

Review cargo drawings, packing lists, centres of gravity, lifting points, transport restrictions and other technical data required to determine safe and efficient handling solutions. Develop or review, as applicable, transport arrangements, lifting and rigging concepts, lashing and securing concepts, load spreading arrangements, stowage concepts, load-out/load-in methods and site handling plans.

Conduct and/or coordinate route engineering and swept path analysis for abnormal, oversized and heavy-haul transport, including assessment of turning radii, vehicle articulation, trailer configuration, cargo overhang, road geometry and clearance requirements. Identify technical constraints early and develop alternative solutions where conventional transport methods are impractical, inefficient or commercially unattractive.

Coordinate third-party engineers, marine warranty surveyors, specialist consultants and technical vendors when external calculations, certification or specialist approval are required. Sales Support Actively support Sales and Project Solutions personnel in developing and selling technically differentiated project logistics solutions.

Participate in customer meetings, technical workshops and presentations and translate complex engineering topics into clear commercial value propositions. Develop cost-conscious solutions that balance safety, technical feasibility, schedule, operational risk and overall competitiveness. Challenge established concepts and think outside the box to identify alternative methods that can improve project feasibility, reduce cost or increase gross profit potential.

Use engineering expertise to strengthen FLS tender submissions and create a competitive advantage during early customer engagement. Tendering and Project Development Work closely with the Tender Desk, Chartering Desk and Project Solutions team to establish the technical basis, assumptions, exclusions and execution concepts for RFQs and strategic tenders.

Support the preparation and technical evaluation of subcontractor and vendor enquiries, including heavy transport, cranes, barges, terminals, rigging and specialist engineering services. Review technical inputs to quotations and ensure that the proposed scope is executable and appropriately reflected in pricing and commercial conditions.

Support project handover from sales/tender stage to Operations by clearly documenting engineering assumptions, constraints, risks and required follow-up actions. Execution Support, Risk and Compliance Provide engineering support during project execution, including review of changing site conditions, revised cargo information, method statements and technical deviations.

Carry out or coordinate technical risk reviews and ensure engineering solutions comply with relevant company HSEQ requirements, customer requirements, applicable regulations and accepted industry practice. Ensure required calculations, drawings, approvals and technical documentation are prepared, reviewed and retained in a structured manner.

Capture lessons learned from completed projects and implement continuous improvements in engineering methods, tools and project execution standards. QUALIFICATION Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Civil, Marine, Naval Architecture, Transportation Engineering or another relevant engineering discipline. Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in project logistics, heavy transport, heavy lift, marine operations, industrial projects or a comparable engineering environment.

Strong practical knowledge of oversized and heavy cargo transportation, lifting, rigging, securing, load distribution and project execution methodologies. Demonstrated experience in developing technical concepts and solving complex transport or handling challenges under commercial and schedule constraints. Experience in customer-facing engagements, technical presentations and supporting tenders or business development activities.

Previous leadership or team development experience is preferred. Good understanding of relevant engineering standards, industry practices, HSEQ requirements and technical approval processes.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Strong engineering judgement with the ability to assess incomplete information, identify critical constraints and develop practical solutions. Ability to review calculations, drawings and technical documentation with a strong focus on accuracy, constructability and operational feasibility. Commercial Mindset: Strong business acumen and understanding that engineering solutions must support competitive pricing, profitability and customer value.

Ability and willingness to actively support sales activities, tenders and customer engagement rather than operating as a purely back-office technical function. Creative Problem Solving: Proactive and solution-oriented approach with the ability to challenge conventional methods and develop innovative alternatives. Comfortable making sound technical recommendations under time pressure and within real-world operational constraints.

Leadership and Stakeholder Management: Ability to build and lead a high-performing engineering team and to develop the technical capabilities of colleagues across the organisation. Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence customers, vendors, management and cross-functional teams. Technology Proficiency: Proficiency in engineering and drafting tools relevant to the role, such as AutoCAD or equivalent, together with strong Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint skills.

Ability to adopt and develop digital tools, calculation templates and technical databases that improve engineering efficiency and standardisation. LOCATION This position can be based in one of the following locations: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Singapore, Singapore