Retail jobs in Malaysia

We are seeking a Project Manager – Market Entry to lead the evaluation, selection, and negotiation of China-based retail and snack franchise brands for entry into the Malaysian market.

This role is brand-agnostic at the initial stage and focuses on commercial due diligence, deal structuring, and master franchise / distributorship decision-making prior to execution. The successful candidate will play a critical role in determining brand viability, commercial terms, and rollout strategy before launching 5–10 self-operated stores.

Upon successful brand selection and contract execution, this role is expected to transition into a senior operational leadership position, overseeing market entry execution, retail operations, and franchise expansion in Malaysia.

• Identify and shortlist suitable China-based retail or snack franchise brands for the Malaysian market
• Evaluate brand strength, scalability, SKU structure, and supply chain readiness
• Assess export capability, overseas experience, and headquarters support model
• Prepare comparative analysis and recommendations for management decision-making

• Lead discussions and negotiations with shortlisted brand principals
• Negotiate master franchise or national distributorship agreements
• Secure key commercial rights including territorial exclusivity, pricing and SKU flexibility, and local market adaptation rights
• Work closely with legal advisors to structure commercially sound agreements

• Develop market entry assumptions and rollout scenarios (1 / 3 / 5 / 10 stores)
• Prepare high-level financial projections, unit economics, and sensitivity analysis
• Validate commercial viability, cash flow sustainability, and scalability
• Identify key risks and propose mitigation strategies

• Act as the main liaison with China-based brand principals and suppliers
• Coordinate with internal teams and external consultants (legal, financial, operational)
• Provide structured updates, insights, and recommendations to senior management
• Shortlist at least three (3) qualified brand candidates
• Comparative assessment of commercial terms, margins, and risk profiles
• Recommendation of one (1) preferred brand with a negotiation strategy
• Preliminary Malaysia market entry and store roll out plan

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Management, or a related field
• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in franchise development, retail operations, or business expansion, preferably in FMCG or food & beverage retail
• Proven experience in market entry, store setup, and franchise expansion
• Strong understanding of retail operations, supply chain management, and franchise models
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and external partners
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to liaise effectively with overseas brand principals and suppliers, particularly from China
• Analytical and strategic thinking with strong problem-solving abilities
• Results-driven, hands-on, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, startup or growth environment
• Willingness to travel locally and overseas when required
• Ability to communicate in Chinese is an advantage as you will liaise with Mandarin-speaking partners

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Malaysia?
• What’s your expected monthly basic salary?
• Which of the following types of qualifications do you have?
• How many years’ experience do you have as a Franchise Development Manager?
• How would you rate your Mandarin language skills?
• Are you willing to travel for this role when required?