Chief Technical Officer

Our client is establishing a senior technical leadership role to drive engineering excellence across its manufacturing operations in Sabah. This is a rare greenfield opportunity for an experienced engineering leader who thrives on building teams, setting standards, and turning strategy into operational reality.

Why Apply?

This role offers genuine ownership. You will be the first technical leader in the organisation, responsible for creating the engineering function from scratch and setting its long-term direction. You will work closely with senior leadership, influence major capital and technology decisions, and play a key role in scaling operations responsibly and sustainably. For the right individual, this is a chance to leave a lasting legacy rather than step into an inherited structure.

The Role

As Chief Technical Officer, you will provide strategic and hands-on leadership across all engineering and plant-related activities.

• Define and execute the overall engineering and technical strategy aligned to business goals
• Oversee day-to-day technical operations of the manufacturing plant, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance
• Drive continuous improvement across processes, yields, and product quality
• Lead major engineering and capital projects from feasibility through commissioning
• Establish engineering standards, SOPs, and governance frameworks
• Build and lead the Engineering Department, including structure, hiring, and capability development
• Ensure compliance with local regulatory bodies and relevant international certifications
• Champion sustainability, safety, and innovation across technical operations

What We're Looking For

This role suits a self-driven, hands-on leader with a strong manufacturing background.

• Degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline
• Strong experience in manufacturing, process industries, or plant-based operations
• Exposure to palm oil, oleochemical, or similar processing environments is highly advantageous
• Proven leadership experience with a minimum of 5 years in a managerial capacity
• Track record of delivering complex engineering projects and building high-performing teams
• Comfortable operating in a greenfield environment with limited existing structure

If you are motivated by ownership, impact, and building something meaningful from the ground up, this role offers a compelling next step.

JTK Number: JTKSM 995 | Company Registration Number: 201301019088 (1048918-T)