Operation Manager

We are looking for an experienced Operation Manager to lead our Johor Bahru office and act as the primary operational and business point of contact for our clients in Johor Bahru, Malacca and across Malaysia. This role complements our professional accounting and tax team — while the Accounting Manager leads financial reporting and compliance, the Operation Manager leads local operations, client engagement, government liaison and business development.

This is a client-facing leadership role. Many of our clients are regional and international investors and businesses entering the Johor Bahru / Iskandar Malaysia and Malacca markets. The successful candidate will host client visits, introduce the local business environment, connect clients with government agencies and local partners, and lead the local team in delivering hands-on, on-the-ground support beyond company registration, bookkeeping and tax filing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Johor Bahru office team, overseeing day-to-day operations, administration and local business support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients on operational and business matters, working alongside the Accounting Manager and professional team

• Liaise with local government agencies and authorities on licensing, permits, and other regulatory or administrative matters on behalf of clients

• Host and receive client visits from regional and international investors, introducing the Johor Bahru / Iskandar Malaysia and Malacca business environment

• Build and maintain relationships with local partners, government contacts, and business networks in Johor Bahru and Malacca

• Support clients beyond company registration, accounting and tax filing — providing practical, on-the-ground operational assistance to help them establish and run their business locally

• Coordinate closely with the accounting/tax team to ensure a smooth, joined-up client experience

• Identify and support local business development opportunities, with particular relevance to the construction, manufacturing/factory, and engineering sectors

• Manage office administration, logistics and vendor relationships for the Johor Bahru team

• Report to and coordinate regularly with the Singapore head office on local operations and client matters

Requirements

• Minimum 3–5 years of managerial or supervisory experience gained in a commercial / corporate environment (not limited to professional services or audit firm background)

• Prior working experience within or exposure to construction, manufacturing/factory, or engineering industries preferred

• Strong familiarity with the local Johor Bahru business, government and regulatory environment

• Prior experience in client-facing roles, including hosting, receiving and engaging with clients or business partners

• Based in or willing to relocate to Johor Bahru, with willingness to travel locally to Malacca and support client site visits

• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management or a related field preferred

• Comfortable operating with autonomy and taking ownership of a newly established, high-visibility leadership role