Executive Director

Michael Page; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading member-driven organization in Kuala Lumpur seeks an Executive Director to lead strategy and stakeholder engagement. This role requires a seasoned leader to drive commercial growth while fostering a collaborative culture. Ideal candidates will have strong business and marketing acumen, as well as extensive management experience. Competitive compensation and significant influence in shaping the organization’s future are offered.

Benefits

Competitive compensation and benefits

Direct access to senior corporate leaders and government stakeholders

Values-driven culture promoting innovation

Qualifications

• At least ten years of progressive management experience.
• Strong understanding of revenue growth through partnerships.
• Ability to operate at the intersection of business and strategy.

Responsibilities

• Steering the organization's strategy and leading high-level stakeholder engagement.
• Managing a small team and ensuring high standards of service.
• Developing revenue strategies through member acquisition and partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Commercial Acumen

Marketing Mindset

Communication

Education

Degree in Business or International Relations

Job description

• Impactful leadership role at the heart of business, government and trade.
• Purpose led role within a thriving membership network.

About Our Client

Our client is a respected, member-driven organization based in Kuala Lumpur, known for its influential role in shaping business dialogue and cross-border collaboration. With a long and distinguished heritage, the organization delivers high-impact initiatives that support economic growth, innovation, and industry engagement. It offers a professional and purpose-led environment, ideal for individuals who value meaningful work and stakeholder engagement at the highest levels.

Job Description

This is a unique leadership opportunity to take on the most senior executive position within a well-established, internationally oriented business network that plays a vital role in connecting industry leaders, government stakeholders, and trade partners. As Executive Director, you will be accountable for steering the organization's strategy, deepening its impact, and ensuring that it continues to evolve and deliver meaningful value to its growing and diverse membership base.

You will work closely with an engaged and supportive Board, act as the organization's primary spokesperson, and lead stakeholder engagement across senior levels of business and government. From representing the voice of members on key bilateral trade matters to developing high-profile thought leadership events, the Executive Director is both the figurehead and the engine behind the organization's success.

Central to the role is the leadership and development of a small, committed team covering key functions such as membership engagement, events and marketing, trade services, operations, and finance. You will be expected to inspire and manage this team to deliver consistently high standards of service, build team capability, and align their efforts with the organization's broader strategic objectives. Creating a collaborative and high performance culture will be critical.

This role also requires a commercially astute leader with a strong marketing and partnership mindset. You will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to grow the organization's revenue through member acquisition and retention, the development of compelling sponsorship opportunities, and the delivery of programs and services that drive engagement. You should be confident in evaluating market opportunities, crafting value propositions, and building long-term commercial partnerships.

The Successful Applicant

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned and forward-thinking leader with the ability to operate confidently at the intersection of business, strategy, and stakeholder engagement. You will bring a proven track record of leading teams, and delivering results within a multi-stakeholder environment.

You will be commercially minded, with a strong understanding of how to grow revenue through partnerships, membership value, and brand positioning. A natural communicator and relationship builder, you will be comfortable engaging at senior levels across the corporate, diplomatic, and government sectors, and adept at navigating complex stakeholder landscapes with cultural intelligence and political sensitivity.

Your leadership style should be both strategic and hands-on, with the ability to inspire and manage a small, high-performing team, set clear goals, and drive collaborative execution. You'll be able to translate broad objectives into practical, measurable outcomes.

A strong academic foundation, ideally in business, international relations, or a related field, will be complemented by at least ten years of progressive management experience. Above all, you will bring energy, credibility, and a deep sense of purpose to a role that sits at the heart of business, trade, and community impact.

What's on Offer

• A rare opportunity to lead a respected and strategically positioned business network at the forefront of bilateral trade and policy influence
• A high-profile leadership platform with direct access to senior corporate leaders, government stakeholders, and international partners
• A collaborative, values-driven culture that encourages innovation, ownership, and purpose-led leadership
• The chance to drive meaningful commercial growth while delivering value to a diverse and engaged membership community
• Competitive compensation and benefits, with the opportunity to shape the future of an evolving organization in the heart of Kuala Lumpur