Chief Executive Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and oversight to drive the startup launch and growth of abaca processing and sustainable agribusiness operations in the Philippines. The CEO is responsible for aligning the initiative's goals with the organization's mission of inclusive economic growth, community empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the CEO ensures the successful launch of the initial business for abaca processing, fosters partnerships with stakeholders, and maintains operational excellence, strong fiscal controls and management, and regulatory compliance. This role requires high-level engagement with investors, government officials, regulators, and community leaders, demanding exceptional startup leadership, communication skills, strategic acumen, and a commitment to the company's shared values and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) impact.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide executive leadership to drive the company's mission of sustainable agribusiness and community empowerment, overseeing operations across Singapore and the Philippines.
• Direct and oversee the implementation of the company's abaca processing facilities in the Philippines, ensuring strict adherence to approved plant designs, financial models, and all requirements under the investment and/or Shareholder's Agreements.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to implement and evaluate business strategy and projected revenue goals, updated quarterly.
• Oversee the creation and execution of short-term and long-range plans, budgets, and operational frameworks aligned with corporate objectives and the abaca initiative's scalability.
• Foster partnerships with key stakeholders, including government bodies, investors, banks, auditors, and local communities, to ensure transparency, compliance, and project success.
• Direct senior leadership in implementing policies, programs, and processes that support the initiative's goals, including sustainable abaca processing and market expansion.
• Establish and maintain robust organizational structures, policies, and controls to support current operations and future growth, ensuring seamless communication and information flow.
• Oversee the design and implementation of mechanical and technology systems to enhance plant operations and operational efficiency, including mechanization, plant design, hardware, and software for administrative and financial management.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations in Singapore and the Philippines.
• Hold ultimate responsibility for meeting revenue targets, strict financial oversight, coordinating with the Finance Director to manage budgets, investment allocations, and expense management, provide accurate reporting, and maintain accountability to investors, auditors, and regulators.
• Represent the company with integrity and excellence in engagements with investors, government officials, regulators, creditors, and the business community.
• Cultivate a collaborative, success-oriented culture that prioritizes shared value, inclusivity, and strategic partnerships, aligning with the initiative's ESG commitments.
• Monitor and evaluate operational performance, providing timely and accurate reports to the Board of Directors on key metrics, including job creation and community impact.

SUCCESS FACTORS AND EXPECTATIONS

• Startup Leadership: Build and lead a groundbreaking team to launch the first mechanized abaca processing business cluster in the Philippines and globally.
• Entrepreneurship, Resilience, and Innovation: Demonstrate an adaptive, entrepreneurial, solutions-oriented mindset, driving innovation in sustainable agribusiness while overcoming operational and regulatory challenges.
• Strategic Planning: Craft and implement strategic plans that align with international market demands, community priorities, and sustainability goals, with iterative feedback loops for continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and sustain trust with diverse stakeholders, including communities, government partners, and investors, through transparent and ethical communication.
• Cultural Commitment: Embody the company's values of inclusive economic growth, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation, fostering a collaborative and accountable work environment.
• Global Perspective: Navigate the complexities of operating in the Asia-Pacific region, balancing local community needs with global market opportunities in the fiber industry.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The CEO is accountable for the overall leadership, business launch, strategic expansion, revenue growth, and sustainability of the company. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and presenting a detailed 5-year annual implementation plan to the Board of Directors within one month of onboarding, using the business model and financials approved by the Board for abaca processing, with quarterly updates thereafter.
• Overseeing and conducting regular travel to project sites in the Caraga region to engage with local communities, staff, and partners.
• Demonstrating expertise in manufacturing processes, manufacturing operational efficiencies, supply chain optimization, and securing purchase orders for fiber to meet production and revenue goals.
• Demonstrating expertise in optimizing the abaca supply chain, from sustainable sourcing and production to distribution, while enhancing value chain activities through strategic innovation, partnerships, and ESG-focused processes to drive competitive advantage and community impact.
• Ensuring compliance with all lawful directions, operating agreements, and policies of the company and affiliated entities.
• Serving as the lead ambassador for the initiative, championing its objectives while cultivating strategic relationships with global and regional stakeholders, including buyers of the company's products.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in business, agribusiness, fiber processing, or a related field; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
• Demonstrated success in launching and scaling a new business in an underdeveloped market.
• Experience in market-creating business development (i.e., starting a business in a frontier-emerging market with no prior investment and professional business management).
• 12–15 years of executive leadership experience in agribusiness, sustainability, or related fields, with at least 7–10 years in a CEO or senior leadership role. Experience in the Asia-Pacific region is a plus.
• Proven success in leading entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in manufacturing or sustainable agribusiness.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-million-dollar budgets and drive revenue growth in competitive markets.
• Strong interpersonal skills with experience partnering with diverse leadership teams and government stakeholders.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex business documents, industry reports, and regulatory guidelines.
• Proficient in writing reports, business correspondence, and strategic plans, with the ability to present information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in Filipino (Tagalog) or other regional languages is a plus.
• Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts, including financial modeling, statistical analysis, and budgeting, to support strategic decision-making.
• Proficiency in analyzing ratios, percentages, and financial projections to evaluate project viability and market opportunities.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex and ambiguous situations in international business environments.
• Capacity to interpret and act on diverse forms of information, including written directives, oral feedback, and market data.
• Proficient in Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Teams).
• Experience with video conferencing platforms (Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram) and adaptability to portal interfaces for IT, HR, and accounting (Sage Intacct experience preferred).
• Familiarity with agribusiness or sustainability software for supply chain management or ESG reporting is a plus.
• Certification in strategic management, agribusiness, or sustainability (e.g., Certified B Corporation, ESG certification) is a plus.
• Knowledge of cluster and regional development models of Michael Porter is a plus.
• Knowledge of financial management, regulatory compliance, and human resources practices; relevant certifications preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear, and regularly travel to rural areas in the Caraga region, adapting to diverse environments. The employee is required to stand, walk, use hands to handle objects, reach with arms, and/or climb. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment is typically quiet, with occasional travel to project sites in the Caraga region, which may involve outdoor or rural settings. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Php250, Php300,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Company events

Application Question(s):

• Do you have at least 12–15 years of executive leadership experience, including 7–10 years in a CEO or senior leadership role?
• Have you successfully launched or scaled a new business in an emerging or underdeveloped market?
• Do you have experience in agribusiness, fiber processing, or sustainable manufacturing?
• What is the largest budget or P&L you have managed, and what was the outcome?
• Are you willing to travel regularly to project sites in the Caraga region and internationally if needed?
• How many years of experience do you have working with government agencies, investors, or Indigenous/local communities?

Work Location: In person