Business Development Manager Unconventional Channel (Contract)

Business Development Manager Unconventional Channel (Contract)

Shape the future of school nutrition in Malaysia.

Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad (DLMI) is looking for a commercially astute and well-connected Customer Development Manager to lead the Transforming School Nourishing Minds (TSNM) initiative, a strategic programme designed to build a sustainable school channel while positively impacting children's nutrition and learning outcomes. This high-visibility role requires a strong understanding of Malaysia's education ecosystem, with the ability to effectively engage schools, government stakeholders, distributors, and commercial partners to scale the programme nationwide. Acting as the overall Project Lead, you will drive business growth, stakeholder engagement, governance, and cross-functional execution to establish TSNM as a scalable and commercially sustainable platform.

This is a 1-year contract with the possibility of a further 1-year extension, subject to business needs and project milestones.

As the Customer Development Manager, you will serve as the overall Project Lead for the Transforming Schools Nourishing Minds (TNSM) initiative, accountable for the integrated business plan, commercial business case, and project governance. This role requires a strategic leader who can ensure coordinated delivery across multiple workstreams and maintain focus on achieving key milestones and scaling approved programmes sustainably.

The TSNM project functions within a unique school and institutional ecosystem, demanding a specialised approach distinct from conventional retail channels. Success hinges on securing institutional permissions, cultivating stakeholder trust, maintaining government and school relationships, aligning with relevant policies, and executing disciplined commercial strategies.

This role respects and supports the professional accountability and ownership of individual functions such as Corporate Affairs, Sales, and Marketing. Accordingly, you will collaborate closely with these teams, ensuring that all external engagements and functional commitments are upheld without encroaching on established decision rights.

Upon achievement of scale and a stable operating model, there will be a review of the organisational structure to determine the appropriate permanent position for this role within the School Channel or Key Account frameworks, based on management decisions.

If you are looking to lead a challenging and rewarding project that integrates strategic leadership, commercial acumen, and collaborative execution in a dynamic institutional environment, we encourage you to apply for this position with Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad.

What We Ask

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Customer Development Manager to lead the TSNM project at Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad, within our Asia Business Group. This role demands exceptional leadership, project management, and cross-functional coordination skills. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of engaging with institutional ecosystems, including government, schools, and other stakeholders, to support scalable and commercially sustainable programme growth.

Key attributes include:

• Proven experience in project leadership and managing integrated business plans with a focus on driving commercial success and governance adherence.
• Strong stakeholder management capabilities, particularly in navigating complex institutional and government landscapes.
• Ability to coordinate multiple functional teams, including Corporate Affairs, Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain, ensuring alignment and seamless collaboration.
• Expertise in route-to-market strategies, distributor management, sales operations, and marketing execution within a school or institutional context.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to monitor progress, manage risks, and ensure delivery against milestones.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills to serve as a key liaison across internal departments and external stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and implement long-term business plans and scalable operational models with a commercial mindset focused on profitability and growth.
• A commitment to working inclusively within a diverse team, fostering an environment of mutual respect, trust, and continuous improvement.

What We Offer

Joining Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad presents a unique opportunity to be part of a reputable organisation dedicated to innovation and excellence within the dairy industry. We offer a supportive and inclusive work environment that values your expertise and development.

Benefits of the role include:

• Opportunity to lead a strategic and high-impact project with a clear vision of RM25 million annual sales targets and sustainable growth.
• A collaborative workplace culture committed to diversity and inclusion where your leadership and ideas can shape the future direction of our school channel initiatives.
• Access to structured professional development, allowing you to expand your skills across project management, cross-functional coordination, and institutional engagement.
• A competitive remuneration package aligned with your experience and performance, reflecting the critical nature of the role.
• Engagement with senior management and regional stakeholders, offering valuable exposure and networking opportunities within the industry.
• Involvement in shaping a novel business segment which combines commercial route-to-market initiatives with institutional partnership development.