Sales head

Head of International Business – South East Asia

Location: Malaysia / India
Initial Base: Malaysia for the first 6–12 months
Market Coverage: South East Asia (SEA)
Employment Type: 12-Month Contract – Extendable/Renewable Annually
Travel: Extensive travel across South East Asia
Open to: Malaysian, Indian & Expatriate Candidates

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Head of International Business / Regional Sales Leader to drive business growth and topline performance across South East Asian markets.

The position will be initially based in Malaysia for approximately 6–12 months, with significant travel across the SEA region. The role may be based in Malaysia or India, depending on the candidate's profile and business requirements.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing the regional sales strategy, expanding distribution networks, managing key partners, driving new business development and delivering commercial growth across assigned SEA markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overall sales strategy, annual sales plans and business programs for South East Asian markets.
• Own and drive the topline and commercial performance of the international business in line with the annual business plan.
• Develop country-specific market insights to support marketing activities, category development and new product development.
• Coordinate with Marketing, Modern Trade and E-commerce teams to implement regional growth initiatives.
• Prepare annual budgets, quarterly plans and monthly sales forecasts.
• Work closely with Operations and Supply Chain teams to ensure timely product availability based on market requirements and forecasts.
• Lead and manage the sales team to achieve regional targets through regular reviews, performance monitoring, gap analysis and corrective actions.
• Identify new business opportunities and develop sustainable strategic business units across SEA markets.
• Build and expand distributor, importer, retail and channel networks across the region.
• Understand country-specific product registration, regulatory and compliance requirements and coordinate with R&D and relevant teams.
• Monitor retail execution, merchandising, distribution and market visibility across existing markets.
• Manage volume, value and profitability targets for individual business partners.
• Develop partner margins, pricing strategies, category mix and commercial plans based on market conditions.
• Design and execute promotional plans and Terms of Trade (ToT) with retail and distribution partners.
• Formulate, implement and monitor trade schemes to achieve business objectives.
• Establish product-wise pricing for retail and wholesale channels, considering local duties, margins, competition and market conditions.
• Lead new product launches across existing and new SEA markets.
• Establish and maintain strong, productive relationships with key distributors, importers, retailers and strategic partners.
• Monitor distributor inventory and ensure efficient stock management.
• Develop sales systems, processes, documentation and automation to improve operational efficiency and compliance.
• Regularly monitor country-wise sales performance and identify opportunities for business improvement.
• Prepare and present regular regional sales and business performance reports to senior leadership.
• Travel extensively across SEA markets for business development, distributor meetings, market visits, reviews and commercial negotiations.

Key Competencies

• International Business Development
• Regional / International Sales
• SEA Market Development
• Commercial & P&L Management
• Distributor & Channel Management
• Business Strategy & Planning
• Pricing & Trade Management
• Negotiation & Stakeholder Management
• Team Leadership
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Analytical & Business Planning Skills
• Results Orientation

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in International Business, Regional Sales, Export Sales or Business Development.
• Strong experience managing South East Asian markets is highly preferred.
• Experience in distributor, importer, modern trade, retail and channel management.
• Strong understanding of regional market expansion and business development.
• Experience in sales forecasting, pricing, trade schemes, commercial negotiations and P&L management.
• Experience working closely with Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance and R&D teams.
• Strong leadership, communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to independently develop markets and build long-term business partnerships.
• Willingness and ability to undertake extensive international travel across SEA.
• Candidates currently based in India, Malaysia or other SEA markets are welcome to apply.
• Expatriate candidates with relevant SEA/international business experience are encouraged to apply.

Contract & Location

Contract: 12 months, with annual extension/renewal based on business requirements and performance.

Initial Assignment: Malaysia for approximately 6–12 months.

Long-Term Base: Malaysia or India, depending on business requirements and candidate profile.

Travel: Extensive travel across South East Asian markets will be required.

Apply

Candidates with strong International Sales / SEA Business Development / Regional Commercial experience are encouraged to apply.

Pay: RM16,000.00 - RM25,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person