Head of Operations / Chief Operating Officer | Retail

TapTalent.ai; Subang Jaya; On-site; MYR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing convenience retail chain in Malaysia is seeking a dynamic Head of Operations / Chief Operating Officer. The successful candidate will oversee operations across multiple outlets, drive performance improvements, and build high-performing teams. This role requires a hands-on leader with extensive experience in retail operations, strong leadership capabilities, and a strategic mindset to ensure operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12-15 years’ experience in multi-outlet retail operations.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and drive improvements.
• Hands-on leadership style to solve operational challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall store and back-end operations across Malaysia.
• Manage daily operations, logistics, supply chain, and inventory.
• Build and coach a strong team culture aligned with company values.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Management

Team Development

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Retail Management or related field

MBA preferred

Tools

POS

ERP

Inventory/WMS

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 2. Store Network Management 3. SOP, Process & Compliance Improvements 4. People Leadership & Manpower Planning 5. Supply Chain & Inventory Excellence 6. Maintenance & Store Support 7. Data-Driven & Results-Oriented Execution 8. Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• Monitor key metrics and KPIs for operational performance, cost, service quality, and store productivity.
• Identify bottlenecks and make data-driven decisions for swift improvements.
• 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 20,000 - MYR 30,000

Consultant In-charge

Kah Wai | 012 233 3162 | [e-mail]