Managing Director

Our strategic partner is a leading multinational technology company operating in more than 40 countries, specializing in automated industrial equipment and integrated solutions for industrial and environmental applications. With a well-established international presence, the company is expanding its business operations in Vietnam and seeking qualified professionals to support the establishment of its local operations and drive long-term growth. 

Location: Phu Quoc, Vietnam (Hybrid) 

Summary 

Our strategic partner is seeking a Managing Director to establish and lead its operations in Vietnam and deliver a Deposit Return System (DRS) pilot as the foundation for a wider rollout. The role combines commercial leadership with hands-on operational execution and the development of the local organization to ensure efficient and successful business operations and achieve business objectives. 

Job Responsibilities 

• Direct the preparation, launch and operation of the Phu Quoc DRS pilot, delivering the outcomes agreed for each stage. 

• Set up the Vietnam operation and its working structure, then recruit, organize and guide the local team through daily activities. 

• Act as the senior representative with public agencies and official institutions, while building ties with customers and partners in retail, distribution, beverages and recycling. 

• Maintain close working relationships with the pilot owner, relevant authorities in Phu Quoc and at provincial and national levels, and external development partners. 

• Lead commercial discussions with buyers of recovered materials, including recycling companies. 

• Create the Central Consolidation Hub for verification and light processing of used beverage containers, and establish practical cooperation with local scrap dealers. 

• Align technical, operational and commercial work with international colleagues and the Public Affairs, Marketing, Development and Legal functions. 

• Clear barriers and make prompt decisions throughout pilot preparation, rollout and operation to sustain progress. 

• Exercise disciplined financial oversight of budgets, P&L and the commercial consequences of business decisions. 

• Maintain adherence to applicable laws, internal policies and safety requirements, and embed the organization’s values in the local operation. 

• Own pilot delivery and local operational readiness, set clear direction, and step into detailed business or operational work when needed. 

• Turn strategic priorities into practical action in a start-up setting while developing a collaborative, accountable team focused on solutions. 

• Model the organization’s People, Planet and Profit commitment through integrity, safe practice and responsible leadership. 

Job Requirements 

• Bring 15 years of senior leadership experience across business management, organization building and complex stakeholder settings. 

• Demonstrate sound commercial and financial acumen, including command of P&L and well-judged business decisions. 

• Show strong negotiation, communication and relationship skills, with the credibility to engage public bodies, institutional counterparts, customers and business partners. 

• Have a record of building or expanding organizations, navigating uncertainty and delivering results in fast-paced project or start-up settings. 

• Use independent, decisive and hands-on judgment to solve practical problems, rank priorities and meet demanding deadlines. 

• Work effectively across seniority levels and with both Vietnam-based and international teams. 

• Be able and willing to travel frequently to Phu Quoc and live there during the principal preparation and implementation stages. 

• Hold a valid driving licence and be able to drive in Vietnam. 

• Communicate fluently and effectively in Vietnamese and English, both verbally and in writing. 

If you possess the required skills and experience and are ready to significantly contribute to the dynamic team, we warmly welcome your application at minh@peoplewise.vn, thanh.nguyen@peoplewise.vn or application@peoplewise.vn. 

About PeopleWise Vietnam: 

PeopleWise Vietnam is founded on the belief that people are at the core of organizational success. We provide comprehensive human resources consulting services to partners worldwide, including Executive Search and Talent Acquisition Solutions, Staffing Management Solutions, and People & Organizational Consulting Services. 

We are proud to work with multinational corporations as well as leading local and foreign-invested enterprises, helping them build high-performing teams and achieve sustainable business growth. Our commitment is to deliver high-quality, cost-effective people solutions that create lasting competitive advantages and long-term value for both our clients and candidates. 

To help you explore even more career opportunities, we invite you to join PeopleHays, our career platform, at https://peoplehays.com. 

To learn more about PeopleWise Vietnam and our services, please visit https://peoplewise.vn/.