Manufacturing Head

Site Director (Refinery), Malaysia 

We are partnering with a leading renewable fuels platform to appoint a Site Director for a large-scale biorefinery in Malaysia. This is a critical leadership role responsible for driving safe, efficient, and commercially optimized operations across a complex continuous processing facility, producing sustainable fuels for global markets.

The position offers the opportunity to lead a flagship asset at the forefront of the energy transition, with full accountability across operations, people, and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end site operations across production, maintenance, process engineering, HSSE, and support functions
• Drive safe and efficient plant performance, ensuring alignment with international standards and group safety targets
• Oversee plant start-up, commissioning, and ramp-up activities, ensuring stable and optimised operations
• Develop and execute operational strategies to maximise output, efficiency, and cost performance
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across production, utilities, and workforce productivity
• Collaborate closely with feedstock supply, commercial, and supply chain teams to optimise value chain performance
• Manage full site P&L, including cost control, budgeting, and financial performance optimisation
• Build and lead high-performing, cross-functional teams, fostering a strong culture of accountability and safety
• Act as the primary representative for the business with local authorities, regulators, and external stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with all local regulations, environmental standards, and corporate governance requirements

Requirements

• Degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering (advanced degree preferred)
• Extensive experience in refining, petrochemicals, or biofuels operations
• Proven track record managing large-scale continuous processing plants (300+ headcount)
• Strong technical understanding of refining processes; experience in hydrotreating or similar processes is highly advantageous
• Demonstrated experience in plant commissioning, start-up, and operational ramp-up
• Strong leadership capability with experience building and managing high-performance teams
• Commercial acumen with experience managing cost optimisation and operational performance
• Experience working within APAC, with an understanding of regional operational and cultural dynamics
• Strong stakeholder management experience, including engagement with government and regulatory bodies
• Deep commitment to health, safety, and environmental excellence

Why This Role?

• Play a key role in scaling low-carbon fuel solutions across global markets
• Significant leadership scope with full operational and commercial accountability
• Opportunity to shape and build a high-performing team within a rapidly expanding platform

If you’re interested, or would like to have a confidential discussion, please reach out directly.