The Opportunity
A significant proportion of international wholesalers and retailers rely on products sourced from China. Any disruption to China supply could result in high-impact consequences on sales, profit or market share. Conversely, increasing effectiveness in sourcing and supply in China is a critical enabler of significant increases in speed to market, market share and competitive advantage.
Given this reality, you would think it would be commonplace for wholesalers and retailers to have significant supply chain management resources in place at origin. However, this is often not the case. Why? Despite the need, there isn't always an accessible means to meet it.
Our Solution
Fractional management—where experienced executives and subject matter experts hire themselves out on a part-time basis—provides the solution.
What if you could engage a fractional manager skilled in China sourcing and supply chain management? At In Asia Advantage, we offer precisely this service—enabling international brands and retailers to engage high-level supply management executives on-the-ground in China on a part-time basis.
Seven Strategic Advantages
1. On-the-Ground Oversight Without Full-Time Commitment
Gain access to experienced professionals located in China already embedded in the local ecosystem. These managers oversee operations and troubleshoot issues in real time. It's a lean, cost-effective approach to operational control.
2. Deep Local Knowledge and Supplier Relationships
Leverage professionals with years of experience and established networks. They know which suppliers are reliable, which regions specialize in specific products, and how to navigate local customs and business practices. This insider knowledge accelerates sourcing, improves quality, and reduces risk.
3. Faster Response to Issues and Delays
When problems arise—whether production delays or quality concerns—having someone local ensures faster resolution. This agility is crucial for maintaining supply chain continuity.
4. Cost Savings and Scalability
Hiring a full-time employee in China involves significant costs: salary, benefits, office space, and compliance with local labour laws. Outsourcing to a fractional manager eliminates these overheads while maintaining high-level expertise. Scale the engagement up or down based on your business needs.
5. Optimization Benefits and ROI
Before engagement, opportunities for optimization should be identified. Target cost savings and profitability improvements to ensure significant benefits can be achieved quickly, delivering a prompt return on investment.
6. Enhanced Overview and Compliance
Many companies lack visibility into their upstream supply chain. An experienced Fractional Supply Chain Manager at origin significantly improves CEO and board visibility, ensuring company commitments regarding quality and ESG are fact-based—critical for maintaining brand integrity and meeting regulatory requirements.
7. Strategic Flexibility
Whether entering the China market for the first time or expanding your supplier base, fractional supply chain managers offer strategic flexibility. Engage them for specific projects, seasonal peaks, or ongoing operations—without long-term commitments.
Conclusion
Engaging a fractional supply chain manager in China is more than a tactical move—it's a strategic investment in efficiency, agility, and risk mitigation. With the right partner on the ground, businesses can unlock the full potential of China's supply chain while staying lean and responsive in a competitive global market.
How does this work at In Asia Advantage?
If you are interested to explore this, then let's connect and discuss options.
From our point of view, we will only take on an engagement where we can add exceptional value. After an initial obligation-free discussion, if we judge that we can't add exceptional value, we will suggest alternative options.
If we agree that an opportunity exists, then the next step is to mutually define the scope, objectives and timing of the engagement. Once this is done, we will agree on commercials and a fixed-term engagement contract.
Apart from our expertise and effectiveness, we offer other unique advantages:
- We are not a FIFO provider. We are based in China already.
- Our parent company is in Australia. Contracts can be created with Australian or Chinese jurisdiction.
- We have our own infrastructure and resources. We are a Shanghai company with an operational office in Ningbo. We have our own Team in China.
- We can bring our own Team and resources to support engagements as required and as agreed with clients.
Interested to discuss further? If so, please reach out for an obligation-free discussion.
Ross Matthews - General Manager, In Asia Advantage
ross@inasiaadvantage.com
+86 198 1731 1166