Managing Director, SEA - Industrial Automation

Page Executive; Singapore; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A leading international organization seeks a Managing Director for Southeast Asia to provide strategic leadership and drive regional growth. The role involves overseeing operations in Singapore and Malaysia, managing sales teams, and handling P&L responsibilities across the region. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in industrial automation, with at least 15 years in B2B sales and extensive experience in multicultural team leadership. This position offers a significant opportunity to impact SEA growth significantly.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of B2B sales experience in industrial automation or related engineering products.
• At least 8 years in senior regional leadership roles.
• Proven track record leading multicultural teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations in Singapore and Malaysia.
• Provide cluster management across Southeast Asia.
• Manage regional sales teams effectively.

Skills

B2B sales experience

Leadership and team management

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Education

MSc or BSc in Engineering

MBA preferred

Job description

About Our Client

Our client is a market leader in providing electric valve automation systems and solutions for industrial applications. With a strong presence across Asia Pacific, the company is recognised for its innovation, quality, and customer-focused approach.

Job Description

Based in Singapore, the Managing Director, Southeast Asia (SEA) will provide strategic and operational leadership, driving regional growth, operational excellence, and high levels of customer satisfaction. Your key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee Singapore and Malaysia operations, with full accountability for sales, after‑sales, and administration.
• Provide cluster management across Southeast Asian countries, including agents and distributors in the region.
• Act as the senior SEA representative to the global executive team, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and regional objectives.
• Hold full P&L responsibility for the regional business, accountable for revenue growth, profitability, and operational performance.
• Directly manage regional sales teams, including remote and field‑based teams across multiple countries.
• Lead and govern a distributor network, serving as the primary interface between regional operations and the company's Global Headquarters.

The role requires a proven regional leader with deep expertise in industrial automation and the ability to lead culturally diverse, multi‑country teams.

The Successful Applicant

• MSc or BSc in Engineering or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of B2B sales experience in industrial automation or related engineering products, including at least 8 years in senior regional leadership roles.
• Proven track record leading multicultural sales and after‑sales teams across subsidiaries, distributors, and agent networks.
• Strong understanding of key industrial sectors, including oil & gas, power generation, water & wastewater, petrochemicals, and general process industries.
• Demonstrated capability in managing sizeable regional P&Ls across Southeast Asia.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder‑management skills, with willingness to travel extensively within the region.

What's on Offer

This role offers leadership responsibility for driving SEA growth within a leading international organisation.