Business Development Manager

nippon express (singapore) pte ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Nippon Express (Singapore) Pte Ltd is seeking a Senior Account Manager for Japanese corporate accounts in Singapore. You will drive growth across air, ocean and road logistics, coordinate with the Japan network, and deliver tailored solutions.

You will manage complex proposals, build strong client relations, and ensure alignment with internal teams. Fluency in Japanese and English is required to engage customers and lead cross-border activities.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management or related field.
• Experience in freight forwarding, international logistics or corporate account management.
• Knowledge of logistics solutions, tender management, Incoterms, shipping docs and regulatory requirements.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Business-level Japanese and English to engage customers and coordinate with teams.
• Experience with Japan-related accounts or Japan–Singapore supply chains is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee growth and retention of corporate accounts, focusing Japanese companies in Singapore.
• Expand logistics business across airfreight, ocean freight, road transport and cross-border services between Singapore and Japan.
• Build relationships with customers and internal stakeholders across both countries.
• Collaborate with Japan network to develop account growth strategies and pricing.
• Analyze Japanese-language docs to translate into actionable requirements for local teams.
• Lead complex quotations, RFQs and tenders including design, cost evaluation and negotiations.
• Coach sales team on account development and handling inquiries from Japanese customers.
• Partner with Head of Division to monitor sales pipeline and strategic opportunities.
• Maintain governance on pricing, proposals and customer agreements per policy.
• Drive continuous improvement from customer feedback and operational performance.

Skills

Account management

Stakeholder management

Japanese language

English language

Logistics solutions

Tender management

Incoterms

Pricing

Education

Degree in Business / Logistics

Job description

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the growth and retention of assigned corporate accounts, focusing Japanese companies based in Singapore, by expanding logistics business across airfreight, ocean freight, road transport, and related cross-border services between Singapore and Japan.

• Build strong working relationships with customers and internal stakeholders in both countries to facilitate business development, resolve service challenges, and ensure alignment between customer expectations and operational capabilities.

• Collaborate with the Japan network to develop account growth strategies, evaluate commercial opportunities, obtain competitive pricing, and align service solutions with customer needs.

• Analyse Japanese-language correspondence, specifications, and business documentation to identify customer expectations and translate them into actionable requirements for local sales and operational teams.

• Lead the preparation and submission of complex quotations, RFQs, and tenders, including solution design, cost evaluation, stakeholder alignment, proposal development, and customer negotiations or presentations.

• Leverage an understanding of Japanese business culture, communication styles, and decision-making practices to strengthen client engagement, maintain long-term partnerships, and facilitate effective business discussions.

• Coach and support sales team members in account development, customer engagement, proposal preparation, and the management of challenging enquiries involving Japanese customers.

• Partner with the Head of Division to execute business plans, monitor sales performance and pipeline development, assess strategic opportunities, and communicate progress against divisional objectives.

• Maintain commercial governance by ensuring pricing, proposals, and customer agreements meet internal policies, delegated authority limits, and relevant regulatory requirements.

• Drive continuous improvement by analysing customer feedback and operational performance, addressing recurring service gaps, and strengthening workflows across sales, operations, and the Singapore–Japan forwarding network.

Job Requirements:

• Possess a Degree or Diploma in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, or have equivalent practical experience.

• Experience in freight forwarding, international logistics, or supply chain management, including corporate account management.

• Knowledge of logistics solutions, tender management, Incoterms, shipping documentation, customs regulations, and commercial feasibility assessment.

• Strong stakeholder management, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Business-level proficiency in Japanese and English to engage customers and coordinate with teams in Singapore.

• Experience with Japan-related accounts or Japan–Singapore supply chains is an advantage.

• Team leadership or supervisory experience is an advantage.

Other info

Working Location: 5C Toh Guan Road East, Singapore 608828

Working hours: 0900hrs-1830hrs (Mon-Fri)