Business Development Sales Manager
Job Summary
The Business Development & Sales Manager will lead commercial and operational architecture for trading business across Southeast Asia. This role focuses on scaling growth by managing Sales, Operations, and Procurement departments while mentoring high-performing teams. The position requires transforming ad-hoc procedures into repeatable, profitable, and compliant systems.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute regional market entry strategies
- Design and optimize cross-border trade SOPs
- Negotiate high-level vendor and commodity agreements
- Manage and mentor cross-functional operational teams
Required Skills
- 5-8 years experience in international trade
- Proficiency in Mandarin and English
- Expertise in Incoterms and LC structures
- Strong leadership and negotiation skills
Job Details
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Sales & Market Expansion Leadership
- Develop and execute comprehensive market entry strategies for Singapore and surrounding regions (SEA), identifying new vertical opportunities within the construction, engineering, and electronics sectors.
- Lead the development of key client relationships at an executive level to secure major contracts and drive long-term project loyalty.
- Analyze sales data and market penetration metrics to forecast revenue growth, identify profitability gaps, and recommend strategic pricing models.
Operational Excellence & Risk Management (Process Ownership)
- Design, implement, and manage Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the end-to-end cross-border trade cycle, ensuring maximum efficiency and compliance across all jurisdictions.
- Oversee and mitigate operational risks associated with complex international logistics, including managing geopolitical shifts, supply chain disruptions, and sudden regulatory changes.
- Directly manage relationships with Tier 1 logistics partners, customs brokers, and legal counsel to ensure seamless, compliant trade flow.
Strategic Procurement & Vendor Management
- Develop long-term sourcing strategies and negotiate high-level master agreements with primary manufacturers and core commodity suppliers.
- Lead cost optimization initiatives by analyzing global market trends for key commodities, negotiating bulk pricing structures, and securing favorable credit terms.
- Establish robust quality control frameworks that ensure all sourced materials consistently meet technical specifications and project requirements.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Provide direct mentorship and guidance to the Executive/Specialist team members, fostering their growth in both sales acumen and operational compliance.
- Lead cross-functional meetings, aligning Sales objectives with Operational capabilities, ensuring that market promises are backed by viable supply chain processes.
Requirements & Qualifications:
- Experience: 5–8 years of progressive experience in international trade, operations management, or complex commodity trading. Must include a minimum of 2-3 years in a direct supervisory or managerial role.
- Domain Knowledge: Deep understanding of the construction/ industrial supply chain and specific technical knowledge of M&E materials is highly desirable.
- Technical Knowledge: Expert working knowledge of global trade mechanisms, including Incoterms, advanced Letters of Credit (LC) structures, customs valuation procedures, and regional compliance frameworks.
- Language Proficiency: Mandatory professional fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English (written and spoken) for high-level negotiation.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, International Business, Engineering, or a related field.