Managing Director - Malaysia

Antal International Network; Malaysia; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A leading multi-brand automotive service firm is seeking a Managing Director to spearhead strategic, operational, and commercial expansion across Malaysia. This role requires a visionary leader experienced in retail network development, franchise management, and service operations. The ideal candidate will manage P&L responsibilities, drive market expansion strategies, and build a high-performing team. Extensive experience in Malaysia is mandatory for this position, making it a unique opportunity to shape the future of automotive services in the region.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of leadership experience within service operations or franchising.
• Proven track record in building national service networks.
• Extensive experience of working in Malaysia.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year market expansion roadmap.
• Lead strategic planning for retail network growth and site rollout.
• Establish robust service operations and quality assurance systems.
• Own full P&L responsibility for the Malaysian business unit.
• Build strong relationships with partner brands and franchise partners.
• Build and lead a high-performing leadership team.

Skills

Leadership in service operations

Retail network development

Franchise management

P&L management

Commercial acumen

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Automotive Technology

MBA preferred

Job description

Location: Malaysia
Department: Executive Leadership
Reports To: CEO / Board of Directors
Industry: Multibrand Automotive Services, Quick Service Retail Network

Job Summary

The Managing Director will lead the strategic, operational, and commercial expansion of a large multi-brand automotive service organization (around 700 outlets in another geography) recently established in the Malaysian market. This role requires a visionary leader with deep expertise in retail network development, franchise expansion, service operations, partner acquisition, M&A and brand performance management for Automotive Quick Service Brands.

The MD will be responsible for end-to-end P&L ownership, market expansion strategy, operational excellence, and building a scalable franchising and service delivery ecosystem across Malaysia.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Expansion

• Develop and execute a multi-year market expansion roadmap for Malaysia.
• Lead strategic planning for retail network growth, site rollout strategies, and service footprint optimization.
• Identify and evaluate new market opportunities, business partnerships, and acquisition targets.
• Drive brand positioning and competitive differentiation in the automotive services market.

Retail Network Development

• Liaise with the regulatory authorities. Oversea recruitment, onboarding, and performance management.
• Develop standards for site selection, layout, workflow design, equipment planning, and operational KPIs.
• Ensure alignment of new outlets with brand, quality, and customer experience standards.
• Implement scalable frameworks for network density, coverage planning, and expansion pacing.

Operational Excellence

• Establish robust service operations, workshop capability development, technical training, and quality assurance systems.
• Set benchmarks for service turnaround time, customer satisfaction, and operational KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement, cost efficiency, and process standardization across all outlets.

Commercial & P&L Management

• Own full P&L responsibility for the Malaysian business unit.
• Build revenue models, pricing strategies, and multi-brand portfolio strategies.
• Optimize financial performance through margin management, cost controls, and operational efficiencies.
• Oversee annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial governance.

Stakeholder & Partner Management

• Build strong relationships with partner brands, automotive parts providers, franchise partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Negotiate commercial agreements related to operations, supply chain, and service offerings.
• Represent the company in industry associations, government engagements, and stakeholder forums.

People Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing leadership team across Operations, Network Development, Franchise Management, Finance, HR, and Marketing.
• Develop talent, succession planning, and a performance-driven culture.
• Ensure alignment of all business units with organizational values, brand priorities, and strategic goals.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Automotive Technology, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience within service operations, retail network development, or franchising.
• Proven track record in building and scaling national service networks (AutoExpert, Castrol Auto Service, Bosch Car Service, AAM, Quick Lube brands, etc.).
• Strong understanding of franchising frameworks, workshop economics, capability development, and customer experience management.
• Demonstrated success leading large teams and managing full P&L.
• Extensive experience of working in Malaysia (mandatory).