Business Development Manager

Nippon Express; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Nippon Express in Singapore is seeking a seasoned account management professional to grow and retain corporate accounts with a focus on Japanese clients. You will expand air/ocean/road logistics across Singapore and Japan, aligning service solutions with customer needs.

Responsibilities include collaborating with the Japan network, translating Japanese communications for local teams, and leading complex quotations and tenders. Strong JP/EN bilingual skills and leadership experience are required.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management or equivalent.
• Experience in freight forwarding, international logistics, or corporate account management.
• Knowledge of logistics solutions, tender management, Incoterms, shipping docs, customs, and commercial feasibility.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, analytics, and problem-solving.
• Bilingual: Japanese and English is required to engage with customers and teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee growth and retention of corporate accounts, focusing Japanese companies in Singapore.
• Build relationships with customers and internal stakeholders in Singapore and Japan to drive growth.
• Collaborate with Japan network to develop account growth strategies and pricing.
• Analyse Japanese communications to translate into actionable requirements for local teams.
• Lead preparation and submission of quotations, RFQs, and tenders, including negotiations.

Skills

Account management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Analytical

Problem-solving

Leadership

Negotiation

Japanese language

English language

Education

Bachelor/Diploma in Business/Logistics/Supply Chain

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)