General Manager / Senior Director - Design Strategy & Planning

Xircle Talent; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 320,000 - 560,000; Full time

Job summary

Xircle Talent, on behalf of a Malaysian public-listed property group, is seeking an exceptional Design & Planning Director to lead master planning for high-rise, mixed-use developments in Kuala Lumpur. You will own the design strategy, guide feasibility studies, and translate concepts into buildable plans while building and mentoring a top-tier planning team.

The role requires deep knowledge of KL planning regulations, strong leadership and negotiation skills, and a proven track record in

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience in property development, with a proven track record leading upstream design, planning and approval strategy for large-scale, high-rise mixed developments.
• Deep knowledge of KL planning regulations, submission procedures, and demonstrated history of plot ratio optimization.
• Outstanding leadership, communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead design strategy and master planning for high-rise, mixed-development projects.
• Optimize plot ratio and drive design innovation to maximize project value and feasibility, securing superior development approvals.
• Oversee the upstream design lifecycle from concept and feasibility to authority engagement, detailed design, and tender readiness.
• Act as the ultimate technical authority, ensuring design creativity, compliance, and commercial viability.
• Lead engagements with local authorities (e.g., DBKL) to secure planning permits.
• Present and justify design strategies to internal executives, external partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of design, planning, and project management professionals.
• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration within the team and across functions.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Negotiation

Project planning

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Degree in Architecture

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Our client is a Malaysian public-listed property group specializing in residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments across the Klang Valley.

Job Summary

This is a high-impact leadership role where architectural expertise directly influences the commercial and creative success of landmark projects. The successful candidate will own the design strategy from conception, optimizing feasibility and planning to transform visionary concepts into buildable realities. This role also involves building and inspiring a best-in-class planning team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design strategy and master planning for high-rise, mixed-development projects.
• Optimize plot ratio and drive design innovation to maximize project value and feasibility, securing superior development approvals.
• Oversee the upstream design lifecycle, from concept and feasibility to authority engagement, detailed design, and tender readiness.
• Act as the ultimate technical authority, ensuring design creativity, compliance, and commercial viability.
• Lead engagements with local authorities (e.g., DBKL) to secure all necessary planning permits.
• Present and justify design strategies to internal executives, external partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of design, planning, and project management professionals.
• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration within the team and across functions.

Requirements

• Degree in Architecture, accredited by the Board of Architects (LAM); a Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in property development, with a proven track record leading upstream design, planning, and approval strategy for large-scale, high-rise mixed developments.
• Deep, current expertise in KL planning regulations, submission procedures, and a demonstrable history of successful plot ratio optimization.
• Strategic portfolio showcasing innovative design solutions that enhanced project feasibility and value.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.