BAT Vietnam cultivates talent and career growth in operations sector

As Vietnam strengthens its position as a key foreign direct investment (FDI) destination in the global supply chain, career opportunities in operations have gained increasing attention, particularly among mid-career professionals.

According to the General Statistics Office, Vietnam remains a strong hub for international investment, ranking among the top 15 developing countries attracting FDI globally. Projections for 2025 indicate that policy reforms, especially in foreign investment, could further increase capital inflows. This trend has expanded career opportunities in specialized fields such as manufacturing management, quality assurance, logistics, and supply chain management.

Open field for talent

Operations management plays a crucial role in business growth across Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. The sector's significance stems from the need to establish efficient systems to reduce costs, optimize processes, and improve product quality. It presents promising career prospects for both young talents and mid-career professionals with four to five years of experience.

One of the factors driving growth in this sector is the increasing presence of FDI enterprises. In 2024, data from the Foreign Investment Agency showed that Vietnam had 42,002 valid FDI projects and disbursed FDI capital reached approximately $25.35 billion, marking a 9.4% year-on-year increase and setting a record high. Projections for 2025 suggest this figure could surpass $30 billion, drawing in attracting multinational corporations and investors.

Additionally, Vietnam's role in global supply chains has been bolstered by free trade agreements (e.g., CPTPP, EVFTA, RCEP), the "China +1" strategy, and infrastructure developments such as Long Thanh Airport and industrial parks in Hai Phong and Binh Duong. These advancements have further strengthened the country’s manufacturing capabilities.

Vietnam's role in global supply chains is being enhanced by free trade agreements. Photo courtesy of BAT Vietnam

This growing integration is opening up career opportunities for Vietnamese professionals, particularly in senior-level positions that require technical expertise in operations and business strategy.

Nguyen Thi Doan Trang, Cluster Head of Operations at BAT Vietnam, highlighted the impact of government policies on workforce training and the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the field.

According to Trang, operations management requires not only industry knowledge but also proficiency in lean production, digital tools, and end-to-end (E2E) supply chain management to drive efficiency and innovation. She also emphasized that leadership skills are essential for mid-career professionals seeking managerial roles.

Furthermore, with an increasing focus on sustainability, operations professionals must ensure quality management while collaborating effectively with stakeholders to align with business objectives and global trends.

To stay competitive, Trang suggested that professionals should align their expertise with emerging sectors such as high-tech manufacturing, green industries, and digital transformation.

"Trade agreements and rising FDI present opportunities for multinational roles in Vietnam. Embracing Industry 4.0 technologies and expanding professional networks will enhance career prospects," she said.

Developing relevant skills and staying updated on market trends will enable operations professionals to meet the demands of the sector. Photo courtesy of BAT Vietnam

Global career opportunities at BAT

To strengthen its global workforce and address market challenges, BAT Vietnam prioritizes developing skilled talent with international expertise.

Md. Jahid Shafique, Cluster Head of Talent, Culture, and Inclusion at BAT Vietnam, stated that the company invests significantly in people development, focusing on three key pillars: Care, Growth, and Transformation. This strategy aims to nurture talent for key positions while fostering career growth opportunities.

Beyond professional development, BAT Vietnam supports employee well-being through initiatives such as "LiveWell," which focuses on emotional, physical, social, and financial health.

"By integrating people, environment, and culture into our core strategy, BAT Vietnam cultivates an inclusive workplace that encourages innovation and adaptability," Shafique said.

To foster an equitable and growth-oriented environment, the company has implemented various initiatives, including Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) training. In 2024, 100% of its management team completed training on bias awareness and inclusive leadership, and 47% of management positions were held by women.

BAT Vietnam has also hosted discussions on inclusion and leadership development, such as the Women in Leadership Program, Culture Diversity Day, and Inclusion Week. Employees have access to continuous learning through The Grid, an online training platform.

BAT Vietnam has organized various events and discussions with regional senior leaders on inclusion and workplace development. Photo courtesy of BAT Vietnam

Additionally, employees in BAT Vietnam’s operations sector have opportunities to engage in practical projects related to sustainability (ESG). These projects align with the company’s focus on long-term economic activities while allowing employees to contribute to environmental and social initiatives through their work.

The company also offers a dynamic environment that supports professional growth. Tran Hai Ha, a Project Process Improvement Lead at BAT Fiji, shared that since joining BAT Vietnam, he has worked in multiple roles within the company’s operations division, both domestically and internationally.

"To reach leadership positions, exposure to diverse work environments and creating meaningful impacts through projects or exchange programs is essential. I am currently supporting efficiency improvements at BAT Fiji," Ha said.

Rotating roles have allowed Tran Hai Ha (R), a project process improvement lead at BAT Fiji, to gain knowledge, expertise, and cultural understanding across different environments. Photo courtesy of BAT Vietnam

The opportunity to work in an international environment has provided professionals like Hai Ha with a clearer career trajectory. BAT’s culture of empowerment encourages employees to take on leadership roles, enabling them to refine key professional and managerial skills.

For those looking to develop their careers in operations, BAT Vietnam offers specialized training programs, including Growth Academy, Career Navigation, and the Global Graduate Programme. These initiatives reflect the company’s structured approach to career development.

With the growing scope of the industry, professionals must equip themselves with relevant expertise and remain adaptable to emerging trends, ensuring long-term success in their careers.