Regional Head - Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand)

Talent Switch; Penang; On-site; MYR 725,000 - 1,127,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent Switch invites a Regional Head for Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand) to lead operations, strategy, and business development across three markets. The role requires deep expertise in manufacturing and oil & gas, with a track record of multi-country leadership and visible impact on P&L, growth, and compliance.

Frequent regional travel is expected. The ideal candidate will align regional initiatives with global objectives, navigate local regulations, and drive innovations in

Qualifications

• 10–15 years in senior leadership roles within manufacturing and oil & gas industries.
• Proven track record managing multi-country operations in Indonesia, Malaysia, and/or Thailand.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business; MBA preferred; PMP/API certifications advantageous.
• Fluent in English; Bahasa Indonesia, Malay, or Thai a plus.
• Strong strategic planning, analytical abilities, and negotiation skills.
• Proficient in financial modeling and ERP (SAP, Oracle for oil & gas).

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute regional business strategies to drive growth, profitability, and market share.
• Oversee day-to-day operations across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, including supply chain and production planning.
• Lead and mentor multicultural teams, including country managers and engineers.
• Identify and pursue new partnerships and contracts in manufacturing and oil & gas.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and P&L for the region.
• Assess regional risks and implement crisis response plans.
• Promote adoption of advanced technologies and sustainable practices.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership and collaborate with global teams.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Operational Oversight

Team Management

Business Development

Financial Management

Risk Management

Innovation & Sustainability

Reporting & Collaboration

Communication & Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration or related field

MBA or advanced degree preferred

PMP/API certifications advantageous

Tools

SAP

Oracle for oil & gas

ERP systems

Job description

Regional Head - Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand)

Job Openings Regional Head - Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand)

About the job Regional Head - Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand)

Position Summary

The Regional Head - Southeast Asia will oversee operations, strategy, and business development across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. This senior leadership role requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in manufacturing and oil & gas industries. The ideal candidate will ensure alignment with global objectives while navigating local regulations, market dynamics, and cultural nuances in these key markets. This position reports directly to the Global Operations Director and involves frequent travel within the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute regional business strategies to drive growth, profitability, and market share in manufacturing and oil & gas sectors. Align initiatives with corporate goals, including expansion into new sub-sectors like upstream exploration, downstream refining, and industrial manufacturing.
• Operational Oversight: Manage day-to-day operations across the three countries, including supply chain optimization, production efficiency, and project management. Ensure compliance with local laws, safety standards (e.g., OSHA equivalents), and environmental regulations.
• Team Management: Lead and mentor multicultural teams, including country managers, engineers, and support staff. Foster a high-performance culture, conduct performance reviews, and oversee talent development and recruitment.
• Business Development: Identify and pursue new opportunities, partnerships, and contracts in manufacturing (e.g., equipment fabrication) and oil & gas (e.g., drilling, extraction, and logistics). Build relationships with key stakeholders, government officials, and industry partners.
• Financial Management: Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and P&L responsibility for the region. Monitor KPIs such as revenue growth, cost control, and ROI on projects.
• Risk Management: Assess and mitigate regional risks, including geopolitical factors, supply disruptions, and market volatility in oil & gas. Implement crisis response plans and ensure business continuity.
• Innovation and Sustainability: Promote adoption of advanced technologies (e.g., automation in manufacturing, digital oilfield solutions) and sustainable practices to reduce carbon footprint and enhance efficiency.
• Reporting and Collaboration: Provide regular updates to senior leadership on regional performance, challenges, and opportunities. Collaborate with global teams on cross-functional initiatives.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 10-15 years in senior leadership roles within the manufacturing and oil & gas industries. Proven track record in managing multi-country operations, with specific experience in Indonesia, Malaysia, and/or Thailand. Hands-on expertise in areas such as upstream/downstream oil & gas processes, manufacturing plant operations, and supply chain in energy sectors.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred. Certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or industry-specific credentials (e.g., API standards) are advantageous.
• Skills:
  • Strong strategic planning and analytical abilities.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with fluency in English; proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia, Malay, or Thai is a plus.
  • Deep knowledge of regional markets, including regulatory environments (e.g., Indonesia's SKK Migas, Malaysia's PETRONAS, Thailand's DMG).
  • Leadership in diverse, multicultural teams with a focus on inclusivity.
  • Proficiency in financial modeling, ERP systems, and industry software (e.g., SAP, Oracle for oil & gas).