Business Development Manager

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the growth and retention of assigned corporate accounts, focusing Japanese companies based in Singapore, by expanding logistics business across airfreight, ocean freight, road transport, and related cross-border services between Singapore and Japan.

• Build strong working relationships with customers and internal stakeholders in both countries to facilitate business development, resolve service challenges, and ensure alignment between customer expectations and operational capabilities.

• Collaborate with the Japan network to develop account growth strategies, evaluate commercial opportunities, obtain competitive pricing, and align service solutions with customer needs.

• Analyse Japanese-language correspondence, specifications, and business documentation to identify customer expectations and translate them into actionable requirements for local sales and operational teams.

• Lead the preparation and submission of complex quotations, RFQs, and tenders, including solution design, cost evaluation, stakeholder alignment, proposal development, and customer negotiations or presentations.

• Leverage an understanding of Japanese business culture, communication styles, and decision-making practices to strengthen client engagement, maintain long-term partnerships, and facilitate effective business discussions.

• Coach and support sales team members in account development, customer engagement, proposal preparation, and the management of challenging enquiries involving Japanese customers.

• Partner with the Head of Division to execute business plans, monitor sales performance and pipeline development, assess strategic opportunities, and communicate progress against divisional objectives.

• Maintain commercial governance by ensuring pricing, proposals, and customer agreements meet internal policies, delegated authority limits, and relevant regulatory requirements.

• Drive continuous improvement by analysing customer feedback and operational performance, addressing recurring service gaps, and strengthening workflows across sales, operations, and the Singapore-Japan forwarding network.

Job Requirements:

• Possess a Degree or Diploma in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, or have equivalent practical experience.

• Experience in freight forwarding, international logistics, or supply chain management, including corporate account management.

• Knowledge of logistics solutions, tender management, Incoterms, shipping documentation, customs regulations, and commercial feasibility assessment.

• Strong stakeholder management, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Business-level proficiency in Japanese and English to engage customers and coordinate with teams in Singapore.

• Experience with Japan-related accounts or Japan-Singapore supply chains is an advantage.

• Team leadership or supervisory experience is an advantage.

Other info

Working Location: 5C Toh Guan Road East, Singapore 608828

Working hours: 0900hrs-1830hrs (Mon-Fri)