We are seeking for a Business Development Specialist to help our client's brand in gifting and snack industries in Singapore, and we are launching our next strategic chapter: profitable market entry into Malaysia.
The Business Development Specialist needs to be a hands-on, entrepreneurial professional to own our entire market launch. This isn't about dumping stock; it's about strategically building the right foundations for a premium brand. You will be our first commercial hire on the ground, responsible for establishing our presence, driving sell-through, and shaping our long-term strategy.
Your Mission:
To establish a profitable and sustainable footprint in Malaysia by securing the right retail and corporate channels, validating our market fit, and creating a blueprint for scalable growth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Channel Development & Management: Open and manage premium channels including premium grocers, department stores, gifting retailers, select cafs, and corporate gifting buyers. We only want listings where sell-through is viable.
- Distributor Partnership: Identify, evaluate, and onboard 2-3 key distributors. Negotiate favorable terms (margins, fees, payment) and manage the relationships without granting exclusivity initially.
- Sell-Through Ownership: You won't just sell-in; you'll own the sell-out. Track performance by SKU and outlet, drive reorder cycles, and recommend data-driven adjustments to SKUs and pricing.
- Market Intelligence: Be our eyes and ears. Provide structured feedback on price sensitivity vs. Singapore, flavour acceptance, packaging appeal, and festive demand (CNY, Raya, Deepavali, Year-End).
- In-Market Execution: Coordinate merchandising and activations to ensure perfect shelf presence and brand compliance.
What You Bring (Must-Have):
- Minimum 2 years of direct retail or premium food sales experience in Malaysia (KL).
- Proficient in Mandarin conversation
- Existing, strong relationships with decision-makers at premium grocers and specialty/gifting retailers.
- A proven portfolio of successfully launching or scaling new brands in the market.
- A hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves attitude. You're as comfortable negotiating with a distributor GM as you are following up on a store-level reorder.
- Strategic mindset with operational excellenceyou balance the big picture with meticulous execution.
