Finance & Strategy Director, Kuching - Fresh produce Retailer

Page Executive; Kuching; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in East Malaysia's fresh produce/FMCG retail is seeking a Director of Finance and Strategy. This pivotal role involves providing strategic financial leadership, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving business performance management. The successful candidate will oversee financial governance and play a key role in the company's future expansion.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in corporate planning and financial analysis.
• Strong proficiency in budgeting and forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Drive business performance management and enhance operational efficiency.
• Lead financial forecasting and annual budgeting processes.
• Oversee digital transformation initiatives across departments.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance

MBA

Tools

Financial Systems

Data Analytics Tools

Job description

• Lead financial & business strategy for East Malaysia's fresh produce/FMCG retail
• The role will expand to lead F&A, ensuring governance, and long-term stability

About Our Client

Our client is the leading fresh produce/FMCG retail with operations across East Malaysia and neighbouring countries, covering different business segments. Committed to providing high-quality food, the company prioritizes customer satisfaction, financial resilience, and sustainable social and environmental practices through integrated solutions led by innovative and ethical teams of dedicated professionals.

Job Description

The Director of Finance and Strategy will provide strategic financial leadership, drive business performance management, and enhance operational efficiency. This role plays a pivotal part in financial planning, business strategy, and digital transformation. Over time, it will expand to encompass the entire Finance & Accounting function, ensuring strong financial governance, regulatory compliance, and long-term financial sustainability.

Key responsibilities include:

Business Strategy & Performance Management

• Develop advanced business metrics to support data-driven decision-making by the Deputy CEO.
• Utilize analytics to conduct feasibility studies and identify new business opportunities.
• Drive company and business performance through KPI monitoring and execution of short- to medium-term strategies.
• Lead the monthly Executive Sales & Operations Meeting to drive integrated business management and supply chain efficiency.
• Continuously refine business planning and performance tracking mechanisms to enhance operational effectiveness.

Financial Planning & Corporate Strategy

• Lead financial forecasting, annual budgeting, and financial performance reporting.
• Monitor expenditure, promotional activities, and cost structures to ensure financial sustainability.
• Conduct financial analysis, including sales and margin optimization and product mix evaluation.
• Provide strategic financial insights to the Board of Directors to support business growth and market expansion.
• Evaluate investment opportunities, capital projects, and strategic initiatives such as new store development.

Operational Efficiency & Digital Transformation

• Oversee the deployment of digital transformation initiatives across all departments to enhance business efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners, including suppliers and logistics providers, to drive cost optimization and process improvements.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare and present financial insights, strategic recommendations, and business performance updates during quarterly Board of Directors meetings.
• Oversee Investor Relations, ensuring clear communication of the company's investment strategy and performance to investors and stakeholders.
• Act as a key liaison between operational teams and senior management, ensuring alignment on financial reporting and corporate planning.

Financial Governance & Future Expansion

• Partner with Finance & Accounting teams to strengthen financial controls, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Support the gradual transition of financial oversight responsibilities, including accounting, treasury, and internal audit functions.
• Ensure alignment with IFRS/MFRS financial reporting standards and evolving regulatory requirements.
• Establish best practices in corporate finance, tax planning, and capital structure management as the role evolves.

The Successful Applicant

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in corporate planning, business strategy, and financial planning & analysis.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills, with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong proficiency in financial systems, data analytics tools, and corporate reporting.
• Experience in public-listed companies and familiarity with Malaysia's regulatory framework.
• Preferred: Experience in a retail or consumer-facing industry.

What's on Offer

Get the chance to be the finance & strategy head for East Malaysia's largest fresh produce/FMCG retailer. In your leadership role, you will mould the overall finance, business strategy and future expansion of the company to strengthen the company's position in the industry and region.