Deputy Head of Malaysia Branch - Logistics

The candidat e is required to work fully on-site in Penang, Malaysia.

Client Overview

Our client is an established international logistics and supply chain company headquartered in China, providing integrated domestic and cross-border logistics solutions covering transportation, warehousing, customs coordination, and last-mile delivery.

The company is expanding its presence in Malaysia, with a strategic focus on supporting electronics manufacturers and industrial clients in Penang and surrounding manufacturing hubs. The Malaysia branch will also serve as an important platform for China–Malaysia and broader Southeast Asian cross-border logistics operations.

Job Role

The Deputy Head of Malaysia Branch is a senior management position responsible for establishing and developing the company's Malaysia operations, covering branch management, business development, local team development, logistics operations, supplier management, and cross-border coordination.

The role will focus on developing relationships with electronics manufacturing companies in Penang and surrounding industrial areas, including Kulim and Bukit Mertajam, while building the local operational infrastructure and coordinating closely with the China headquarters.

The ideal candidate is an experienced logistics professional with strong knowledge of the Malaysian market, established relationships within the electronics manufacturing sector, and experience in overseas branch establishment, business development, and cross-border logistics operations. Strong Chinese and English communication skills are essential, while Malay proficiency is preferred for local stakeholder and regulatory communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment, development, and day-to-day management of the company's Malaysia branch.
• Develop localized management systems, operational processes, reporting mechanisms, and business procedures for the Malaysia operation.
• Build and manage local teams across operations, sales, and customer service functions.
• Develop and manage relationships with local logistics providers, warehousing partners, transportation suppliers, and other service providers.
• Coordinate local tax, labor, customs, transportation, and other regulatory compliance requirements.
• Develop new B2B clients within the electronics manufacturing sector in Penang and surrounding industrial areas, including Kulim and Bukit Mertajam.
• Build and maintain relationships with manufacturers, industrial parks, industry associations, chambers of commerce, and other relevant business stakeholders.
• Leverage existing market networks and client resources to generate new business opportunities within the electronics manufacturing sector.
• Develop and provide China–Malaysia logistics solutions for local corporate clients in coordination with the China headquarters.
• Oversee customs clearance coordination, warehousing, domestic transportation, and last-mile delivery activities in Malaysia.
• Coordinate with outsourced customs and fleet-management providers to ensure reliable service quality and operational efficiency.
• Establish and monitor local operational KPIs, reporting systems, and performance tracking mechanisms.
• Ensure local logistics operations comply with applicable Malaysian customs, transportation, labor, and other regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with the China headquarters operations team to optimize China–Malaysia land and sea transportation links.
• Coordinate cross-border logistics activities between Malaysia and other Southeast Asian markets, including Indonesia and Thailand.
• Manage local suppliers and logistics partners to ensure efficient and cost-effective service delivery.
• Handle operational exceptions, customer complaints, and cross-border logistics issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Provide regular operational, financial, market, and business development updates to the China headquarters.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, expand the customer base, and strengthen the company's logistics network in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor's Degree (S1) or equivalent from a recognized university.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the logistics industry, with at least 2 years of team management experience.
• Proven experience in logistics operations, business development, supply chain, freight forwarding, or related areas.
• Strong understanding of the Malaysian logistics market, business environment, and local regulatory requirements.
• Previous experience working or living in Malaysia is highly preferred.
• Proven experience in developing B2B clients within the electronics manufacturing, industrial, or related sectors.
• Existing client relationships or business networks within Penang's electronics manufacturing ecosystem are highly advantageous.
• Experience in establishing, developing, or managing overseas branches is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of transportation, warehousing, customs coordination, last-mile delivery, and cross-border logistics operations.
• Experience managing third-party logistics providers, suppliers, and local business partners.
• Strong business development, negotiation, client relationship management, and commercial capabilities.
• Fluent Chinese and English proficiency, both spoken and written, for communication with headquarters and international clients.
• Malay language proficiency is preferred, particularly for communication with local government authorities, customers, suppliers, and employees.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, operational management, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to independently develop business opportunities and manage local operations.
• High level of adaptability and willingness to work in a fast-growing international business environment.
• Willingness to relocate and work fully on-site in Penang, Malaysia.
• Willingness to travel within Malaysia and Southeast Asia when required.