COO/GM (Construction/Infrastructure/Project Management/Property Development)

AG Staffing Malaysia; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing agency is seeking an experienced COO/GM to oversee operations in Kuala Lumpur. The ideal candidate will have over 20 years of experience, with at least 8 years in senior management in construction and project management. The role involves driving strategic initiatives, managing complex projects, and leading diverse teams to enhance operational efficiency and business growth. The ideal applicant should possess strong leadership, negotiation, and decision-making skills, with a proven track record in corporate strategy and risk management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years of professional experience, with at least 8 years in senior management roles.
• Strong understanding of operations within construction, engineering, and development sectors.
• Proven ability to lead large and diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead all operations and translate strategic goals into operational plans.
• Provide executive oversight in project planning, execution, and monitoring.
• Manage key relationships with stakeholders and drive business development.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Decision-making

Risk Management

Operational Excellence

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related fields

Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) or MSc in Engineering/Construction/Project Management

Job description

COO/GM (Construction/Infrastructure/Project Management/Property Development)

COO/GM (Construction/Infrastructure/Project Management/Property Development)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee and optimize the company's operations and strategic initiatives. The COO will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence across all facets of the business, including construction, engineering, infrastructure, project management and property development. This leadership role requires a strong, results‑driven professional with a deep understanding of the industry, an ability to lead cross‑functional teams, and a proven track record in corporate strategy, negotiation, risk management and legal collaboration.

Qualification:

Bachelor’s Degree. post‑graduate qualifications or professional accreditations in business, construction, engineering, or related fields (preferred).

Years of Experience:

Minimum 20 years of professional experience with at least 8 years in senior management roles. An all‑rounder with skills and expertise in the following:

• In‑depth knowledge of operations within construction, engineering and development sectors;
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, joint ventures, and legal agreements;
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and decision‑making skills;
• Ability to manage and lead diverse teams effectively;
• Capability to handle complex business challenges and implement solutions in a fast‑paced environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Lead and manage end‑to‑end operations of the company,
• Translate the company’s strategic goals into operational plans, KPIs and project delivery frameworks;
• Drive operational excellence, productivity and continuous improvement across all project teams;
• Support the CEO & Directors in corporate strategy, business development and overall organisational direction.

B. Operations Oversight

• Provide executive oversight in planning, execution, monitoring and completion of all projects;
• Ensure deadlines, management methodologies, quality standards and regulatory requirements are met;
• Resolve high‑level project issues, disputes and operational bottlenecks;
• Oversee project financial performance including budgeting, forecasting, cost monitoring and cash flow

C. Collaborations and Partnerships

• Manage key relationships with stakeholders, clients, and business partners;
• Negotiate and formalise joint ventures, collaborations and other strategic agreements.

D. People & Performance Management

• Lead management teams and ensure alignment with the company’s visions, mission and long‑term objectives;
• Define clear responsibilities, reporting structures and competency criteria;
• Conduct performance reviews, identify training needs and build high‑performing project teams;
• Foster a culture of accountability, discipline, teamwork and continuous improvement.

E. Risk, Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Identify operational risks and implement strategies to mitigate and manage these risks effectively;
• Ensure adherence to ISO 9001 and other relevant standards.

F. Business Development & Corporate Growth

• Carry out project feasibility to ascertain project viability, identify potential risks;
• Provide strategic input for business proposals;
• Support due diligence, feasibility assessments and partnership/ JV explorations.
• Review contracts, agreements, letters of award, scopes of work and commercial terms;
• Highlight legal risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies;
• Lead contract negotiations and coordinate with legal advisors when required.

KEY COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

• Proven ability to lead large, diverse and multidisciplinary teams;
• Strong decision‑making skills with the ability to manage complexity and ambiguity;
• Ability to analyse operational gaps and implement strategic improvements that enhance efficiency, safety and profitability;
• Strong financial literacy, including budgeting, forecasting and P&L management;
• Deep knowledge of construction, engineering and property development processes and standards and the understanding of regulatory requirements, compliances and industry best practices;
• Strong familiarity with joint venture structures, partnership agreements and corporate governance;
• Ability to work with legal teams on contract reviews, negotiations and risk evaluations;
• Strong stakeholder management with ability to build trust, influence decision‑making and maintain long‑term partnerships;
• Advanced negotiation skills with proven success in closing deals, resolving conflicts and managing complex agreements;
• Strong analytical skills with ability to identify issues quickly and implement effective solutions;
• Able to operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment with frequent shifting priorities;
• Resilient under pressure and capable of making sound decisions during critical situations;
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, Project Management, or related fields.
2. Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) or MSc in Engineering/Construction/Project Management are added advantage.
3. Minimum 20 years of professional experience with at least 8 years in senior leadership or executive management roles.
4. Proven track record in (1) large‑scale construction, engineering or development projects (2) corporate strategy, operational management and organisational leadership (3) managing multidisciplinary teams and complex project portfolios.
5. Solid understanding of construction/engineering and working knowledge of contract law, joint venture structures and corporate governance.
6. Demonstrate excellence in leadership, negotiation, communication and stakeholder engagement.
7. Ability to drive operational efficiency, change management.
8. High‑level problem solving, analytical and decision‑making abilities.
9. Ability to work under pressure, balance multiple priorities and lead through complexity.