Chief Operations Officer (F&B)

A newly created Chief Operations Officer is currently available with an established and well known F&B brand.

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an accomplished Chief Operations Officer to join a renowned international F&B brand, based in Kuala Lumpur. This pivotal role is designed for a visionary leader who thrives on shaping operational performance and driving strategic growth across Malaysia. As the Chief Operations Officer, you will be entrusted with overseeing nationwide operations, spearheading productivity improvements, and identifying new avenues for business expansion. You will play a crucial part in managing real estate strategies, franchise development, and fostering robust relationships with key stakeholders. The organisation offers a collaborative environment where your expertise will directly influence long-term business strategy and sustainable commercial success. With a commitment to nurturing talent and supporting professional development, this is your chance to make a lasting impact within a globally recognised brand.

• Take ownership of end-to-end operational performance across all outlets in Malaysia, ensuring service standards are consistently exceeded while optimising processes for maximum efficiency.
• Lead the charge on network expansion by developing and executing comprehensive strategies for site selection, lease negotiations, market assessments, and successful new outlet launches.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership to shape the future direction of the business, leveraging data-driven insights to support sustainable growth and profitability.

What you'll do:

As Chief Operations Officer, you will be at the forefront of steering operational excellence across Malaysia’s extensive retail network. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve orchestrating seamless operations that deliver outstanding service standards while maximising profitability. You will be instrumental in expanding the company’s footprint through strategic site selection and effective lease negotiations. By championing innovative growth initiatives—including new concepts and product launches—you will help position the brand as a market leader. Your ability to manage franchise partners effectively ensures consistent delivery of operational standards across all locations. Building enduring relationships with landlords and stakeholders will be essential for securing prime locations and supporting sustained expansion. Success in this role hinges on your capacity to inspire cross-functional teams towards shared goals while maintaining rigorous oversight of commercial performance.

• Oversee all aspects of operational performance nationwide, including sales optimisation, profitability enhancement, productivity improvement, service quality assurance, and process refinement.
• Develop and implement robust business expansion strategies that encompass site identification, lease negotiation, market analysis, and seamless opening of new outlets.
• Drive innovative business growth initiatives by introducing new concepts, supporting product innovation efforts, and leading strategic development projects that align with organisational goals.
• Manage the entire franchise lifecycle from partner acquisition through onboarding and ongoing performance management to ensure compliance with operational standards.
• Conduct thorough analyses of business performance metrics, customer behaviour trends, and emerging market opportunities to inform strategic decision-making at every level.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with landlords, business collaborators, and other key stakeholders to underpin long-term growth objectives and secure advantageous agreements.
• Inspire and guide cross-functional teams by fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement throughout the organisation.
• Work hand-in-hand with senior leadership to refine long-term business strategies that balance operational execution with ambitious commercial targets.
• Champion best practices in operational excellence by implementing process improvements that drive efficiency without compromising quality or customer satisfaction.

What you bring:

To excel as Chief Operations Officer in this prestigious organisation, you will bring an impressive blend of industry knowledge and interpersonal skills honed over many years in similar environments. Your background should reflect substantial experience managing large-scale operations within retail or consumer-facing businesses where multi-site oversight was critical. You are known for your ability to foster collaboration among diverse teams while guiding them towards common objectives. Your analytical mindset enables you to interpret complex data sets quickly—translating insights into actionable strategies that boost commercial outcomes. Experience negotiating leases or managing real estate portfolios is essential for supporting ongoing expansion efforts. Additionally, your understanding of franchise operations equips you to maintain high standards across all outlets while nurturing productive partnerships with external stakeholders. Above all else, your empathetic leadership style inspires loyalty among colleagues who value your commitment to their professional growth.

• A minimum of 15 years’ experience in senior leadership roles encompassing operations management, business development, expansion planning, real estate strategy or general management within retail, food & beverage (F&B), fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), or other multi-site consumer sectors.
• Demonstrated history of delivering operational excellence through process optimisation initiatives that enhance both profitability and productivity across large-scale networks.
• Proven expertise in managing complex expansion projects including site selection processes, lease negotiations with property owners or landlords, and network development activities.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams with an emphasis on nurturing talent through supportive guidance while promoting a culture of collaboration and high achievement.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders internally and externally by building trust-based relationships founded on transparency and mutual respect.
• Commercial acumen supported by data-driven decision-making skills; adept at interpreting business analytics to inform strategic choices that drive sustainable growth.
• Hands-on approach to leadership—willingness to engage directly with teams at all levels to ensure alignment between strategy execution and organisational objectives.
• Track record working within franchise models or multi-unit/international environments is highly desirable; familiarity with compliance requirements related to franchising adds significant value.

What sets this company apart:

This international F&B brand stands out for its unwavering dedication to operational excellence combined with a forward-thinking approach to market expansion. Employees benefit from being part of an inclusive workplace culture that values collaboration at every level—from frontline staff through executive leadership. The organisation invests heavily in training opportunities designed to support career progression while encouraging knowledge sharing among peers. Flexible working arrangements are available where possible so you can achieve a healthy work-life balance without sacrificing professional ambition. With generous pension contributions and access to global resources, team members enjoy both stability and room for personal development. The company’s reputation for ethical business practices further enhances its appeal as an employer of choice within the sector—making it an ideal destination for those seeking meaningful impact alongside professional fulfilment.

What's next:

If you are ready to take on this influential role shaping the future of a respected international brand in Malaysia’s vibrant consumer market, we encourage you to apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided—your next career-defining opportunity awaits.

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Agensi Pekerjaan Robert Walters Sdn Bhd
Business Registration Number : 729828-T
Licence Number : JTKSM 423C