Location: Malaysia
Department: Executive Leadership
Reports To: CEO / Board of Directors
Industry: Multibrand Automotive Services, Quick Service Retail Network 

Job Summary

The Managing Director will lead the strategic, operational, and commercial expansion of a large multi-brand automotive service organization (around 700 outlets in another geography) recently established in the Malaysian market. This role requires a visionary leader with deep expertise in retail network development, franchise expansion, service operations, partner acquisition, M&A and brand performance management for Automotive Quick Service Brands.

The MD will be responsible for end-to-end P&L ownership, market expansion strategy, operational excellence, and building a scalable franchising and service delivery ecosystem across Malaysia.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Expansion

Develop and execute a multi-year market expansion roadmap for Malaysia.
Lead strategic planning for retail network growth, site rollout strategies, and service footprint optimization.
Identify and evaluate new market opportunities, business partnerships, and acquisition targets.
Drive brand positioning and competitive differentiation in the automotive services market.

2. Retail Network Development

Liaise with the regulatory authorities. Oversea recruitment, onboarding, and performance management.
Develop standards for site selection, layout, workflow design, equipment planning, and operational KPIs.
Ensure alignment of new outlets with brand, quality, and customer experience standards.
Implement scalable frameworks for network density, coverage planning, and expansion pacing.

3. Operational Excellence

Establish robust service operations, workshop capability development, technical training, and quality assurance systems.
Set benchmarks for service turnaround time, customer satisfaction, and operational KPIs.
Drive continuous improvement, cost efficiency, and process standardization across all outlets.

4. Commercial & P&L Management

Own full P&L responsibility for the Malaysian business unit.
Build revenue models, pricing strategies, and multi-brand portfolio strategies.
Optimize financial performance through margin management, cost controls, and operational efficiencies.
Oversee annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial governance.

5. Stakeholder & Partner Management

Build strong relationships with partner brands, automotive parts providers, franchise partners, and regulatory bodies.
Negotiate commercial agreements related to operations, supply chain, and service offerings.
Represent the company in industry associations, government engagements, and stakeholder forums.

6. People Leadership

Build and lead a high-performing leadership team across Operations, Network Development, Franchise Management, Finance, HR, and Marketing.
Develop talent, succession planning, and a performance-driven culture.
Ensure alignment of all business units with organizational values, brand priorities, and strategic goals.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Automotive Technology, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience within service operations, retail network development, or franchising.
• Proven track record in building and scaling national service networks (AutoExpert, Castrol Auto Service, Bosch Car Service, AAM, Quick Lube brands, etc.).
• Strong understanding of franchising frameworks, workshop economics, capability development, and customer experience management.
• Demonstrated success leading large teams and managing full P&L.
• Extensive experience of working in Malaysia  (mandatory).