ACWA Power Malaysia is seeking a seasoned professional strong experience in experience in water desalination and operations & maintenance (O&M). The role will drive the company's expansion in Malaysia and ASEAN, focusing on large-scale desalination projects and long-term O&M partnerships. The position requires a strategic thinker with deep industry knowledge, government and stakeholder engagement expertise, and the ability to deliver bankable projects that align with ACWA Power's global standards.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Strategy
- Lead origination and development of large-scale desalination and integrated water projects across Malaysia and ASEAN.
- Identify, assess, and secure new business opportunities in desalination, water treatment, and O&M services.
- Structure and negotiate MoUs, JDAs, PPAs, and long-term service agreements with government bodies, utilities, and private partners.
Project Management & Execution
Oversee project management and execution of water desalination and O&M ventures, ensuring delivery within time, cost, and quality benchmarks.Provide leadership in transitioning projects from development through EPC to operations phase.Ensure effective governance and management of project companies established in Malaysia or abroad.Project Leadership
Manage feasibility studies, technical evaluations, and commercial negotiations for water desalination plants and related O&M contracts.Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and project finance teams to ensure project bankability.Oversee project development milestones from concept through financial close, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain high-level relationships with ministries (Energy, Finance, Water), state governments, regulators, and industry partners.Represent ACWA Power Malaysia at conferences, industry forums, and government engagements.Drive localization initiatives, ensuring technology transfer and local workforce development.Operational Excellence
Oversee transition from project development to operations phase, ensuring sustainable performance of water assets.Support implementation of O&M best practices in alignment with ACWA Power's global standards.Ensure risk management frameworks are in place for asset integrity, cost optimization, and operational resilience.Qualifications
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or MBAExperience in water desalination, utilities, and O&M.Proven track record in project management, execution, and operation of project companies (either in Malaysia or abroad).Demonstrated experience in delivering large-scale water desalination projects (reverse osmosis, multi-stage flash, hybrid technologies).Strong background in structuring long-term O&M agreements with utilities, IPPs, and governments.Extensive knowledge of regulatory frameworks, tendering, direct award mechanisms, and public–private partnerships (PPP).Experience in securing project financing and working with international banks, export credit agencies, and local financial institutions.Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills.