Business Development Manager, Japan Market

A leading global food brand is seeking a Business Development Manager to oversee and expand their Foodservice business within the Japan market, based in Singapore. This is an exceptional opportunity for you to leverage your expertise in sales and marketing, particularly within the fast-moving consumer goods sector, while making a significant impact on the company's growth strategy.

What you'll do:

As a Business Development Manager - Japan Market, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the organisation's Foodservice division across Japan. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve crafting strategic business plans tailored to local market needs while collaborating with distributors to ensure seamless execution. You will lead a talented team focused on launching innovative products, optimising inventory management, and upholding rigorous quality standards. By partnering with both internal departments such as quality assurance and external stakeholders like chefs or restaurant chains, you will help design compelling sales campaigns that resonate with Japanese consumers. Your analytical approach will enable you to evaluate programme effectiveness continuously while gathering valuable market insights to inform future strategies. Success in this position requires you to be proactive in identifying new business channels, adaptable when responding to changing circumstances, and committed to fostering a collaborative team environment.

• Develop and propose annual business plans for the Japan Foodservice market, including setting clear sales and profit objectives as well as outlining innovation roadmaps and category strategies.
• Monitor monthly sales performance against targets set in the operational plan, making timely adjustments in response to evolving market conditions to ensure consistent achievement of goals.
• Collaborate closely with Foodservice distributors in Japan by providing guidance, monitoring execution, and supporting them in meeting agreed-upon targets.
• Lead a dedicated team to support distributor operations by planning new product launches, maintaining optimal inventory levels, and ensuring compliance with Japanese import and food regulations.
• Coordinate with quality assurance teams both internally and externally to guarantee all products meet stringent Japanese standards for safety and compliance.
• Design effective category portfolio strategies and pricing models that reflect current market dynamics while maximising profitability.
• Partner with external stakeholders and cross-functional internal teams to plan and implement impactful sales and marketing programmes that drive brand presence in Japan.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of all sales and marketing initiatives to ensure resources are allocated efficiently for maximum return on investment.
• Gather relevant market intelligence to stay ahead of industry trends, understand customer needs, and identify new growth opportunities for Foodservice products in Japan.
• Pursue new business channels by identifying potential partners or segments that can further expand the reach of Foodservice offerings.

What you bring:

To excel as a Business Development Manager - Japan Market, your background should include substantial experience managing complex sales or marketing projects within multinational environments. Your understanding of fast-moving consumer goods will allow you to navigate industry challenges confidently while leveraging established networks within the Japanese market. Your language abilities-will facilitate smooth interactions across diverse teams; any additional proficiency in Japanese will further enhance your effectiveness. You bring outstanding communication skills that enable you to negotiate win-win outcomes with partners while inspiring trust among colleagues. Your technical competence using Microsoft Office tools ensures efficient reporting and presentation delivery. Above all else, your commitment to collaboration means you thrive when working alongside others towards shared objectives.

• University degree with at least eight years proven experience in sales or marketing roles within reputable organisations.
• Minimum two years exposure within the fast-moving consumer goods sector is highly desirable for understanding industry best practices.
• Demonstrated track record of working effectively with Japanese markets; familiarity with local business customs and regulatory requirements is essential.
• Experience engaging directly with chefs or restaurant chains will be considered advantageous for building strong industry networks.
• Proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N2 or above) would be an added benefit for effective communication with the responsible market.
• Ability to work independently within pre-agreed guidelines while remaining responsive to feedback from colleagues or management.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills that foster positive relationships with business partners across cultures.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications such as PowerPoint for presentations, Excel for data analysis, and Word for documentation is necessary.
• A collaborative mindset combined with a willingness to embrace corporate values centred around teamwork, integrity, and mutual respect.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as an employer of choice due to its unwavering dedication to employee wellbeing, professional development, and inclusivity. You will join a workplace where flexible working arrangements are encouraged so you can balance personal commitments alongside career ambitions. The company invests heavily in ongoing training opportunities designed to keep your skills sharp while opening doors for advancement within the group's global network. A culture built on mutual respect ensures every voice is heard-regardless of background-while supportive leadership fosters an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute ideas freely. With access to generous benefits packages tailored for long-term security as well as regular knowledge-sharing sessions among peers, you'll find yourself part of a community that genuinely cares about your success both inside and outside of work.

What's next:

If you are ready to take your career forward by joining an internationally respected brand focused on growth within the Japan market, this is your moment!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided-your next rewarding opportunity awaits.

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Robert Walters (Singapore) Pte Ltd

ROC No.: 199706961E | EA Licence No.: 03C5451

EA Registration No.: R23116145 Jeon Chan