Chief Operating Officer (COO) - F&B

Agensi Pekerjaan Line Recruits Sdn. Bhd.; Bandar Baru Bangi; On-site; MYR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in Malaysia seeks an experienced Operations Manager to oversee and optimize operations across 60+ outlets. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with safety and Halal standards while managing a workforce of over 800 employees. Responsibilities include developing strategies for business expansion and enhancing service quality. Applicants should hold a Bachelor's Degree and possess 12-15 years of senior-level experience in food service or large-scale operations.

Qualifications

• 12-15 years of senior-level experience in food service or large-scale operations.
• Proven experience managing a workforce of 800+ employees.
• Familiarity with compliance standards and audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize operations across 60+ outlets.
• Ensure compliance with Halal and safety standards.
• Develop operational strategies for business expansion.
• Ensure high satisfaction levels for customers and clients.
• Provide leadership to heads of various departments.

Skills

Financial management

Stakeholder management

Negotiation skills

Adaptability

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related fields

Job description

Lead and optimize operations across 60+ outlets.

Oversee and manage a 800+ operational workforce, ensuring effective manpower planning, productivity, and performance.

Ensure strict Halal, hygiene, and safety compliance across all sites (JAKIM Halal standards, HACCP/ISO requirements).

Drive operational efficiency through SOP implementation, cost control, supply chain optimization, and waste minimization.

Business Performance & Growth

Develop operational strategies to support business expansion into new sites, industrial clients, and institutional contracts.

Lead project execution and mobilization for new site openings and contract renewals.

Strengthen operational margins through revenue optimization, cost monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Service Quality & Client Relationship

Ensure high satisfaction levels for customers, clients, auditors, and regulatory bodies.

Act as the primary escalation point for major operational issues and service gaps.

Build trust‑based relationships with client stakeholders, including government‑linked partners.

Governance & Risk Management

Implement strong controls over operational processes, procurement, and food handling standards.

Monitor operational KPIs, safety compliance, audits, and corrective action plans.

Proactively identify operational risks and execute mitigation strategies to protect the company’s brand and contracts.

Leadership & People Development

Provide leadership to the heads of Operations, HR & Administration, HSE, QA/Production, Procurement, and Logistics.

Strengthen leadership bench through structured development, succession planning, and performance‑driven culture.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Hospitality/F&B Management, Food Technology or related fields.

Minimum 12–15 years of senior‑level experience in food service, institutional catering, or large‑scale multi‑site operations.

Proven experience managing large workforce (800+ employees) and multi‑location operational structures.

Strong financial management capability — budgeting, cost control, pricing strategy.

Familiar with government and corporate contract operations, compliance standards, and audits.

Effective communicator with strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.

High resilience, adaptability, and decision‑making capability in fast‑paced operational environments.