General Manager - Retail Operations

PeopleLAKE Group; Kampung Malaysia Tambahan; On-site; MYR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

PeopleLAKE Group is seeking a seasoned General Manager to lead Malaysia operations, driving performance across Retail, Sales, Marketing, Merchandising, Finance, HR, and Store Development. You will report to the Director (Korean) and serve as the key liaison with Korean HQ, ensuring execution of strategies and timely performance reporting.

The role requires 10–15 years of senior management experience in retail/fashion/FMCG, strong leadership, and the ability to collaborate with multicultural

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in business/related field with 10–15 years of management experience.
• Experience leading multi-functional teams in retail, fashion, FMCG or consumer business.
• Ability to work with Korean HQ and multicultural teams; fluent English; Korean/ Mandarin a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead Malaysia operations, strategy, and performance across functions.
• Oversee Retail Operations, Sales, Marketing, Merchandising, Finance, HR, Admin, and Store Development.
• Align local initiatives with HQ directives and report business performance to HQ.
• Manage P&L, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Drive expansion, new store openings, relocations, and renovations.
• Develop leadership and succession within the organization.
• Build relationships with landlords, partners, and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with Malaysian laws, policies, and governance.
• Communicate market conditions, opportunities, and risks to HQ and leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Decision-making

Communication

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Financial/operational insight

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Management/Retail/Finance or related

Job description

Our client is a well-established multinational fashion and retail company with strong Korean heritage and a growing presence in Malaysia. Known for their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable fashion, they operate a dynamic retail business with a focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence. As they continue to expand their footprint in the local market, they are looking for a seasoned finance professional to join their leadership team and drive financial strategy and performance

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic General Manager to lead the overall management, business performance, and growth of our client's Malaysia operations. Reporting directly to the Director (Korean), this role oversees all key functions including Retail Operations, Sales, Marketing, Merchandising, Finance, HR & Administration, and Store Development. The General Manager will serve as the key liaison between the Malaysia operation and Korean HQ, ensuring effective communication, execution of HQ strategies, and timely reporting of business performance.

Job Responsibilities

1. Overall Business Management

• Lead the overall Malaysia business and ensure achievement of business objectives.
• Develop and execute annual and long-term business strategies in line with HQ direction.
• Monitor overall business performance, sales, profitability, and operational efficiency.
• Identify business opportunities and implement appropriate strategies to support sustainable growth.
• Provide regular business updates, analysis, and recommendations to HQ.

2. Retail Operations & Sales

• Oversee the performance and operations of all retail stores in Malaysia.
• Set and monitor sales targets, KPIs, and store performance.
• Analyse sales performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure consistent implementation of retail SOPs, service standards, and operational procedures.
• Work closely with Retail Operations, VM, Marketing, and Merchandising teams to improve store productivity and customer experience.
• Oversee new store openings, store relocation, renovation, and expansion projects.
• Work closely with Finance to monitor the Company's financial performance and profitability.
• Review monthly P&L, budgets, forecasts, and operating expenses.
• Ensure effective cost control and appropriate allocation of resources.
• Participate in annual budgeting and business planning.
• Monitor key financial indicators and take appropriate corrective action where required.

4. Marketing & Brand Development

• Oversee Malaysia's marketing and promotional activities.
• Ensure local marketing initiatives are aligned with brand positioning and HQ guidelines.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and promotional activities.
• Develop initiatives to strengthen brand awareness, customer engagement, and sales performance.

5. Merchandising & Inventory Management

• Work closely with Korean HQ and the Merchandising team on product planning and allocation.
• Monitor inventory levels, sell-through, ageing stock, and stock productivity.
• Ensure appropriate stock planning for store openings, seasonal campaigns, and promotional periods.
• Review markdown and clearance strategies to optimise inventory turnover.

6. People & Organisation Management

• Lead and develop the Company's management team.
• Work closely with HR on manpower planning, recruitment, retention, and employee development.
• Ensure appropriate organisational structure and manpower resources to support business growth.
• Establish clear accountability and performance expectations across departments.
• Develop future leaders and strengthen management capabilities.

7. Business Expansion & Development

• Identify and evaluate potential opportunities for business expansion in Malaysia.
• Assess potential retail locations and business opportunities.
• Work with relevant internal teams and external parties on new store projects.Support negotiations and business discussions with landlords, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor the performance of new stores and expansion projects.

8. HQ Communication & Coordination

• Act as the key liaison between the Malaysia operation and Korean HQ.
• Ensure effective communication of business strategies, requirements, and operational matters.
• Implement HQ strategies and initiatives in the Malaysia market.
• Provide timely and accurate business reports and updates to HQ.
• Communicate local market conditions, challenges, and opportunities to HQ and provide practical recommendations.

9. Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure the Company's operations comply with applicable Malaysian laws, regulations, and licensing requirements.
• Ensure effective implementation of company policies, SOPs, and internal controls.
• Identify operational and business risks and implement appropriate mitigation measures.Maintain appropriate corporate governance and business practices.

10. Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Provide strong leadership and direction to the Malaysia organisation.
• Build effective relationships with HQ, employees, landlords, suppliers, business partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Represent the Company professionally in external business engagements.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and performance-oriented working environment.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management, Retail Management, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10–15 years of relevant management experience, preferably with substantial experience in retail, fashion, FMCG, or consumer businesses.
• Proven experience managing multiple business functions and leading a sizeable organisation.
• Strong commercial, financial, and operational understanding.
• Experience in retail operations and business expansion is highly advantageous.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work effectively with Korean HQ and multicultural teams.
• Good command of English; Korean or Mandarin would be an added advantage.
• Willingness to travel between stores and for business purposes when required.

Please be informed that only shortlisted candidate will be notified.