🙋♀️ what’s the job?
Tocco is building the operating system for future materials — a platform where designers, buyers, and makers discover and use radically better materials.
We're growing fast in Europe. Now we’re ready to activate our next major region: APAC, starting with China.
We’re looking for a bilingual founding associate-type who thrives in ambiguity and moves fast — someone who can build bridges across ecosystems, cultures, and languages.
You’ll help us go deeper into Greater China’s supplier network, connect with institutions, unlock grants, and even support our international clients with sourcing and market development.
💥 what you’ll do
This role spans strategy, execution, and language bridging. You’ll play an active role in our expansion across China and Asia-Pacific:
🧭 Market & Ecosystem Building
Map out key institutions, grants, and innovation clusters in China and wider AsiaSupport inbound and outbound business dev — both with CN and non-CN partners🧑🔬 Supplier & Client Support
Communicate with suppliers (Mandarin + English) to collect data, negotiate termsHelp our international clients (EU/US) understand China-based suppliersTranslate material, legal, or deal-specific documentation when needed✍️ Content & Research
Support writing, editing, and translating material profiles, reports, or press contentConduct research on APAC-specific sustainability and innovation topics💼 Business & Fundraising Support
Help prepare materials (deck, memo, due diligence, etc.) for Chinese or Asian stakeholdersOccasionally support with events, pitch meetings, and reporting🧵 Operations & Product
Help test features, support internal tooling, or coordinate China-facing updatesMaintain supplier information, SOPs, and tagging systems in Notion🌍 Where You Are
You might be based in:
🇨🇳 China (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, etc.)🇸🇬 Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan🌏 Or anywhere in Asia-Pacific (or even Europe…) — as long as you’re fluent in Mandarin + English, and timezone-alignedThis is a remote-first role with async flexibility, but strong cultural and language awareness of China is essential.
🧰 tools + skills you’ll use often
What you’ll use regularly — and what we hope you’re great at.
⭐️ Bonus points for:
Exposure to procurement, supplier onboarding, or compliance processesPrevious experience in a startup or fast-moving ops teamFamiliarity with sustainable supply chains or materialsOwning detail-first, no-fuss, low-drama operator energy✅ You don’t need to know all of these — you just need the mindset to figure it out fast.
🎯 you might be a fit if…
✅ You’re fluent in Mandarin + English (French = bonus)✅ You’re a strong communicator, across languages and levels✅ You’ve worked in early-stage teams, consulting, research, or venture✅ You’re obsessed with execution, clarity, and learning fast✅ You love switching between macro thinking and micro detail✅ You’re curious about design, materials, sustainability, or China’s deeptech ecosystem✅ You want to work across boundaries: culture, sector, language, product⭐ Bonus Points For…
🧪 You’ve worked with Chinese suppliers, manufacturers, or government agencies🔄 You’ve done cross-border sourcing or agency work🧭 You’ve helped Western brands work with CN partners (or vice versa)🧠 You’ve contributed to strategy decks, pitches, or product specs📊 You’ve worked with data, dashboards, or backend admin tools🧘 You operate with low drama, high integrity, and clear execution🎓 You’ve applied to, received, or managed grants or public funding🚫 not the job for you if...
You want a narrow job description with fixed tasksYou dislike writing or documenting what you’re doingYou expect clear instructions all the timeYou’re not curious about systems, design, or international marketsYou are only interested in marketing or “brand rep” workwe’ll probably love working with you if 👇
Bilingual cross-border operator – fluent in Mandarin + English (French a bonus), proven at bridging Chinese and international partners.Network builder – maps, connects, and activates suppliers, institutions, and stakeholders across APAC, drives effective communication.Relentless problem-solver – figures things out fast, adapts on the fly, delivers under pressure - think Andy from Devil wears Prada🌱 what we offer
Competitive monthly package→ With room to grow into a larger strategic role (BizDev / Ops / Product)
Remote-first (Asia time), async-friendlyWork directly with the CEO, COO, and product leadsOptional in-person sprints in Singapore, Shenzhen, Beijing, or VietnamHigh-autonomy role with real responsibility and visibilityAn early chance to shape how Asia joins the next generation of material innovation🏸 the ball is in your court now!
Send your portfolio (and a hello) at the form below. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We move fast. 🏎️
👀 not exactly this role?
These are the roles we know we need — but let’s be real, there’s always more going on than what fits in a bullet list. If you’re curious, sharp, and think you could bring something we’re missing, reach out anyway: redpill@tocco.earth
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