Johor Based - Head of Project Planning & Development

MVC Resources; Johor Bahru; On-site; MYR 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading development firm in Johor Bahru is seeking a Head of Project Planning & Development to oversee all aspects of township developments in the Southern Region. This high-impact role requires over 12 years of property development experience, including at least 5 years in leadership. The successful candidate will drive project strategy and innovation while ensuring regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement. Competitive compensation and growth opportunities offered.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in property development, with 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record in master planning and authority liaison in Malaysia.
• Strong business and commercial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee planning and execution strategy for township developments.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder relationships.
• Ensure financial prudence across all stages of development.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Town Planning, or related field

Postgraduate qualification (MBA, Urban Development, or related discipline)

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Project

Revit

Job description

Head of Project Planning & Development – Southern Region will lead and oversee the end-to-end planning, design, and execution strategy for all township developments within the Southern Region. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for translating the Group’s strategic vision into tangible development outcomes. The incumbent will direct a multidisciplinary team, manage complex stakeholder relationships, ensure regulatory and financial compliance, and drive innovation and sustainability across large-scale, multi-phase projects.

Regional Project Strategy & Master Planning

• Develop and drive the regional development roadmap, aligning with the Group’s overall township vision and business objectives.

• Lead master planning efforts for multiple townships, ensuring commercial viability, regulatory compliance, and community-centric designs.

• Identify new site opportunities and oversee land-use studies, market research, and macro development strategies.

Project Planning & Execution Oversight

• Oversee the development of detailed project implementation plans across multiple projects concurrently.

• Ensure alignment of project scopes, schedules, and resources across business units, consultants, and contractors.

• Monitor progress, resolve bottlenecks, and ensure timely delivery within approved budgets and timelines.

Design Leadership & Innovation

• Provide strategic direction during design stages, ensuring compliance with corporate design standards, sustainability goals, and market relevance.

• Review, evaluate, and approve masterplans, architectural proposals, and engineering solutions.

• Champion design innovation, smart township concepts, and integrated infrastructure planning.

Feasibility & Investment Analysis

• Lead the feasibility assessment of new and existing development parcels.

• Oversee preparation of investment papers, development strategies, and scenario-based financial models.

• Advise Group leadership on land optimisation, phasing, and development mix strategies.

Regulatory & Authority Liaison

• Serve as senior representative in all regional statutory, authority, and community engagements.

• Ensure smooth navigation of the planning and approval process, including development orders, land conversion, zoning, and building plan submissions.

• Maintain strong working relationships with local councils and government agencies.

Cost Control & Value Engineering

• Oversee project budgeting in collaboration with Group Finance, Contracts, and QS teams.

• Champion value engineering and cost-efficiency measures without compromising quality or design integrity.

• Ensure financial prudence across all stages of the development lifecycle.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and mentor a team of project managers, planners, engineers, and support staff.

• Drive high-performance culture, ensure cross-functional alignment, and support team growth through coaching and talent development initiatives.

• Act as a key liaison with the Group’s senior leadership team on project progress and regional updates.

Sustainability & Risk Management

• Integrate sustainable development principles across planning and design initiatives.

• Identify key project risks and implement mitigation strategies.

• Uphold quality, safety, and environmental standards across all developments.

Requirements

Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Town Planning, or a related field.

• Postgraduate qualification (MBA, Urban Development, or related discipline) is an added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum 12 years of experience in property development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing township or large-scale mixed-use developments.

• Proven track record in master planning, project management, and authority liaison in Malaysia (preferably Johor).

• Exposure to both upstream planning and downstream implementation phases.

Competencies:

• Strategic thinking with strong business and commercial acumen.

• Strong leadership, people management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, land matters, and local development policies.

• Proficiency in planning tools and software (AutoCAD, MS Project, Revit, etc.).

Other Requirements:

• Willing to travel frequently across Southern Region sites.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, matrixed organizational structure.