Business Development Manager – APAC

Sea Machines Robotics; Batu Pahat; Remote; MYR 337,000 - 507,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm seeks a Business Development Manager – APAC to drive sales growth for unmanned surface vessel technologies across Asia Pacific. Ideal candidates have over 10 years of experience in marine/maritime industries and hold strong international sales skills. The role involves managing government relationships, proposal development, and extensive travel. Responsibilities include leading business development initiatives and representing the firm at industry events.

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in the marine/maritime industry.
• 10+ years in international sales/capture roles with government/defense customers.
• Expert knowledge of marine vessels and navigation systems.

Responsibilities

• Drive business development across the Asia Pacific region.
• Identify and create new opportunities in the marine defense sector.
• Monitor and respond to international tenders and proposals.

Skills

Marine/maritime experience

International sales

Proposal writing

Negotiation skills

Presentation skills

Multi-lingual

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or Military/Civil Maritime equivalent

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Position Overview

Business Development Manager – APAC

Location: Remote, Asia Pacific Region. Reports to: Vice President of Global Sales.

The Business Development Manager – APAC is responsible for driving sales growth and managing customer relationships for Sea Machines’ unmanned surface vessel (USV) autonomy systems and sensor solutions across the Asia Pacific region. This includes promoting Sea Machines’ products as modular autonomy kits or as turnkey USV services for regional military and government customers in Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Thailand.

The role requires a proven track record in winning and managing defense and government programs in the APAC region, with deep knowledge of contracting processes, regional business culture, and established networks within the marine and maritime industry. This position will lead responses to RFIs and RFPs, shape new opportunities, and build strong partnerships to secure and grow market presence.

The successful candidate will be an effective communicator, negotiator, and program shaper with a strong technical understanding of marine vessels, navigation systems, and USV technologies. They will represent Sea Machines at industry events, deliver compelling proposals and presentations, and coordinate demonstrations and customer engagements across the region.

Primary Responsibilities

• Drive business development across the Asia Pacific region with a focus on military and government customers.
• Proactively identify, shape, and create new opportunities within the marine defense sector.
• Monitor and respond to international tenders, RFIs, and RFPs, leading proposal development to deliver winning bids.
• Build and manage strategic partnerships and teaming arrangements to strengthen solution offerings.
• Deliver on quarterly and annual sales objectives through consistent pipeline growth and deal closure.
• Represent Sea Machines at industry conferences, trade shows, and panels, delivering impactful presentations.
• Lead USV demonstrations, sea trials, and customer training/exercise support in coordination with technical teams.
• Capture and manage all business development activities in the CRM system.
• Collaborate with marketing to provide fresh content ideas and regional market insights.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in the marine/maritime industry.
• 10+ years in international sales/capture roles with government/defense customers.
• Expert knowledge of marine vessels, navigation equipment, and vessel systems.
• Strong understanding of government contracting processes in the Asia Pacific region.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or Military/Civil Maritime equivalent.
• Experience with USV offerings or captain’s credentials highly desirable.
• Exceptional proposal writing, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Proficient in MS Office with the ability to build high-quality presentations and documents.
• Ability to travel extensively (50–60%).
• Multi-lingual skills considered a strong advantage.