Managing Director – Southeast Asia (Advanced Materials)
- Regional Leadership
- Market Expansion
- Location: Singapore
Our Client
A global leader in Advanced Materials is establishing its Southeast Asia headquarters in Singapore and is seeking an outstanding Managing Director to build and lead its regional operations. This strategic role will shape the company’s footprint across the SEA region, driving growth in high-technology segments such as electronics, semiconductors, specialty chemicals, coatings, composites, and other next-generation material solutions.
Job Details
The Managing Director will oversee the full regional business covering commercial strategy, operations, technical support, and market development. As the key regional ambassador, the role will drive customer engagement across industries where advanced materials fuel innovation.
This role reports directly to the Global Vice President – Commercial & Strategy (Headquarters) and collaborates closely with global R&D, product, and operations teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and lead the new Singapore headquarters as the central hub for Southeast Asia.
- Own regional P&L, driving commercial, operational, and strategic priorities.
- Build and scale a high-performing team across sales, technical, applications, and customer excellence.
- Develop market-entry and expansion strategies across priority industries such as semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, EV batteries, specialty chemicals, aerospace, and high-performance industrial applications.
- Strengthen relationships with customers, channel partners, OEMs, and key industry stakeholders.
- Represent the company with regulatory bodies, trade associations, and government agencies within the region.
- Collaborate with global R&D and product teams to introduce new materials, enhance product-market fit, and support customer trials and onboarding.
- Ensure compliance with all regional regulatory, environmental, and operational requirements.
- Drive innovation-focused partnerships, pilot projects, and technical collaborations across SEA.
Job Requirements
- 12–18+ years of experience in Advanced Materials, Specialty Chemicals, Coatings, Composites, Polymers, Adhesives, Functional Films, or high-tech industrial materials.
- Solid track record in commercial leadership, business building, or regional P&L roles.
- Experience developing new markets and expanding across Southeast Asia.
- Strong technical understanding of materials performance, industrial applications, and customer requirements.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-growth, build-from-zero environment.
Prior experience setting up a regional office or leading SEA-level operations is highly advantageous.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Spearhead the company’s flagship expansion into a rapidly accelerating geography.
- High-visibility position with direct influence on global strategy.
- Opportunity to shape a new regional HQ, culture, and long-term roadmap from the ground up.
- Work at the intersection of advanced materials, innovation, and next-generation industrial technologies.
Please be advised that due to the considerable number of applications we receive, we are only able to contact candidates who meet our client’s requirements.
We appreciate your understanding and wish you the best in your career endeavors.
Sathiyarajan Vinayagamani – SaVi
EA Personnel KAH Reg No: R1216080
EA License No: 23C1889
