Business Manager – Traditional Techniques & Materials Venture (Based in Penang) - Careers

We are seeking a commercially driven and technically curious Business Manager to grow our traditional techniques and materials business in Penang. This role operates at the intersection of heritage conservation, sustainable construction, and client engagement, where technical knowledge and commercial sensibility must work in close dialogue.

The Business Manager will be responsible for developing the market, securing projects, and supporting the preparation of quotations under supervision. They will also ensure effective coordination between clients and our production facility, maintaining clarity, efficiency, and quality throughout project delivery.

A key aspect of this role is the ability to translate the value of traditional materials, such as lime-based plasters, mortars, and heritage finishes, into clear and compelling propositions for clients across the heritage and boutique commercial sectors. This requires both commercial awareness and a genuine interest in traditional craftsmanship and material performance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Development & Sales

Lead market development and business growth in Penang and the wider region
Build and maintain strong relationships with architects, property owners, consultants, contractors, and clients
Identify, pursue, and secure projects within heritage, hospitality, and boutique commercial sectors
Translate the value of traditional materials into clear and compelling commercial propositions, positioning them as premium, climate-responsive alternatives to conventional finishes
Conduct site visits, present solutions, and convert leads into projects

2. Quotation & Project Scoping

Conduct initial project assessments to understand scope, technical requirements, and client expectations
Prepare accurate and commercially viable preliminary cost estimates and detailed quotations under supervision, including cost breakdowns for materials, labour, logistics, and ancillary works while ensuring material integrity and clarity
Support the development of standardised pricing structures, cost templates, and commercial pricing strategies to strengthen market positioning
Coordinate with the production team to verify material availability, lead times, and technical feasibility
Support site visits and client meetings to refine project scope and technical solutions
Prepare weekly activity reports, including site visit summaries, client interactions, and photographic documentation
Ensure clear communication across all stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle

3. Production & Operations Coordination

Ensure the production facility maintains adequate stock levels of materials
Coordinate delivery timelines between production and project requirements
Assist in material selection and system specification based on project requirements while monitoring the quality and consistency of outputs
Support continuous improvement of production processes
Coordinate between clients and the production facility to ensure smooth project execution
Monitor project progress, ensuring alignment with scope, timeline, and quality standards

4. Technical Learning & Market Translation

Develop a strong understanding of traditional materials and techniques, including lime-based plasters, mortars, mineral finishes, and heritage surface treatments
Interpret technical information into clear, accessible language tailored to clients, consultants, and non-specialist stakeholders
Translate key material qualities including breathability, compatibility, durability, and reversibility into commercial and architectural value propositions
Support the preparation of technical presentations, material samples, and demonstrations
Contribute to the development of educational and promotional materials
Stay informed on heritage conservation principles, sustainable construction trends, and material innovations

5. Brand & Market Positioning

Develop and communicate a clear narrative identity for the business, positioning traditional materials as relevant, high-performance, and climate-responsive solutions
Support the development and implementation of a coherent brand strategy aligned with heritage and sustainability values
Identify and engage target markets across heritage, hospitality, cultural, and boutique commercial sectors
Build and maintain strategic relationships with architects, consultants, developers, and contractors
Promote traditional techniques and sustainable material practices through client engagement and presentations
Monitor market trends in heritage conservation and sustainable construction, identifying opportunities for growth
Support digital visibility, including website content, social media, and professional platforms
Prepare weekly reports summarising marketing activities, client outreach, and site engagement

Skills & Experience

Essential

Approximately 8-10 years of overall working experience, including 2–5 years in construction, materials supply, cost estimation, quotation preparation, or project scoping
Experience preparing quotations or pricing for construction or building-related works
Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and technical documents
Demonstrate the ability to document and report on activities undertaken
Strong commercial awareness with the ability to translate technical expertise into client-focused value propositions, win work, and successfully close deals.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage clients confidently and build long-term relationships
Highly proactive and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively in field-based environments, independently, and as part of a team
Demonstrate interest or experience in heritage conservation, traditional materials, or sustainable construction

Desirable

Background in sales of building materials, construction products, or related industries
Exposure to heritage, conservation, architecture, or interior design sectors
Understanding of project delivery processes in the built environment

Personal Attributes

Curious and eager to learn — motivated to understand materials, techniques, and processes in depth
Respectful of craft and heritage — demonstrates sensitivity toward traditional knowledge and cultural value
Strong communicator and listener — able to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging language for different audiences
Relationship-oriented — builds trust with clients, collaborators, and artisans through clarity, reliability, and respect
Collaborative and team-oriented — works effectively with multidisciplinary teams and contributes positively towards shared goals
Detail-oriented and methodical — attentive to both technical accuracy and commercial implications
Professional integrity — committed to transparency, accountability, and quality in all aspects of work

Why This Role Matters

Traditional materials are not only essential for conserving heritage buildings but also offer practical advantages for modern tropical environments, including improved thermal comfort and moisture control. This role is critical in bringing these solutions to market, ensuring that traditional knowledge continues to shape contemporary built environments.

This role sits at the intersection of heritage, material intelligence, and contemporary construction. Traditional materials are often undervalued, despite their proven performance, durability, and environmental benefits. Their relevance today depends on the ability to translate their value into modern practice.

The Business Manager plays a key role in bridging knowledge and application, ensuring that traditional craftsmanship moves beyond preservation and actively informs current building practices. By connecting clients, designers, and production, the role supports the use of breathable, compatible, and climate-responsive materials in real projects. More than a commercial function, this position contributes to the continuity of knowledge, helping shape a built environment where heritage, performance, and long-term value align.