Business Development Director

Lion Digital Malaysia; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 250,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading digital marketing agency is seeking a Business Development Director to oversee revenue growth and commercial expansion in Malaysia. This role requires 10-15+ years of experience in business development, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to navigate the local market. The ideal candidate will develop strategies for targeted sectors, lead pitch proposals, and foster lasting client relationships while ensuring sustainable margins. This is a crucial role for driving new business and maintaining client confidence.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of experience in business development, commercial leadership, or consulting roles.
• Demonstrated track record in closing mid- to large-value retainers and project-based engagements.
• Strong understanding of the Malaysia and Southeast Asia markets.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver new business revenue targets for Malaysia.
• Identify, qualify, and close strategic new business opportunities.
• Lead pitch strategy, proposal development, and pricing discussions.
• Partner with Client Services to identify upsell and account expansion opportunities.

Skills

Commercial judgment

Strategic thinking

Negotiation skills

Financial acumen

Job description

Lion & Lion is seeking a Business Development Director to lead new business growth and commercial expansion in Malaysia.

This role is responsible for originating, structuring, and closing high-quality, commercially viable opportunities across brand-direct and agency-led engagements. The position requires strong commercial judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to balance growth ambition with delivery and margin discipline.

Key Responsibilities

New Business & Revenue Growth

Own and deliver new business revenue targets for Malaysia, aligned with annual growth and margin objectives.

Identify, qualify, and close strategic new business opportunities across priority sectors (e.g. fintech, telco, aviation, FMCG, regional challenger brands).

Drive a balanced mix of brand-direct and agency-led opportunities.

Develop and execute go-to-market strategies for priority sectors in collaboration with Strategy, Media, Creative, and Client Services teams.

Shape integrated commercial propositions that align client objectives with Lion & Lion’s delivery capabilities.

Ensure opportunities are commercially sound, with clear scope, resourcing assumptions, and budget clarity.

Pitch Leadership Commercial Negotiation

Lead or co-lead pitch strategy, proposal development, scoping, and pricing discussions.

Own commercial negotiations, ensuring pricing discipline and sustainable margins.

Avoid unsustainable discounting and misaligned commitments.

Client Expansion & Retention Support

Partner with Client Services to identify and close strategic upsell and account expansion opportunities.

Build and maintain senior client relationships with key decision‑makers.

Support retention through commercial leadership and consistent client confidence.

Cross-Functional & Regional Collaboration

Work closely with regional counterparts and network teams where relevant.

Act as a commercial bridge between business ambition and operational delivery.

Candidate Profile

Experience

10–15+ years of experience in business development, commercial leadership, or consulting roles within agency, digital, media, or integrated marketing environments.

Demonstrated track record in closing mid- to large-value retainers and project‑based engagements.

Experience selling integrated solutions across media, creative, social, and strategy.

Strong understanding of the Malaysia and Southeast Asia markets.

Capabilities

Strong commercial and financial acumen, with proven negotiation skills.

Comfortable engaging senior client stakeholders, including C‑suite and regional leads.

Strategic thinker with practical execution awareness.

Structured, accountable, and credible in both internal and external engagements.

Application Questions

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Malaysia?
• What's your expected monthly basic salary?
• How many years' experience do you have as a Business Development Director?
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• How many years of business development experience do you have?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?