Deputy/Director, Business Development

IPOS International; Singapore; On-site; SGD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A subsidiary of the Intellectual Property Office is seeking a Deputy/Director of Business Development in Singapore to lead market development and strategic partnerships. The ideal candidate has over 12 years of experience, including 3 years in leadership, and a strong background in international business development, stakeholder engagement, and innovation strategy. This role involves mentoring a team, executing market strategies, and driving collaboration for impactful results in the global innovation ecosystem.

Qualifications

• At least 12 years of experience in business development or client engagement.
• Minimum of 3 years in a leadership capacity.
• Proven track record in developing overseas markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of market strategies.
• Mentor and develop a business development team.
• Monitor and manage business development KPIs.

Skills

Business Development

Stakeholder Engagement

Strategic Planning

Leadership

Communication

Education

Recognised degree in Business, Law, or International Relations

Job description

Deputy/Director, Business Development

About the Role

Reporting to the Managing Director, we are seeking an experienced and forward-looking Deputy/Director of Business Development to lead IPOS International’s market development, strategic engagements, and partnership initiatives. The role has a strong focus on regional and international outreach, with the goal of expanding our footprint, strengthening our influence, and deepening partnerships across the global innovation ecosystem.

You will play a pivotal role in delivering results aligned to the Singapore IP Strategy 2030 and driving connections with key stakeholders — including enterprises, government agencies, research institutions, IP Offices, Institutes of Higher Learning, trade and IP associations, and international organisations.

You will also lead a team of business development professionals and work closely with cross-functional service delivery teams to shape opportunities, strengthen our portfolio of offerings, and advance IPOS Group’s broader mission.

Key Responsibilities

International Market Development & Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of go-to-market strategies to grow the organisation’s presence in priority markets, including ASEAN, China, East Asia, the United States, and key multilateral partners such as WIPO.
• Deepen relationships with existing stakeholders and cultivate new markets, clients, and strategic alliances across public and private sectors.
• Promote and position IPOS Group as a regional thought leader and trusted partner through its suite of IP and innovation-related programmes and services.
• Represent the organisation at external platforms, including international conferences, speaking engagements, and trade missions.

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, mentor, and develop a business development team, providing strategic direction, coaching, and performance oversight.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance, and client-centric culture aligned with the organisation’s mission and values.
• Strengthen capability across the team by encouraging continuous professional development and knowledge sharing.
• Coordinate effectively across internal teams and external partners to deliver national and organisational impact.

Business Operations & Insights

• Monitor and manage business development KPIs and maintain a strong pipeline across client segments and markets.
• Provide market insights, competitive intelligence, and client feedback to inform product development, partnership strategy, and programme design.
• Ensure accurate reporting and timely updates to senior management on progress, risks, and emerging opportunities.

Are you the one? Please write to us if you have/are:

• A recognised degree in Business, Law, International Relations, or related disciplines. Professional certifications in IP or innovation-related areas will be an advantage.
• At least 12 years of business development or client engagement experience, including a minimum of 3 years in leadership capacity.
• A proven track record in developing overseas markets and managing international partnerships, preferably within government, innovation, or professional services sectors.
• A solid understanding of innovation and intellectual property, and their role in enterprise strategy and national innovation ecosystems.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning skills.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and a collaborative approach to working with diverse teams.
• Willingness to travel regionally and internationally.

To apply for this position, please email your CV to [e-mail]

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

About IPOS International

IPOS International, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, catalyses enterprise and industry growth through intellectual property (IP) and innovation expertise. We offer committed and passionate individuals an environment where their talent and perspectives are valued.

Our success is built on empowering people, fostering teamwork, and upholding professionalism and integrity. We invest significantly in training and development to support the growth of our people and the impact they deliver.

For more information on IPOS International, please visit www.iposinternational.com.