Business Manager – APAC & Middle East (COO Support)

SoftwareONE; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading software solutions provider in Kuala Lumpur is seeking a Business Manager to support the COO in driving operational excellence and strategic initiatives across APAC and the Middle East. The ideal candidate has a strong business background, with 2+ years in management roles and familiarity with diverse regional markets. This position offers an opportunity to collaborate with leadership teams, ensuring effective execution of business plans and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in business management or strategic planning roles.
• Experience working across APAC and/or Middle East markets.
• Familiarity with software, cloud, or digital transformation business models.

Responsibilities

• Act as the right-hand partner to the COO in planning and executing priorities.
• Manage the regional operating rhythm and drive compliance.
• Draft high-impact communications for internal and external audiences.

Skills

Strong financial literacy

Interpersonal communication

Project management

Cultural awareness

Tech-savviness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business

MBA or equivalent advanced degree

Tools

Power BI

Smartsheet

Excel

Job description

Overview

Role Overview: The Business Manager to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for APAC & Middle East at SoftwareOne plays a mission-critical role in enabling operational excellence, strategic alignment, and regional execution. This role is designed for a high-performing, organized, and commercially astute individual who can seamlessly navigate across business operations, regional strategy, and stakeholder coordination. You will work directly with the COO and leadership teams across markets to streamline operations, track performance, and drive forward strategic initiatives in a fast-evolving, cross-cultural environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic & Operational Leadership
  • Act as the right-hand partner to the COO in planning, tracking, and executing strategic and operational priorities across the APAC & Middle East regions.
  • Support the creation and tracking of regional business plans, OKRs, and operational scorecards.
  • Develop clear visibility into country-level performance (P&L, sales, services, headcount) and flag operational risks or gaps early.
• Operational Cadence & Governance
  • Manage the regional operating rhythm — including weekly business syncs, monthly reviews, and quarterly leadership cadences.
  • Coordinate with market leaders, finance, sales, and services to ensure timely inputs and alignment ahead of review meetings.
  • Drive compliance and execution against corporate and regional governance standards, processes, and reporting requirements.
• Execution of Regional Priorities
  • Own follow-ups and execution of key action items across cross-functional teams.
  • Track progress of regional transformation programs, change initiatives, and productivity programs — escalating blockers when needed.
  • Serve as a control tower for COO’s initiatives, helping to connect dots between global programs and local execution.
• Financial & Business Operations
  • Partner with finance to support budgeting, forecasting, and performance variance analysis.
  • Assist in the preparation of regional investment cases, headcount planning, and business reviews for global leadership.
  • Help manage vendor engagements, regional contracting cycles, and cost control efforts where required.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Draft high-impact communications, leadership updates, and executive briefings for internal and external audiences.
  • Organize and support regional leadership offsites, internal townhalls, and partner-facing events.
  • Act as an ambassador of the COO’s office, ensuring consistent messaging and alignment across markets.
• Administrative & Time Optimization
  • Manage the COO’s schedule, ensuring prioritization reflects business-critical activities and leadership needs.
  • Support preparation for strategic engagements, including customer visits, board meetings, and internal reviews.
  • Handle sensitive information and maintain a high degree of confidentiality at all times.

What we need to see from you

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Strategy, Operations, or related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree is preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in business management, operations, or strategic planning roles within tech, consulting, or enterprise services sectors.
• Experience working across APAC and/or Middle East markets, with a strong understanding of regional nuances and business practices.
• Familiarity with software, cloud, or digital transformation business models.
• Strong financial literacy and experience in supporting P&L or commercial management activities.

Key Competencies & Attributes

• Executive-level presence, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Highly structured thinker with the ability to drive clarity and alignment across diverse teams.
• Culturally aware, able to engage effectively across APAC and Middle Eastern geographies.
• Highly reliable, self-driven, and comfortable operating with limited supervision in high-pressure situations.
• Tech-savvy and comfortable with dashboards, project tracking tools (e.g., Power BI, Smartsheet, Excel), and collaboration platforms (e.g., Teams, SharePoint).