Senior Operations Manager (Technical)

Private Advertiser; Sabah; On-site; MYR 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading expedition organization in Malaysia seeks a Senior Operations Manager (Technical) to oversee outdoor activities and ensure safety governance for youth development programs. The ideal candidate will lead technical systems, manage risks, and deliver high-quality expedition experiences. This senior role requires strong leadership under pressure and experience in outdoor operations. Join to impact lives in one of the most unique adventure settings globally.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Meaningful impact in youth development

Qualifications

• Significant experience in large-scale expedition or outdoor operations.
• Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary teams in challenging environments.
• Strong command of health & safety systems and emergency response.

Responsibilities

• Lead all technical and operational systems across expeditions and camps.
• Approve risk assessments and activity procedures.
• Oversee daily field operations and logistics.

Skills

Leadership

Risk management

Logistics planning

Communication

Emotional intelligence

Job description

Full-Time | Leadership Role | International Outdoor & Expedition Operations

Are you a strategic operations leader who thrives in the outdoors?
Do you excel in safety governance, complex field logistics, and developing high‑performing teams?
We are seeking a Senior Operations Manager (Technical) to lead the technical, safety, and operational systems that power our world‑class school expeditions and camp programmes in Borneo.

In this senior leadership role, you will be the organization’s Technical Strategist, Safety Authority, and Field Systems Lead, responsible for ensuring that all expeditions, outdoor activities, and camp operations run safely, efficiently, and to the highest professional standards.

If you are passionate about youth development, expedition environments, and operational excellence, this is a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact in one of the most unique adventure settings in the world.

About the Role

As the Senior Operations Manager (Technical), you will:

Technical Leadership & Systems Oversight

Lead all technical and operational systems across expeditions and camps.

Develop and implement SOPs, safety frameworks, technical standards, and emergency protocols.

Ensure infrastructure readiness—transport, equipment, resupply systems, camp facilities, and field operations.

Safety Governance & Risk Management

Serve as the organization’s senior safety authority.

Approve risk assessments, route plans, activity procedures, and contingency plans.

Lead response and escalation during incidents and emergencies.

Uphold safeguarding and duty‑of‑care standards across all programs.

Operational Delivery & Programme Execution

Oversee daily field operations, logistics, activity delivery, and multi‑site operations.

Support Trek Managers, Project Managers, and Ops teams in planning and decision‑making.

Ensure high‑quality expedition experiences that meet client, safety, and educational standards.

Oversee the daily reporting structure between team leaders and senior management.

Monitor medical updates, incidents, and team morale through structured communication channels.

Guide leaders, teachers, and field staff with advice, problem‑solving, and pastoral support during programs.

Training, Competency & Staff Development

Design and deliver technical and safety training modules for all field staff and leaders.

Oversee competency frameworks for camp managers, expedition leaders, and operational teams.

Lead training in areas such as safety systems, EFR, camp operations, logistics, MHFA, and activity skills.

Physical Readiness & Staff Wellbeing

Advise on physical readiness for field teams, especially trekking and outdoor staff.

Support wellbeing, fitness routines, recovery practices, and staff resilience.

Lead and mentor multiple operational teams and junior managers.

Support volunteers, youth leaders, and expedition staff through challenges and team dynamics.

Build a positive culture based on professionalism, motivation, and safety.

Evaluate expedition performance, safety outcomes, feedback, and impact.

Drive continuous improvement across logistics, delivery, and client experience.

Contribute to long‑term planning, budgeting, and organizational growth.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a strong leader who is calm under pressure, highly organized, systems‑oriented, and thrives in remote and dynamic field environments.

Significant experience in large‑scale expedition, outdoor operations, international development, or similar fields.

Proven leadership of multi‑disciplinary teams in challenging environments.

Strong command of health & safety systems, risk management, and emergency response.

Experience managing logistics, planning multi‑site operations, and executing complex field programmes.

Skilled communicator who can inspire, support, and manage diverse teams, volunteers, and youth.

Strong pastoral care instincts with emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills.

Experience with budget management, operational planning, and technical decision‑making.

Desirable Qualifications

Background with Raleigh, Camps International, World Challenge, Outward Bound, or similar expedition organizations.

Technical or outdoor certifications (EFR, MHFA, rope/trek skills, or equivalent).

Experience living/working in Borneo or Southeast Asia.

What We Offer

A senior role with meaningful impact in youth development and international outdoor education.

The chance to lead skilled teams in one of the world’s most exciting expedition environments.

Professional development opportunities in safety, leadership, and technical operations.

The ability to shape the future of responsible travel and outdoor learning in Borneo.

All duly completed applications must be received by 5 January 2026 and submitted electronically to [e-mail].