Business Development & Strategic Account Manager

We are seeking a commercially driven and independent Business Development & Key Account Manager to lead market development initiatives in Japan for the FIRETEC business unit, while managing selected strategic international accounts across the Data Centre and Marine sectors in APAC.

This newly created role reports directly to the Regional Sales Manager - FIRETEC and is designed to strengthen the company's presence in Japan - one of the most technically rigorous and relationship-driven markets in Asia.

The successful candidate will focus on OEM engagement, consultant network development, and structured business expansion for FIRETEC solutions, while also managing regional key accounts requiring fire suppression systems and related high-pressure components.

This position requires strong commercial acumen, business-level Japanese proficiency, and the ability to independently develop long-term strategic relationships.

Primary Responsibilities:

Japan Market Development - FIRETEC

• Develop and execute a structured Japan market entry and growth strategy for FIRETEC
• Identify, engage, and develop relationships with Japanese OEM partners (primary focus)
• Establish connections with Data Centre operators and industrial end-users
• Build relationships with engineering consultants and specification influencers (e.g., Arup and other regional consultancies)
• Monitor competitive landscape and develop market intelligence
• Navigate Japanese regulatory frameworks including the Fire Service Act (FESC knowledge strongly advantageous)
• Represent the company at exhibitions, technical seminars, and customer engagements in Japan
• Establish consistent and sustainable business pipeline development

Regional Strategic Account Management (APAC)

• Manage assigned multinational and regional key accounts in:

- Data Centre sector
- Marine & Offshore sector

• Develop structured account growth plans
• Strengthen long-term commercial partnerships
• Coordinate closely with internal technical and operational teams to ensure delivery alignment
• Drive specification positioning and repeat business

OEM & Consultant Engagement

• Develop early-stage engagement with OEMs and system integrators for FIRETEC
• Influence specification decisions through consultant relationships
• Conduct commercial negotiations in both Japanese and English
• Support contract discussions and long-term framework agreements

Strategic Planning & Reporting

• Develop structured business plans with measurable milestones
• Maintain accurate pipeline forecasting
• Provide periodic market analysis and competitor benchmarking
• Align Japan growth strategy with regional objectives

Qualifications:

. Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business, or related discipline (Engineering background preferred)

. Minimum 5 years of experience in Business Development or Key Account Management

. Experience in fire suppression, industrial safety, or related technical industries preferred

. Business-level Japanese proficiency (able to conduct meetings and negotiations independently)

. Strong commercial negotiation skills and relationship-building capability

. Experience working with OEMs and consultants preferred

. Familiarity with Japanese regulatory frameworks such as the Fire Service Act (FESC) is highly advantageous

. Willingness to travel within Japan and APAC