Automotive & Aerospace
18 Aug
Business Development Manager – South East Asia
Business Development Manager – South East Asia
Location: Bangalore, India (Extensive Travel Across South East Asia)
About Client
Our Client is a leading manufacturer of agricultural mechanization solutions, offering a comprehensive range of power tillers, compact tractors, weeders, brush cutters, rice transplanters, reapers, and farm implements. As part of our international growth strategy, we are expanding our presence across South East Asia, with a special focus on Myanmar, one of the region's key agricultural markets.
We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to drive market development, channel expansion, and business growth across Myanmar and selected South East Asian countries.
Position Summary
The Business Development Manager – South East Asia will be responsible for developing and executing market expansion strategies across Myanmar and other identified South East Asian markets. The role will focus on distributor development, dealer network expansion, market intelligence, government engagement, sales growth, and strategic partnerships.
The position will be based in India and will involve significant international travel.
Key Responsibilities
Market Development & Expansion
Develop and execute country-specific business development strategies for Myanmar and other South East Asian markets.
Identify market opportunities for tractors, power tillers, rice transplanters, harvest equipment, brush cutters, weeders, and farm implements.
Conduct market assessments covering customer requirements, mechanization trends, competitive landscape, pricing structures, and regulatory frameworks.
Recommend market entry and growth strategies for new territories.
Distributor & Channel Development
Identify, appoint, and develop distributors, importers, dealers, and strategic channel partners.
Strengthen existing distribution networks and ensure achievement of sales and market share objectives.
Establish channel performance metrics and conduct regular business reviews.
Drive dealer capability development through structured training and business support initiatives.
Business Growth & Revenue Generation
Deliver annual sales and profitability targets for assigned countries.
Develop demand generation programs to increase market penetration and brand visibility.
Lead commercial negotiations with distributors, institutional customers, and government agencies.
Monitor inventory, forecast demand, and support supply planning for export markets.
Government & Institutional Engagement
Build relationships with relevant government departments, agricultural ministries, mechanization agencies, development organizations, NGOs, and financial institutions.
Identify opportunities under government mechanization programs, donor-funded projects, and institutional procurement initiatives.
Support product registration, homologation, and compliance activities where required.
Strategic Partnerships
Develop partnerships with agricultural universities, research institutions, farmer associations, and mechanization service providers.
Explore opportunities for localization, assembly partnerships, and long-term strategic alliances.
Identify opportunities for introducing new products suited to regional farming practices.
Product & Market Intelligence
Gather and analyse market intelligence related to competitors, product trends, customer preferences, pricing, and regulatory changes.
Provide actionable recommendations to product management and leadership teams.
Support localization of products and marketing strategies for regional requirements.
Brand Building & Marketing Support
Work closely with marketing teams to execute trade shows, dealer meets, field demonstrations, farmer engagement programs, and digital marketing initiatives.
Enhance VST brand visibility and positioning across target markets.
Support launch of new products and technologies in assigned territories.
Cross-Functional Coordination
Collaborate with Export, Supply Chain, Product Management, Service, Finance, and Marketing teams to ensure seamless execution of business plans.
Facilitate resolution of customer and channel partner issues.
Drive customer satisfaction and after-sales support initiatives.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Engineering, Business Administration, Marketing, International Business, or related discipline.
MBA or Postgraduate qualification preferred.
Minimum 6–10 years of experience in international business development, exports, channel management, or sales within the agricultural equipment, farm machinery, tractor, power tiller, or allied industries.
Experience handling South East Asian markets, particularly Myanmar, is highly preferred.
Demonstrated success in distributor development and international market expansion.
Strong understanding of agricultural mechanization practices in emerging markets.
Knowledge of export procedures, international trade practices, and channel management.
Ability to work effectively across diverse cultures and business environments.
Desired Competencies
Strategic Business Development
International Market Expansion
Distributor & Dealer Network Management
Government & Institutional Relations
Commercial Negotiation
Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis
Cross-Cultural Communication
Export Business Management
Financial Acumen
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Export Revenue Growth
Market Share Growth in Myanmar and SEA Markets
Distributor Performance & Network Expansion
New Market Development
Dealer Productivity
Institutional Business Secured
Product Launch Success
Customer Satisfaction & Channel Retention
Profitability Achievement
Travel Requirement
40–60% international travel across Myanmar and other South East Asian countries.
Frequent interaction with distributors, dealers, government agencies, and institutional stakeholders.