CEO/MD (Rubber plantation)

Key responsibilities

Strategic leadership & business transformation

• Provide overall strategic direction and leadership to reposition the organization for growth and long-term sustainability.
  
• Develop and execute a clear turnaround strategy addressing operational inefficiencies, workforce challenges, and structural gaps.
  
• Drive alignment between Board expectations and management execution.
  
• Establish and embed a performance-driven culture across the organization.
  

Financial leadership & fund raising

• Lead the development and execution of the company’s financial strategy, including budgeting, cost optimization, and revenue growth.
  
• Drive capital raising initiatives through engagement with banks, investors, development finance institutions, and other funding sources.
  
• Build and maintain strong relationships with lenders and financial stakeholders.
  
• Ensure prudent financial management, debt restructuring (where applicable), and improved liquidity position.
  
• Provide credible financial leadership that inspires confidence among investors and lenders.
  

Governance, structure & organizational development

• Establish a clear organizational structure with defined reporting lines and accountability.
  
• Strengthen corporate governance practices and ensure compliance with regulatory and Board requirements.
  
• Oversee the development and implementation of HR frameworks, including performance management, succession planning, and talent development.
  
• Promote transparency, professionalism, and ethical standards across the organization.
  

People & culture management

• Build a high-performing leadership team and strengthen management capability across all levels.
  
• Drive employee engagement, improve morale, and foster a culture of accountability and performance.
  
• Ensure alignment of workforce capability with business needs through effective talent management.
  

Stakeholder management

• Act as the primary liaison between the Board, management, employees, financial institutions, and external stakeholders.
  
• Provide regular updates and strategic insights to the Board on business performance and risks.
  
• Represent the organization in industry, regulatory, and investor engagements.
  

Risk management & compliance

• Identify, assess, and mitigate operational, financial, and reputational risks.
  
• Strengthen internal controls, security systems, and compliance frameworks.
  
• Ensure adherence to all legal, regulatory, and environmental standards.
  

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Revenue growth and profitability improvement
  
• Successful capital raising and debt management
  
• Workforce productivity and engagement levels
  
• Implementation of governance and growth structures
  
• Reduction in operational losses and leakages
  
• Improvement in infrastructure and workplace standards
  

Qualifications & experience

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree or MBA is an advantage).
  
• Strong preference for candidates with a finance background (e.g., ACA, FCA,ACCA, CFA or equivalent).
  
• Minimum of 12–15 years’ experience, with at least 5–7 years in a senior leadership role.
  
• Proven experience in raising funds, managing financial institutions, and leading financial strategy.
  
• Demonstrated ability to lead business transformation or turnaround initiatives.
  
• Experience in the agriculture or plantation sector is an advantage, but not mandatory.
  

Key competencies

• Strong financial acumen and commercial awareness
  
• Strategic thinking and execution capability
  
• Leadership and team-building skills
  
• Stakeholder management and negotiation skills
  
• Operational excellence and problem-solving ability
  
• High level of integrity and professionalism
  
• Ability to drive change in complex environments
  

Personal attributes

• Results-driven with a strong sense of ownership
  
• Resilient and adaptable in challenging environments
  
• High level of credibility and executive presence
  
• Strong decision-making capability under pressure