General Manager - Interior Design Contractor

We are seeking an experienced General Manager to lead the overall business operations and growth of the company. The role will oversee sales, projects, retail, dealer network, branch operations, business development, and commercial initiatives.

He/She will have full responsibility for business performance, P&L, revenue growth, profitability, operational excellence, and strategic expansion, while working closely with Group Management to achieve the Company’s objectives.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring active involvement in sales, business development, strategic negotiations, branch expansion, tenant recruitment, customer engagement, and operational execution.

Business Operations & Leadership

• Lead and oversee the end-to-end business operations of the company
• Ensure smooth day-to-day operations across Retail, Projects, Dealer Network, Branch Operations and support functions.
• Establish clear operational strategies, SOPs, workflows, governance controls and performance standards.
• Drive operational excellence, service quality, cost optimization and sustainable business growth.

Revenue Growth & Commercial Performance

• Lead sales strategy and performance across B2B projects, dealer channels, retail showrooms and B2C customers.
• Own monthly, quarterly and annual sales targets.
• Drive lead generation, conversion, showroom sales and project closures.
• Personally lead strategic negotiations and high-value commercial deals.
• Expand dealer networks, partnerships and customer acquisition channels.
• Strengthen market presence and brand visibility.

Profitability & P&L Ownership

• Take full ownership of the Profit & Loss (P&L) of the company
• Drive profitability through revenue growth, gross margin improvement, pricing discipline and cost controls.
• Monitor net profit performance in alignment with the agreed profit-sharing mechanism.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, margin analysis and cash flow management.
• Ensure timely collection and healthy receivables aging control.

Strategic Planning & Business Development

• Develop and execute business strategies aligned with Group objectives.
• Identify new market segments, products and business opportunities.
• Drive new revenue streams and commercial partnerships.
• Monitor market trends, competitors and industry developments.
• Recommend strategic initiatives to enhance revenue and profitability.

Branch Expansion & East Malaysia Growth

• Lead branch expansion plans, including East Malaysia (Sabah / Sarawak) and other strategic locations as directed by Management.
• Identify suitable locations for new branches, showrooms and retail presence.
• Oversee branch setup, including renovation, fit-out, IT readiness, manpower, operational launch and post-launch stabilization.
• Ensure branch performance, breakeven timelines and profitability targets are achieved.

Mall Leasing, Tenant Recruitment & Ecosystem Development

• Lead the planning and execution of large-scale commercial and mall-space leasing initiatives.
• Identify suitable retail or mall spaces aligned with the Company’s expansion strategy.
• Lead tenancy negotiations and finalize leasing commitments.
• Recruit and curate complementary business partners and tenants, including furniture, home décor, lighting, renovation, soft furnishing and related lifestyle businesses.
• Ensure optimal occupancy rates, tenant mix, footfall generation and rental yield.
• Build a one-stop interior and lifestyle ecosystem to drive cross-selling opportunities and strengthen market presence.

Hands-On Operational & Commercial Execution

• He/She is expected to adopt a hands-on leadership approach and actively participate in business execution.
• This includes, but is not limited to, sales closures, customer engagements, site visits, project coordination, showroom operations, branch setup, tenant recruitment, dealer management and on-ground problem-solving.
• The role shall not be limited to managerial oversight and is expected to drive execution at the operational level whenever required by Management.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, manage and develop a high-performing management team.
• Set clear KPIs, accountability measures and performance review mechanisms.
• Work closely with HR on recruitment, talent development and performance management.
• Build a performance-driven and commercially focused culture.

Reporting, Governance & Compliance

• Present monthly business performance reports to Group Management.
• Report on sales, margins, profitability, risks, opportunities and expansion progress.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, Company policies and governance standards.

Requirements

• Minimum 8–10 years of relevant management experience, preferably in business operations, retail, interior, furniture, building materials, construction, property or other related industries.
• Proven track record in managing business operations, sales performance, business development and P&L.
• Strong commercial and business acumen with a demonstrated ability to drive revenue and profitability.
• Experience in B2B projects, B2C, retail showroom operations and/or dealer network management will be an advantage.
• Strong experience in business development, strategic negotiations and commercial partnerships.
• Experience in branch expansion, showroom setup, commercial leasing or tenant management will be an advantage.
• Strong leadership, people management and performance management skills.
• Hands-on, results-oriented and commercially driven, with the ability to be directly involved in business execution.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High level of integrity, accountability and professionalism.
• Able to work effectively in a fast-paced and demanding environment, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• Willing to work beyond normal working hours, including weekends and public holidays, when required by business needs.