Regional Operations Lead (Southeast Asia)

Axios International; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Axios International is seeking a strong, hands-on Regional Operations Lead to guide programmes, people and client relationships across Southeast Asia from Malaysia. Based in Malaysia, the role will initially cover Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, with India or other markets potentially added as the regional scope evolves.

This role is not a traditional coordination role; we seek a leader who can create clarity and accountability, develop local managers, and ensure regional teams receive

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, patient assistance or patient-access services.
• Proven leadership of teams across multiple countries and complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong senior client-facing capability for difficult discussions and long-term relationships.
• Strong operational track record including programme performance, budgets, resources, risk, quality and compliance.
• Willingness to travel regularly across the assigned region.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible and accessible leadership to country, programme and operational teams across the region.
• Lead complex Patient Assistance Programs and Patient Support Programs, ensuring high-quality, compliant, patient-centred delivery.
• Set priorities, clarify responsibilities, coach managers and build a culture of ownership, collaboration and accountability.
• Act as the senior regional contact for key pharmaceutical clients and stakeholders, building trust and leading the resolution of significant programme or relationship issues.
• Oversee regional performance, capacity, programme revenues, P&L, cost centres, operational risks and improvement actions.
• Identify opportunities to retain, strengthen and expand client relationships and work with Business Excellence and commercial colleagues to shape credible new opportunities.
• Maintain direct exposure to field realities through regular regional travel and engagement with teams, clients, healthcare professionals, institutions and partners.

Skills

Regional leadership

Client relationship management

Healthcare industry experience

Budgeting & P&L

Travel readiness

Job description

Regional Operations Lead - Southeast Asia | Based in Malaysia

Lead the region. Strengthen teams. Build trusted client relationships. Improve patient access.

Axios International is seeking a strong, hands-on Regional Operations Lead to lead programmes, people and client relationships across Southeast Asia. Reporting to the Global Operations Lead.

Based in Malaysia, the role will initially cover Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, with India or other markets potentially added as the regional scope evolves.

This is not a traditional coordination role. We are looking for an experienced regional leader who can create clarity and accountability, develop local managers, represent Axios credibly with pharmaceutical clients, and ensure that regional teams receive the decisions, expertise and support they need to succeed.

The Role

• Provide visible and accessible leadership to country, programme and operational teams across the region.
• Lead complex Patient Assistance Programs, Patient Support Programs and other patient-access services, ensuring high-quality, compliant and patient-centred delivery.
• Set priorities, clarify responsibilities, coach managers and build a culture of ownership, collaboration and accountability.
• Act as the senior regional contact for key pharmaceutical clients and stakeholders, building trust and leading the resolution of significant programme or relationship issues.
• Represent the needs of the region within Axios, secure timely operational and functional support, and escal...
• Oversee regional performance, capacity, programme revenues, P&L, cost centres, operational risks and improvement actions.
• Identify opportunities to retain, strengthen and expand client relationships and work with Business Excellence and commercial colleagues to shape credible new opportunities.
• Maintain direct exposure to field realities through regular regional travel and engagement with teams, clients, healthcare professionals, institutions and partners.

What We Are Looking For

• Substantial experience in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, patient assistance, patient support or patient-access services.
• Proven leadership of teams and managers across multiple countries, business units or complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong senior client-facing capability, with the confidence to manage difficult discussions and build long-term relationships.
• The judgement and presence to challenge constructively, advocate for regional priorities and secure action from senior and global stakeholders.
• A strong operational track record, including programme performance, budgets, resources, risk, quality and compliance.
• An ability to remain close to operational realities while leading through managers rather than becoming the solution to every issue.
• Excellent written and spoken English and the flexibility to travel regularly across the assigned region.

We Would Particularly Value

• Experience in Southeast Asian healthcare markets, particularly Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines.
• Experience in India or another complex, culturally diverse regional market.
• Knowledge of market access and the design or delivery of Patient Assistance Programs and Patient Support Programs.
• Experience working in a matrixed international organization and obtaining support from global functions.
• An established professional network within the pharmaceutical or healthcare sector and relevant regional language capability.

The Leadership Profile

The successful candidate will combine:

• The ability to bring people together, delegate effectively and create clear accountability.
• The drive to challenge obstacles, make timely decisions and follow issues through to resolution.
• The relationship-building capability to engage clients, partners and internal stakeholders with credibility.
• The discipline to turn priorities and decisions into consistent execution across countries and programmes.

Why this role matters

Behind every operational challenge may be a patient waiting for access to treatment. This role offers the opportunity to strengthen regional leadership, develop capable teams, build trusted client partnerships and help ensure that programmes deliver reliable support to patients across Southeast Asia.