Head of Operations (China)

At JetBrains, we create tools that help developers shape the future of software. Behind every product and line of code is a team that keeps the business grounded, connected, and growing. As we continue to expand our presence in China, we’re looking for a Head of Operations to lead operational and administrative aspects of our local office with clarity, trust, and purpose.

Our ideal candidate is a reliable, driven leader who takes ownership, builds strong relationships, and represents JetBrains with integrity and sound judgment. You’ll be the local face of the company, helping us operate compliantly and sustainably while supporting a healthy, productive office environment.

Responsibilities

• Compliance and governance: Carry out customary and legally required duties related to the maintenance and governance of the local entity in China. Ensure compliance with local laws and regulatory standards, including labor, corporate, and tax. Establish and maintain local policies and controls in line with global company policies.
• Representing the company: Act as JetBrains’ local representative within the assigned areas, conduct negotiations with vendors, sign contracts and official documents within sub-delegated authority, and ensure the local office operates in line with company policies and legal requirements.
• Strategy and alignment: Ensure the local operations run smoothly, provide feedback and strategic advice to the CAO, and align local execution with shareholder interests and corporate goals.
• External relationships: Build and maintain relationships with relevant authorities and service providers to support compliant, effective local operations and professional representation of JetBrains.
• Local operations leadership: Implement company strategies locally, oversee office administration and local services, and ensure operations run efficiently and consistently with global standards.
• Financial and business oversight: Oversee the financial performance of local operations in collaboration with the CFO and CAO. Ensure accounting, statutory reporting, audits (if applicable), banking processes, and vendor management are properly organized and controlled.
• Communication and transparency: Keep internal partners informed about key developments, risks, and decisions. Promote transparency and trust across the organization.
• People leadership (local teams): Guide and support the local office management and operations team, and other local support functions if applicable. Set goals and ensure strong execution against shared expectations.
• Safety and well-being: Maintain a safe, inclusive, and compliant workplace. Oversee local requirements related to health and safety and office standards.
• Events and community: Organize and support local office events that strengthen team engagement and office culture, aligned with company goals.
• Issue resolution and risk management: Address challenges quickly, assess risks, propose solutions, and lead remediation in coordination with global teams.
• Culture and values: Support and promote JetBrains’ culture and values locally, fostering collaboration and a high-trust environment.
  
  

Requirements

• Experience: Proven senior management experience in country or office leadership, general operations leadership, or similar role. Experience in the IT or software industry is a strong plus.
• Stakeholder management: Strong ability to build trust and work effectively with global leadership, finance, legal, and cross-functional partners.
• Compliance mindset: Solid understanding of how to operate a business in China, with strong attention to governance, risk, and compliance.
• Leadership style: High integrity, discretion, and reliability. Comfortable with ownership, ambiguity, and hands-on problem solving.
• Languages: Full professional proficiency in English and Mandarin Chinese, both written and spoken.
• Organizational skills: Strong prioritization and execution skills, and the ability to handle multiple workstreams and make sound decisions under pressure.
  
  

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to shape JetBrains’ presence in China at an important stage. You’ll work closely with global leadership while maintaining the autonomy to drive results locally. We’re looking for someone who can take real ownership of the office, lead with clarity, navigate complexity responsibly, and build a sustainable environment where our teams can do their best work.

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