Country Manager

Monroe Consulting Group, an Executive Recruitment firm, is partnering with an organisation in the Consumer industry to hire a Country Manager. This opportunity is based in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia.

Position Overview

The Country Manager is accountable for the overall performance and sustainable growth of the Malaysia business, with full ownership of commercial execution, operational effectiveness and financial outcomes.

The role plays a critical part in translating strategic objectives into measurable business results while ensuring customers receive an integrated and dependable beverage solution.

Key Responsibilities

Country Strategy & Commercial Growth

• Develop and execute the Malaysia business plan in line with Group strategy, translating priorities into clear targets, initiatives and accountabilities.
• Own revenue, gross profit and market-share growth across priority B2B segments, including hospitality, workplaces and food service.
• Strengthen key-account relationships, develop strategic partnerships and build a disciplined sales pipeline.
• Lead pricing, portfolio, channel and go-to-market decisions within approved Group policies and authority limits.
• Identify market opportunities and provide timely competitor, customer and category insights to regional teams.

Financial & Business Performance

• Own the country P&L and annual budget, including revenue, margin, operating expenses, working capital and profitability.
• Lead monthly business reviews; analyse variances, risks and opportunities and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure reliable sales forecasting and demand planning to support inventory, procurement and cash-flow decisions.
• Improve commercial discipline through appropriate credit control, contract governance and return-on-investment assessment.

Operations & Customer Experience

• Ensure effective day-to-day coordination across Sales, Technical Service, Supply Chain, Finance, HR and Administration.
• Establish service standards and operating rhythms that deliver responsive, consistent customer support.
• Resolve significant customer or operational issues, escalating material business risks to the Chief Operating Officer.
• Drive process improvement, productivity and the effective use of systems and data.

People Leadership & Organisation Development

• Set clear objectives, decision rights and performance expectations for the Malaysia leadership team and employees.
• Coach and develop managers, strengthen succession pipelines and address performance gaps promptly.
• Build an accountable, collaborative and customer-focused culture aligned with Group values.
• Ensure workforce plans and capabilities remain appropriate for the country’s growth priorities.

Governance, Risk & Stakeholder Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable Malaysian laws, licences, employment requirements, health and safety standards, and Group policies.
• Maintain effective internal controls and safeguard company assets, inventory, data and reputation.
• Partner with regional functional leaders and Group management to deliver cross-border initiatives and shared priorities.
• Represent the company professionally with customers, suppliers, brand principals, industry partners and relevant authorities.

Key Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance or a related discipline; an MBA or equivalent qualification is advantageous.
• At least 8 years of progressive commercial or general management experience, including 3 years leading a business unit, country operation or sizeable cross-functional team.
• Proven ownership of a P&L, annual budgeting, forecasting and delivery of profitable growth.
• Strong B2B track record in HORECA, food service, FMCG, beverage solutions or equipment distribution; knowledge of Malaysia’s coffee market is advantageous.

Technical / Functional Expertise

• Demonstrated ability to lead sales and operations, develop people and manage complex customer and partner relationships.
• Proven expertise in annual budgeting, forecasting, demand planning and financial performance management.
• Experience in pricing, portfolio management, channel strategy and go-to-market execution.
• Strong capability in inventory planning, procurement coordination, credit control and contract governance.
• Ability to drive process improvement, productivity initiatives and the effective use of systems and data.

Soft Skills & Leadership Competencies

• Commercially decisive, analytical and hands-on, with strong judgement, integrity and execution discipline.
• Excellent written and spoken English; proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia and/or Mandarin is advantageous.
• Strong leadership, coaching and people-development capabilities.
• Ability to build accountable, collaborative and customer-focused teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Willing and able to travel within Malaysia and regionally when required.