Business Coordination Associate (Management Development Program)

DIRECT SEARCH ASIA PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DIRECT SEARCH ASIA PTE. LTD. is seeking a Business Coordination Associate for a structured Management Development Program.

The role works with the General Manager across commercial, finance, administration, and operations, with extended international training in Mexico during the first 2-3 years. Initial assignments last 5-6 months each, including potential travel to the US and other locations for supplier, vendor, and partner engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline is required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are essential.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly organised, proactive, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Support the General Manager in coordinating priorities across commercial, finance, administration, and operational functions.
• Track key initiatives and milestones to ensure timely execution.
• Prepare management reports, presentations, dashboards, and business summaries for senior leadership.
• Coordinate meetings and liaise with internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with commercial activities, including proposal preparation and contract coordination.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to support strategic decisions.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects across departments and regional teams.
• Support supplier, vendor, and business partner engagements across regional operations.
• Collect, analyze, and consolidate operational and financial information for management reporting.
• Identify opportunities to improve business processes and operational efficiency.
• Support strategic projects and business improvement initiatives.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Organisational skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Relocation willingness

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, Economics, Maritime Studies, or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and adaptable Business Coordination Associate to join a structured Management Development Program, working directly with the General Manager across commercial, finance, administration, and business operations. This is a cross-functional role designed for high-potential individuals who want broad business exposure and the opportunity to develop into future management positions.

The role is primarily based in Singapore or Malaysia, but during the first 2-3 years, the successful candidate will undergo structured international training through extended assignments in Mexico—the company's operational headquarters. These assignments typically last 5-6 months at a time and provide hands-on exposure to core business functions, senior leadership, and operational projects. The role also includes opportunities to travel to the United States and other international locations for supplier, vendor, customer, and business partner engagements.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking an international career with exposure to senior management, regional operations, and global business development.

Key Responsibilities

Business & Management Coordination

• Support the General Manager in coordinating priorities across commercial, finance, administration, and operational functions.

• Track key business initiatives, action items, and project milestones to ensure timely execution.

• Prepare management reports, presentations, dashboards, and business summaries for senior leadership.

• Coordinate meetings, follow up on action items, and liaise with internal and external stakeholders.

Commercial & Operational Support

• Assist with commercial activities, including proposal preparation, contract coordination, and business documentation.

• Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and business intelligence to support strategic decision-making.

• Coordinate cross-functional projects involving multiple departments and regional teams.

• Support supplier, vendor, and business partner engagement across regional operations.

Analysis & Special Projects

• Collect, analyze, and consolidate operational and financial information for management reporting.

• Identify opportunities to improve business processes and operational efficiency.

• Support strategic projects and business improvement initiatives assigned by senior management.

International Training & Regional Exposure

• Participate in structured overseas training assignments across multiple business functions.

• Undertake extended training placements in Mexico (approximately 5-6 months per assignment) during the first 2-3 years of employment.

• Travel to the United States and other international locations as required to support supplier negotiations, vendor management, customer engagements, and business development activities.

• Gain exposure to regional and international business operations while working with multicultural teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, Economics, Maritime Studies, or a related discipline.

• 1-3 years of working experience in business operations, project coordination, commercial support, consulting, or a related field. Outstanding fresh graduates with strong internship experience are encouraged to apply.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Highly organised, proactive, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

• Willingness and ability to relocate temporarily for extended training assignments in Mexico during the management development program.

• Comfortable with frequent international travel as business needs require.

Preferred Candidate Profile

• A self-driven individual with strong commercial awareness and leadership potential.

• Interested in developing a broad understanding of business operations rather than specializing in a single function early in their career.

• Adaptable, culturally aware, and excited by the opportunity to work in an international environment across Asia and the Americas.