Business Development Manager - MT for FMCG Client

Job Title: Business Development Manager – Modern Trade

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager – Modern Trade for our FMCG Client to drive sales growth, strengthen key account partnerships, and expand market share across major retail chains in Malaysia. The role will be responsible for developing and executing channel strategies, managing customer relationships, and delivering profitable growth across assigned product categories.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and grow relationships with key Modern Trade customers including hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience chains, and health & beauty retailers.

• Lead Joint Business Planning (JBP), annual negotiations, promotional planning, and customer development initiatives.

• Drive category growth through assortment optimization, shelf visibility, merchandising excellence, and in-store activation programs.

• Develop and execute account-specific business plans to achieve sales, market share, distribution, and profitability targets.

• Monitor trade investments, promotional ROI, pricing, and margin performance to maximize business returns.

• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Trade Marketing teams to ensure effective execution of commercial plans.

• Analyze market trends, customer performance, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities.

• Build strong relationships with key decision-makers and negotiate commercial agreements that support long-term business growth.

• Ensure accurate sales forecasting, demand planning, and inventory management across assigned accounts.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.

• 8+ years of FMCG sales experience with strong exposure to Modern Trade channels in Malaysia.

• Proven experience managing key accounts such as AEON, Lotus's, Giant, Econsave, Watsons, Guardian, Jaya Grocer, Village Grocer, KK Mart, or similar retail chains.

• Strong experience in Joint Business Planning (JBP), customer negotiations, category management, and trade promotions.

• Excellent commercial acumen with strong analytical and financial management skills.

• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and negotiation abilities.

• Proficiency in English and Bahasa Malaysia; Mandarin would be an added advantage.