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.