The posting
About the Role
We are seeking a commercially minded and results-oriented professional to support our overseas business expansion across Asia. The successful candidate will help identify new markets, develop distribution and business channels, establish strategic partnerships, and convert business opportunities into sustainable commercial growth.
The role involves market research, partner acquisition, cross-border business development, commercial negotiations and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Overseas Market Development Research market demand, competitors, industry trends and potential business opportunities in Malaysia, Indonesia, China and other selected Asian markets. Identify suitable distributors, agents, franchise partners, retailers, business partners and corporate customers, depending on the company's business model. Develop and execute market-entry and channel-development plans.
- Business Partnerships and Channel Development Identify, approach and build relationships with potential overseas partners. Arrange business meetings, presentations, negotiations and follow-ups. Develop a pipeline of qualified leads and maintain an accurate customer relationship management (CRM) database. Support partnership agreements, distribution arrangements and commercial proposals.
- Sales and Business Growth Develop business proposals, quotations, market-entry plans and sales forecasts. Follow up on leads and move qualified opportunities towards commercial agreements. Monitor sales performance, market feedback and business development KPIs. Identify opportunities for repeat business and long-term strategic partnerships.
- Cross-Border Coordination Coordinate with internal teams and overseas partners on product or service requirements, pricing, marketing, delivery and implementation. Support overseas business trips, exhibitions, trade meetings, and partner visits as needed. Prepare regular reports on market opportunities, meetings, pipeline progress, risks and next steps.
- Management Reporting Submit monthly business development reports and market intelligence. Recommend practical actions to improve market penetration, partnership conversion and revenue growth. Ensure that business activities comply with applicable company policies and relevant local requirements.
Minimum Requirements
- Diploma or degree in Business Administration, International Business, Marketing, Sales, International Trade or a related discipline; relevant practical experience may also be considered.
- Business Development Manager: Normally at least 3 years of relevant business development, sales or partnership experience.
- Business Development Executive: Relevant experience in sales, marketing, customer acquisition or business coordination is preferred; suitable candidates with transferable skills may be considered.
- Good written and spoken English.
- Strong communication, presentation, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to conduct market research, prepare business proposals and follow up on commercial leads.
- Comfortable working with targets, deadlines and measurable performance indicators.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace; CRM experience is an advantage.
- Willingness to travel within Asia when required.
- Able to work independently, take initiative and coordinate across different cultures and time zones.
Preferred Skills
- Experience in international business development, distribution, franchising, wholesale, retail, consumer products or cross-border services.
- Existing professional networks or demonstrable market knowledge in Malaysia, Indonesia or China.
- Mandarin proficiency for communication with Chinese-speaking business partners is an advantage.
- Experience in market-entry planning, commercial negotiations, channel partnerships and sales pipeline management.
- Familiarity with digital lead generation, social media marketing and business networking.
Performance Expectations
Performance will be assessed against agreed and realistic KPIs, which may include:
- Qualified overseas leads generated.
- Business meetings and partner discussions completed.
- Qualified commercial opportunities developed.
- Proposals, quotations or partnership discussions progressed.
- New distribution channels, partnerships or revenue opportunities secured.
- Quality of market intelligence and reporting.
Specific targets will be agreed according to the role, market conditions, available resources and business priorities.
Government Career Conversion and Workforce Support
The company may assess eligibility for applicable Singapore workforce development, career conversion or training support programmes, subject to the relevant programme criteria, employer eligibility, candidate eligibility and approval by the administering agency.
Government funding or salary support is not guaranteed.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV together with a short cover note outlining:
- Your relevant business development or sales experience.
- The Asian markets you have worked with.
- Your language capabilities.
- Examples of business partnerships, channels or commercial opportunities you have developed.
- Your expected monthly salary and availability.
Application Email: [email protected] Subject: Application – Business Development Manager / Executive – Overseas Market Expansion
We welcome applications from candidates whose skills, experience and capabilities match the requirements of the role. All applications will be assessed fairly against job-related criteria.
