Group Commercial Director (Regional)

Private Advertiser; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A multinational corporation in Singapore is seeking a Group Commercial Director (Regional) to oversee P&L, drive commercial performance, and manage stakeholder relationships. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 12 years of experience, including 6 years in a senior leadership role within a multi-national corporation, preferably in sectors like Automotive or Luxury Retail. Responsibilities include optimizing business models, leading M&A activities, and ensuring compliance with corporate governance standards. The position requires strong strategic thinking and financial analysis skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of professional experience, including at least 6 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record in managing multi-national business units.
• Experience in M&A and business transformation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee P&L and commercial performance across multiple regions.
• Drive business model optimization and revenue diversification.
• Lead stakeholder management and build strategic partnerships.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Financial analysis

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

MBA preferred

Technical certifications (CFA, CPA, etc.)

Job description

Executive Summary

The Group Commercial Director (Regional) will serve as the strategic architect for the Group CEO. This role is responsible for balancing Commercial Performance (P&L), Future Growth (New Business), Operational Integrity (Governance), and Sustainability (ESG) for the Group. The portfolio encompasses reviewing operating models across our three key overseas markets in Asia Pacific, oversight on financial performance analysis, identifying inefficiencies in existing business models, and partnering with stakeholders to drive profitability without compromising our brand equity.

Key Responsibilities

Regional P&L Oversight & Commercial Rigor

• Business Model Optimization: Systematically review the operating models across the region. Challenge legacy cost structures and identify inefficiencies in the "Cost-to-Serve". To provide the CEO with variance analysis and propose recommendations.
• Margin Analysis: Scrutinize gross margins across all businesses/countries. Identify trends in margin erosion (e.g., over-discounting, rising inventory holding costs) and enforce discipline.
• Business Review Cadence: Ensure the CEO sees "decision-ready" data. Prepare the agenda for Monthly Business Reviews and Quarterly Business Reviews with Country Heads, ensuring discussions focus on leading indicators and profit drivers rather than just historical reporting.
• Revenue Diversification: Analyze revenue composition to push for higher absorption rates and recurring revenue models.

Strategic Execution & CEO Office Management

• The "Proxy" Role: Represent the Group CEO in financial and operational meetings where the CEO cannot be present, with the delegated authority to make decisions within agreed frameworks.
• Capital Allocation: Advise the CEO on CAPEX deployment—analyzing the ROI of proposed property renovations, new facility builds, or IT infrastructure before approval.
• Silo-Busting: Connect financial data between departments. Ensuring that marketing spend is directly correlated to lead generation and sales conversion in the P&L.
• Organizational Alignment: Bridge the gap between the CEO’s strategic vision and the operational reality of the 1,700+ workforce, ensuring the Group’s values are reflected in daily operations.

Business Model Transformation & Optimization

• Operating Model Review: Systematically review the "Cost-to-Serve" and operating structures in mature markets vs. growth markets. Review and implement changes on legacy structures that are no longer financially viable.
• Revenue Diversification: Analyze the ratio of revenue streams. Work with brand leaders to shift business models towards higher absorption rates and recurring revenue.
• Profitability Management: Leverage on profit drivers to profitability and business models in this competitive industry.
• Principal Negotiation Support: Equip the Group CEO with data‑backed financial scenarios to negotiate better margin structures, volume bonuses, or support packages with Brand Principals.

Market/Business Expansion & Feasibility

• M&A and Entry Analysis: evaluating the financial viability of entering new markets or acquiring new distributorships.
• Exit Strategy: Identifying underperforming business units/locations and preparing divestment or restructuring plans for the CEO’s review.
• New Business Stream Development: Spearhead creation of new revenue streams beyond traditional retail, focusing on high-growth areas like infrastructure, fintech, and mobility services. Drive the entire venture lifecycle—from market feasibility analysis to establishing strategic ecosystem partnerships.

Stakeholder Management & Ecosystem Development

• Relationship Management: Manage relationships with traditional stakeholders while building new partnerships across the mobility ecosystem including technology companies, infrastructure providers, and platform operators.
• Industry Representation: Assist and/or represent (when appointed) the Group CEO in negotiations, industry forums, and stakeholder engagements. Ensure effective governance and compliance across all markets while maintaining strong relationships with regulatory authorities.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Leadership Oversight and Collaboration: Provide executive oversight for critical cross-functional initiatives. Foster collaboration between country operations and group functions to leverage synergies and drive organizational effectiveness.
• Special Projects: Lead special projects and crisis management efforts requiring senior leadership intervention and coordination.

Corporate Governance & Policy Compliance

• Governance Frameworks: Architect and enforce the Group’s corporate governance structures, including the Delegation of Authority (DOA) matrix. Ensure decision‑making rights are clearly defined between Country Heads, Managing Directors, and the Group CEO.
• Policy Standardization: Review and harmonize internal policies (HR, Procurement, IT Security, Data Privacy) across all markets. Ensure a unified standard of operational compliance while allowing for necessary local market adaptations.
• Risk & Regulatory Oversight: Act as the first line of defense for the CEO regarding regulatory risks. Oversee compliance with local laws (e.g., PDPA/GDPR, anti‑bribery/corruption laws) and specific regulations, ensuring the Group is audit‑ready at all times.
• Board and Committee Management: Serve as the secretariat for key management committees. Ensure that meeting minutes, resolutions, and action items are documented with legal precision and followed through to execution.

ESG & Sustainability Strategy

• Decarbonization Roadmap: Develop and execute the Group’s long‑term sustainability strategy and equivalent regional frameworks. Support and partner with the COO and respective stakeholders to oversee the transition of facilities to "Green Mark" standards and manage energy efficiency audits for the Group.
• Ecosystem Readiness: Partner with stakeholders to ensure the operational infrastructure supports the aggressive electrification targets.
• Social Impact (CSR): Realign the Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts to ensure they generate measurable impact and align with the brand equity of our Principals.
• Green Financing & Reporting: Work with the Finance team to unlock "Green Financing" opportunities and oversee non‑financial ESG reporting to stakeholders.

Education & Professional Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or Commerce. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is preferred.
• Technical certifications such as CFA, CPA/ACCA, Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt), PMP and ESG will be an advantage.
• Minimum 12 years of professional experience, with at least 6 years in a senior leadership role within a multi‑national corporation.
• Proven track record of managing or overseeing business units across multiple jurisdictions in Asia Pacific.
• Experience in the Automotive, Luxury Retail, or Mobility Tech sectors is a strong plus, especially understanding the dealership model.
• Hands‑on experience in M&A, from due diligence and financial modeling to post‑merger integration or divestment.
• Demonstrated success in leading organizational transformation, ESG initiatives, etc.
• High executive presence and stakeholder management including global brands Partners, and government bodies.