BRANCH MANAGER (SARAWAK)

About the role

The Branch Manager – Sarawak is responsible for the overall management and performance of the Sarawak branch, encompassing business operations, financial performance, customer relationships, logistics operations, business development, compliance, and people management. The role is accountable for ensuring the branch achieves its financial, operational, customer service, and business objectives, while driving continuous improvement, cost efficiency, service quality, and sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities

1. Branch & Business Management

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the Sarawak branch and ensure alignment with the Company's business strategy.
• Develop and execute branch business and operating plans to achieve financial, operational, and customer objectives.
• Monitor overall branch performance and ensure agreed KPIs and business targets are achieved.
• Identify business opportunities and support the growth and expansion of the Company's logistics services in Sarawak.
• Ensure effective coordination across all branch functions to deliver seamless end-to-end services.

2. Financial & P&L Management

• Support the General Manager – East Malaysia in achieving the financial budget and business objectives for Sarawak.
• Take responsibility for monitoring the branch's revenue, operating costs, profitability, and financial performance.
• Prepare and monitor the annual operating budget and ensure effective cost control.
• Review financial performance and key variances and implement corrective actions where required.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce operating costs, optimize resources, and enhance profitability.
• Prepare monthly branch performance reports covering financial, operational, customer, and business performance.

3. Operations Management

• Oversee day-to-day branch operations covering Freight Forwarding, Customer Service, Warehouse, Distribution, Customs Clearance, Fleet, and related logistics activities.
• Ensure operations are carried out efficiently and in accordance with customer requirements, company standards, SOPs, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor operational KPIs, service levels, productivity, capacity utilization, and resource efficiency.
• Ensure timely resolution of operational issues and customer escalations.
• Drive operational discipline and continuous improvement across all branch functions.

4. Customer & Key Account Management

• Maintain strong relationships with key customers and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Act as the key escalation point for significant customer and operational issues.
• Work closely with the Commercial team to support customer retention, business expansion, and new business opportunities.
• Participate in customer meetings, business reviews, tenders, quotations, and commercial discussions where required.
• Ensure customer requirements are effectively translated into operational processes and service standards.

5. Business Development & New Customer Implementation

• Identify opportunities for business growth within Sarawak and the wider East Malaysia market.
• Support the General Manager and Commercial team in developing new customers and expanding existing accounts.
• Lead the operational implementation of new customers, including development of SOPs, workflows, manpower requirements, and service processes.
• Ensure smooth onboarding and transition of new customers from commercial award to operational execution.
• Monitor new customer implementation to ensure service commitments and operational requirements are achieved.

6. Fleet, Transport & Distribution Management

• Oversee internal fleet operations and optimize vehicle utilization, productivity, and operating costs.
• Maximize utilization of internal fleet resources while reducing unnecessary dependency on third-party transporters.
• Monitor transporter performance, service quality, cost, compliance, and delivery performance.
• Ensure effective planning and coordination of transportation and distribution activities.

7. Warehouse & Logistics Operations

• Oversee warehouse operations to ensure effective utilization of facilities, manpower, equipment, and storage capacity.
• Ensure receiving, storage, picking, dispatch, and distribution activities are performed efficiently.
• Monitor warehouse productivity, service levels, operating costs, and resource utilization.
• Drive improvements in warehouse and distribution processes to enhance efficiency and customer service.

8. Project Logistics

• Lead and support project-based logistics activities, including Oil & Gas and other specialized logistics projects.
• Coordinate transportation, customs clearance, warehousing, facility management, and other project logistics requirements.
• Ensure project logistics activities are delivered according to agreed schedules, budgets, customer requirements, and quality standards.
• Coordinate effectively with customers, vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders.

9. Continuous Improvement & Digitalization

• Identify and implement initiatives to improve operational efficiency, productivity, service quality, and cost effectiveness.
• Apply Lean Management principles and appropriate digital solutions to improve processes and resource utilization.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce operational waste, improve turnaround time, and enhance customer experience.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making within the branch.

10. Compliance, Risk & Governance

• Ensure branch operations comply with relevant laws, regulatory requirements, company policies, SOPs, and customer requirements.
• Ensure effective operational controls and risk-management practices are implemented.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure corrective actions are completed within the required timelines.
• Identify operational, financial, commercial, and compliance risks and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
• Ensure proper maintenance of operational documentation and records.

11. People Management & Development

• Lead, motivate, and develop the Sarawak branch team to achieve business and operational objectives.
• Establish clear KPIs and performance expectations for managers and employees.
• Ensure appropriate manpower planning and resource allocation based on operational requirements.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities to strengthen employee capability and performance.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, customer focus, and continuous improvement.
• Identify talent and succession opportunities within the branch.

Key Performance Areas

The Branch Manager – Sarawak will be measured against key areas including:

• Branch Revenue & Profitability
• Budget & Cost Management
• Business Growth & New Customer Acquisition
• Customer Satisfaction & Retention
• Operational KPI & Service Level Achievement
• Fleet & Resource Utilization
• Warehouse & Distribution Productivity
• Project Logistics Performance
• Process Improvement & Cost Efficiency
• Compliance & Risk Management
• Employee Productivity & Capability Development

Key Relationships

Internal:

• General Manager – East Malaysia
• Commercial / Business Development
• Finance
• HR
• Operations
• Customer Service
• Warehouse & Distribution
• Procurement
• Group / Regional Management

External:

• Key Customers
• Transporters and Logistics Vendors
• Customs and Regulatory Authorities
• Suppliers and Service Providers
• Project Partners and Contractors

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or Diploma in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in logistics, freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution, transportation, or supply chain operations.
• Proven experience in branch management, P&L management, customer management, and operational leadership.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and multiple logistics functions.
• Experience in Oil & Gas / project logistics would be an advantage.
• Strong understanding of freight forwarding, customs clearance, transportation, warehouse, and distribution operations.
• Strong commercial, financial, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Good knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements relevant to logistics operations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder-management capabilities.