Assistant General Manager – Planning & Development

Our client is a Malaysian real estate firm specializing in property development, investment, and related services, including construction material trading and project management.

Role Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced and strategic Assistant General Manager to lead the Planning & Development function. This pivotal role is responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, feasibility analysis, design coordination, and regulatory approval processes across the company's property development portfolio. You will drive the overall development vision, ensure project viability, and strategically align all planning initiatives with the company’s commercial, operational, and long-term growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Development Leadership
• Define and drive the overall development strategy aligned with corporate objectives.
• Lead master planning for landbank and new acquisitions.
• Identify and evaluate new development opportunities and market trends.
• Provide strategic input to Executive Management on pipeline growth.
• Feasibility, Investment & Portfolio Management
• Oversee comprehensive feasibility studies (including GDV, GDC, IRR, NPV) to ensure commercial viability.
• Review and approve development proposals and business cases.
• Optimize project mix, density, phasing, and product positioning.
• Monitor portfolio performance and recommend strategic adjustments.
• Land Acquisition & Due Diligence
• Lead planning and technical due diligence for land acquisition processes.
• Assess development potential, identify constraints, and evaluate risk factors.
• Advise on acquisition strategy, deal structuring, and development yield.
• Authority Liaison & Regulatory Strategy
• Establish and maintain high-level engagement with local authorities and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee and manage all planning approvals (e.g., Development Order, Planning Permission, Building Plans).
• Ensure strict compliance with zoning laws, planning guidelines, and statutory requirements.
• Strategize and resolve complex approval issues effectively.
• Design & Consultant Management
• Provide strategic direction on design concepts, master planning, and overall development quality.
• Lead and manage external consultants (Architects, Planners, Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Landscape Architects, etc.).
• Ensure alignment between design intent, cost efficiency, and market positioning.
• Drive innovation, sustainability, and ESG integration within design processes.
• Project Integration & Execution Alignment
• Ensure seamless integration and collaboration across Planning, Project, Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Procurement departments.
• Oversee development timelines from concept initiation to launch readiness.
• Identify key project risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Ensure projects adhere to budget, timeline, and quality expectations.
• Stakeholder & Partnership Management
• Manage critical relationships with Joint Venture partners, investors, authorities, and key stakeholders.
• Represent the company in high-level negotiations and strategic discussions.
• Handle community engagement and sensitive stakeholder matters with diplomacy.
• Leadership & Team Development
• Lead, mentor, and foster the professional development of the Planning & Development team.
• Cultivate a high-performance culture characterized by strong governance and accountability.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing initiatives.

Key Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Town Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Real Estate, or a related field.
• Recognized professional membership is an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in property development, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record in successfully delivering large-scale residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments.
• Strong experience in land acquisition, planning approvals, and development strategy.
• Deep understanding of the Malaysian planning and regulatory framework.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional strategic thinking and robust commercial acumen.
• Demonstrated leadership and senior-level decision-making capabilities.
• Advanced financial and feasibility analysis skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• In-depth knowledge of planning regulations and comprehensive development processes.
• Strong communication, presentation, and influencing skills.