CEO - QSR Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Permanent View Job Description
· An exceptional opportunity to develop new brands and lead their expansion across the country.· Build operations from the ground up and make a direct, visible impact.
  • Exceptional opportunity to develop new brands, lead expansion across country.
  • Build operations from the ground up and make a direct, visible impact.

About Our Client

Our client is a well‑established quick‑service restaurant chain with a strong regional footprint and a clear trajectory for accelerated expansion. The business operates on a highly scalable model, underpinned by an accessible pricing strategy that consistently drives high customer traffic, complemented by a locally adapted menu that resonates with unique market preferences.

Job Description

Our client is looking for a seasoned CEO from the QSR industry to be the first hire in its expansion into Malaysia.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the end-to-end registration and licensing process in Malaysia, ensuring full regulatory compliance to enable successful market entry and long-term license management for the QSR brand.
  • Develop and execute the overall Malaysia market entry strategy, including operational setup, timeline planning, and expansion roadmap.
  • Build, hire, and develop the Malaysia leadership and operational teams, ensuring the right capabilities are in place for launch, scale-up, and sustainable long-term operations.
  • Design and implement the full operations framework - including SOPs, training programs, systems, supply chain processes, product standards, and menu offerings.
  • Establish and localize training modules and operational playbooks to ensure brand consistency, service excellence, and food quality standards across all outlets.
  • Collaborate with subsidiary businesses and internal stakeholders to manage aggregators, suppliers, and third-party vendors, ensuring cost efficiency and quality control.
  • Lead supplier sourcing, evaluation, onboarding, and performance management aligned with brand standards and halal requirements.
  • Customize local operations and menu offerings to meet Malaysian consumer preferences, regulatory requirements, and halal standards, while maintaining full compliance with HQ guidelines.
  • Oversee outlet launch readiness including site setup, manpower planning, pre-opening training, and go-live execution.
  • Drive expansion strategy including franchise or corporate store rollout planning across Malaysia.
  • Ensure ongoing compliance with local food safety, halal certification, labor laws, and municipal regulations.
  • Monitor financial performance, operational KPIs, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.



The Successful Applicant

  • Extensive experience in the QSR industry in Malaysia (must‑have), with strong understanding of end‑to‑end operations, business management, and local regulatory requirements.
  • Proven experience managing brand licensing, regulatory approvals, and market entry processes in Malaysia.
  • Demonstrated success in expanding and scaling a QSR network in Malaysia (corporate and/or franchise model).
  • Strong negotiation experience with local contractors, suppliers, aggregators, and regulatory bodies.
  • Deep knowledge of Malaysian halal certification processes, food safety compliance, and local F&B regulations.
  • Established network within the Malaysia QSR/F&B industry, including suppliers, landlords, regulatory authorities, and service providers.
  • Strong leadership and cross-functional coordination skills, with the ability to align local execution with HQ standards.
  • Commercially driven with strong financial acumen and P&L management experience.
  • Experience in multi-unit management and large-scale operational rollout preferred.



What's on Offer

Be part of an exciting journey to launch and expand an established global QSR brand into Malaysia. Build operations from the ground up, shape its long-term growth strategy, and make a direct, visible impact in a high-potential market.

Contact
Nicole Cheah
Quote job ref
JN-102025-6863679

Job summary

Function
CEO – Chief Executive Officer
Subsector
CEO – Chief Executive Officer Subsector
Industry
Consumer & Retail
Location
Kuala Lumpur
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Nicole Cheah
Job reference
JN-102025-6863679

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