Chief Development Officer (CDO)

RAILWAY ASSETS HOLDING SDN. BHD.; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Malaysian company is seeking a Chief Development Officer (CDO) to spearhead national infrastructure development initiatives. The CDO will lead the strategic planning and execution of large-scale projects, ensuring compliance and aligning with government priorities. Candidates should have a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, at least 20 years of infrastructure development experience, and strong leadership and negotiation skills. A competitive remuneration package will be offered, commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 20 years’ experience in infrastructure development.
• Professional registration with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) or equivalent body preferred.
• Certified in project management (PMP, PRINCE2) is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the organisation’s national infrastructure development portfolio.
• Manage the full development lifecycle from feasibility to operational readiness.
• Drive effective inter-agency coordination and engagement with stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Stakeholder Management

Project Management

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and strategic professional to be appointed as Chief Development Officer (CDO) on a contractual basis. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CDO will be responsible for leading and overseeing the organisation’s national infrastructure development portfolio. The role demands a high level of technical expertise, proven leadership in large-scale projects, and the ability to operate effectively across multiple ministries and regulatory bodies.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide strategic direction and executive oversight for the planning, implementation, and delivery of infrastructure development programmes in alignment with the organisation’s mandate.

Manage the full development lifecycle from feasibility and design to construction, commissioning, and operational readiness.

Lead the strategic planning of development initiatives and secure funding allocations under the Government’s Development Expenditure (DE) framework, in alignment with national priorities and fiscal planning cycles.

Ensure project delivery is on time, within budget, and in full compliance with statutory and procurement requirements.

Lead internal teams, consultants, and contractors, ensuring accountability and delivery standards across multiple workstreams.

Drive effective inter-agency coordination and engagement with relevant federal or state authorities.

Anticipate and resolve technical, regulatory, and operational challenges with strategic foresight.

Strengthen internal processes, reporting structures, and institutional readiness for infrastructure scale-up.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline from a recognised institution.

Minimum of 20 years’ experience in infrastructure development, with demonstrated leadership of complex, multi-site projects.

Professional registration with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) or equivalent body is preferred.

Certified in project management, such as PMP, PRINCE2, or other recognised credentials, will be considered an added advantage.

Strong working knowledge of government-linked project delivery, public procurement, and infrastructure funding mechanisms.

Proven experience in engaging and coordinating with high-level stakeholders across multiple ministries and public agencies.

Excellent leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Proven track record of delivering large-scale commercial or infrastructure projects.

Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Proficiency in project management tools and construction methodologies.

Preference will be given to candidates with direct experience in dealing with government central ministries.

Terms Of Appointment

Contract Duration:

To be determined based on organisational requirements and candidate suitability

Remuneration:

Competitive, commensurate with experience and scope

Mobility:

Willingness to travel across Malaysia for project oversight and engagement purposes

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