General Manager, Operations

Ambition; Johor; On-site; MYR 350,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Ambition is seeking an experienced General Manager to own the Johor facility, overseeing production, HSSE, maintenance and process engineering. You will coordinate with finance, HR and administration while liaising with government authorities on compliance and licensing.

The role requires a chemical engineering background with proven leadership of large operations. Ability to drive cross-functional process improvements and engage with regulators will be essential in this high-impact role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor/Master in Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• Advanced degree preferred for senior leadership.
• Proven experience in medium to large-scale operations.
• Strong people leadership and team-building skills.
• Understanding of Asia-Pacific plant operation standards.
• Knowledge of continuous process flow and hydrotreating is advantageous.
• Experience engaging government bodies, industry associations and communities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production, maintenance, HSSE and process engineering across the Johor facility.
• Act as primary liaison with government authorities on compliance and licensing.
• Coordinate with Feedstock Supply, Sales and Supply Chain to streamline operations.
• Drive cost optimisation across production, utilities, manpower and finance.
• Champion HSSE standards and embed safety culture throughout the organisation.
• Support commissioning and start-up of new facilities with engineering teams.

Skills

People leadership

Stakeholder engagement

APAC plant operations

Continuous process flow

Hydrotreating knowledge

Regulatory liaison

Education

Chemical Engineering degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Own the Operation. Drive the Mission. - General Manager, Operations | Johor, Malaysia

Our client is an established player in the petrochemicals and advanced fuels sector, with a growing manufacturing presence across the Asia-Pacific region. They are seeking an experienced General Manager to take full ownership of their Johor facility. With a growing operational footprint in Malaysia, they are seeking an experienced General Manager to take full ownership of their Johor facility.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a commercially astute operator ready to lead from the front in one of the world's most exciting sectors.

Why Apply?

You will be joining a values-driven, entrepreneurial organisation on a genuine mission - at a pivotal moment for their Malaysian operations. Own the strategy, shape the culture and deliver results that matter both commercially and environmentally.

The Role

A broad mandate across a dynamic, multi-functional facility:

• Oversee production, maintenance, HSSE and process engineering, alongside corporate functions including finance, HR and administration
• Serve as the primary liaison with government authorities and regulators on compliance, policy and licensing
• Work with Feedstock Supply, Sales and Supply Chain teams to streamline and optimise business processes
• Drive cost optimisation across production, utilities, manpower and finance
• Champion HSSE standards and embed a strong safety culture throughout the organisation
• Support the commissioning and start-up of new facilities in close partnership with engineering teams

What We're Looking For

A technically grounded, commercially sharp leader:

• Degree in Chemical Engineering; an advanced degree is preferred
• Proven experience managing medium to large-scale operations, ideally in the petrochemical or oil and gas refinery sector
• Strong people leadership with a track record of building high-performing, diverse teams
• Solid understanding of Asia-Pacific plant operation standards and cultural dynamics
• Knowledge of continuous process flow and hydrotreating processes is advantageous
• Skilled at engaging government bodies, industry associations and community partners

JTK Number: JTKSM 995 | Company Registration Number: 201301019088 (1048918-T)