Regional Business Development Manager, Asia Pacific (China Focus)

About the role

A well-funded, science-led producer of sustainable omega-3 nutrition ingredients, which started as an R&D business and now supplies the food, beverage and infant nutrition sectors with patent-protected technology, is expanding in Asia Pacific. It is adding a Regional Business Development Manager to its Singapore team, with regular regional and international travel.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, qualify and win new business, build a pipeline matching growth priorities, and appoint, develop and manage distributors with clear plans, targets and regular reviews
• Turn opportunities into commercial plans, lead them through negotiation to close, and track market dynamics, customer needs and competitors
• Keep account plans for key distributors and customers, build relationships across customer organisations, and work with Applications, R&D and Innovation on viable commercial opportunities
• Set pricing, margin expectations and go-to-market approaches for major deals with the regional head, negotiate within agreed parameters, and own delivery against growth, volume and margin targets
• Keep forecasts accurate, manage pipeline and risks, and work with Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Legal and Customer Service so commitments match capacity and inventory
• Contribute to the regional commercial strategy and annual operating plan

Required profile

• 6+ years of progressive B2B sales, business development or commercial experience across several Asia Pacific markets, including China
• Track record of new business personally won and grown, with evidence of results
• Experience managing distributors and a background in food ingredients, nutrition, infant formula, nutraceuticals, food and beverage, life sciences or a related B2B sector
• Degree in Business, Food Science, Nutrition, Life Sciences or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Mandarin proficiency to work with distributors and customers in China
• Willingness to travel regularly, regionally and internationally

Required skills

• Strong commercial judgement on pricing, margins and forecasting, and strong negotiation, influencing and value-selling skills
• Analytical skills using data to support commercial decisions
• Clear written and spoken communication with senior customers and internal stakeholders