Senior Manager, Strategy

AirAsia; Malaysia; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

AirAsia is seeking an experienced Senior Strategy Manager to oversee its corporate development and strategic planning efforts. This role involves managing organisational restructuring and M&A activities while ensuring operational efficiency and performance monitoring.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial modelling, strategic planning, and governance. They will lead initiatives that drive business growth while working closely with senior leadership and board members.

Qualifications

• 10-12 years of experience in strategy or corporate finance.
• Proven record in managing complex corporate restructuring or M&A.
• Strong understanding of financial markets and SEC regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage corporate development and strategic planning initiatives.
• Execute M&A processes and direct financial restructurings.
• Lead performance reviews and curate board reporting.

Skills

Analytical skills

Creative problem-solving

Financial modelling

Data analysis

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field

MBA or professional certifications (e.g., CFA)

Tools

Financial reporting tools

Google suites

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Overview

We are seeking a seasoned, strategic, and high‑impact Senior Strategy Manager as part of our Strategy and Investor Relations Department to manage and run our corporate development and strategic planning initiatives, as well as performance tracking and monitoring. The ideal candidate will drive organisational restructuring, M&A activities, and long‑term business planning. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of deal structuring, financial modelling, and performance management to shape the company's growth and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Restructuring & Business Turnaround

• Execute organisational right‑sizing and cost optimisation programs to drive operational efficiency.
• Lead revenue enhancement initiatives to maximise ecosystem value and synergy realization.
• Direct complex financial restructurings, including debt refinancing and capital structure optimisation.
• Implement entity‑level realignments, including splits, mergers, and transfers, to enhance shareholder value.

New Business Development & Strategic Planning

• Develop comprehensive 5‑year business plans and financial projections, establishing clear value drivers and resource requirements.
• Formulate robust business cases to secure board approval for new growth initiatives.
• Orchestrate post‑launch integration through disciplined 100‑day execution plans.
• Lead the annual strategic planning and budgeting cycle, translating group strategy into actionable financial targets and KPIs.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Strategic Partnerships

• Execute end‑to‑end M&A and partnership lifecycles, from opportunity identification and business case justification to synergy quantification.
• Direct due diligence processes, deal structuring, and negotiation of complex legal agreements (e.g., shareholders or shares subscription agreements, term sheets).
• Establish performance governance frameworks, defining clear milestones, KPI tracking, and consequence management to safeguard group interests.

Performance Management & Governance

• Lead executive‑level performance reviews, driving problem structuring, data‑driven insights, and systematic corrective actions across business units.
• Serve as the strategic secretariat for the Executive Committee, curating high‑impact board reporting and ensuring institutional accountability for strategic execution.
• Prepare and present Quarterly Performance & Strategy Review Reports for the Audit Committee and Board of Directors, conducting strategy reviews with business units to ensure accuracy and actionable insights.

Budget and 5Y Planning Process

• Drive the development of annual budget strategies and comprehensive 5‑year business plans and financial projections.
• Translate the strategies into annual budget numbers and KPIs.
• Organise and facilitate group‑wide budget challenge meetings.
• Summarise annual plan and budget numbers for reference throughout the year.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• An MBA or professional certifications (e.g., CFA) is a plus.

Experience

• At least 10‑12 years of experience in strategy, corporate finance, or corporate development finance, with a proven track record of managing complex corporate restructuring or M&A work.
• Experience working with board members, senior leadership (C‑suites) and advising on strategy and financial matters.
• Experience in managing a team with varied personalities.
• Have a strong network.
• Deep understanding of financial markets, valuation methodologies, and SEC regulations.

Skills

• Strong analytical and creative problem‑solving skills and ability to break down complex problems in a structured and clear manner.
• Excellent in data analysis, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear and concise messaging.
• Proficiency in financial modelling, reporting tools, and presentation software (Google suites, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Exhibit use of AI to help in day‑to‑day work to remain efficient and productive.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills with the ability to engage and influence senior executives, investors, analysts, and other stakeholders for alignment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, manage priorities and meet tight deadlines.