Head of Operations / Chief Operating Officer | Retail

Randstad (Schweiz) AG; Subang Jaya; On-site; MYR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing convenience retail chain in Subang Jaya is seeking a Head of Operations / COO. This hands-on leader will oversee all store and operational functions, drive expansion initiatives, and optimize performance. Ideal candidates should have over 12 years of experience in retail operations and demonstrate strong capabilities in leading teams and improving processes. Competitive remuneration between MYR 15,000 - MYR 30,000 will be offered.

Qualifications

• 12-15 years' experience in multi-outlet retail operations, preferably in convenience stores, pharmacies, or grocery chains.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and improve SOP, people performance, and P&L results.
• Hands-on leadership style to understand and solve operational challenges.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations across all stores and logistics.
• Lead the opening of new outlets and optimize existing operations.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and enhance operational efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Operational efficiency

Team building

Process improvement

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or related field

MBA preferred

Tools

ERP

WMS

POS systems

Job description

About the company:

Our client is a fast-growing convenience retail chain with a mission to deliver quality, value, and convenience to the everyday Malaysian. Built on a young, outspoken, and energetic culture, we are on a journey of bold expansion and are looking for a dynamic Head of Operations / Chief Operating Officer to drive our next phase of growth.

Role Summary:

The Head of Operations / COO will lead the overall store and back-end operations of all outlets across Malaysia. This role is suited for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-outlet retail environment, and is passionate about building high-performing teams, improving operational processes, and delivering strong business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Operations Leadership

• Oversee and drive daily operations across all stores, logistics, supply chain, inventory, and support functions.

• Translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans and execute them with speed and precision.

• Lead key initiatives related to store expansion, digitization, and customer experience enhancement.

2. Store Network Management

• Lead the opening of new outlets including site planning, manpower sourcing, store layout (planogram), and launch readiness.

• Optimize existing store operations to improve sales performance, customer satisfaction, and operational compliance.

• Implement and enhance planogram strategies to maximize product visibility, turnover, and consistency.

3. SOP, Process & Compliance Improvements

• Review, develop, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all functions.

• Lead continuous improvement efforts in processes, cost control, and operational efficiency.

• Ensure regulatory compliance, food safety, and in-store hygiene across all outlets.

4. People Leadership & Manpower Planning

• Build, coach, and inspire a strong team culture aligned with young and outspoken values.

• Oversee recruitment and manpower planning for store and central operations.

• Drive people development, performance management, and Compensation & Benefits (C&B) framework to retain talent.

5. Supply Chain & Inventory Excellence

• Ensure timely and cost-effective procurement, delivery, and inventory control.

• Monitor SKU performance and wastage, and implement measures to improve inventory accuracy and stock turnover.

• Lead warehouse operations and explore automation and system improvements (e.g., WMS, ERP).

6. Maintenance & Store Support

• Supervise repair and maintenance activities for all stores, ensuring minimal disruption and optimal store conditions.

• Work with cross-functional teams to resolve store-level issues efficiently.

7. Data-Driven & Results-Oriented Execution

• Monitor key metrics and KPIs for operational performance, cost, service quality, and store productivity.

• Identify bottlenecks and make data-driven decisions for swift improvements.

8. Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Collaborate with Marketing, Merchandising, Finance, HR, and IT to align goals and deliver unified execution.

• Represent operations in strategic meetings and provide input for company-wide initiatives.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Supply Chain, or related field. MBA preferred.

• Minimum 12-15 years’ experience in multi-outlet retail operations, preferably in convenience stores (CVS), pharmacies, grocery chains, or departmental stores with large SKU count.

• Proven ability to lead large teams and drive improvements in SOP, people performance, and P&L results.

• Hands-on leadership style — not afraid to get involved on the ground to understand and solve operational challenges.

• Experience in C&B, recruitment, and people development strategies.

• Familiar with systems such as POS, ERP, inventory/WMS.

• Strong execution mindset and ability to balance strategy with operational discipline.

• Willingness to travel regularly to store locations.

Location:

Subang Jaya, Selangor

Remuneration:

MYR 15,000 - MYR 30,000

Consultant in-charge:
Kah Wai | 012 233 3162 | [e-mail]