Director of Strategic Relationships (Indo-Pacific)

EDC; Singapore; On-site; SGD 232,000 - 311,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading export credit agency in Singapore is seeking a Director of Strategic Relationships for the Indo-Pacific Region. The role requires strong business development skills and the ability to nurture partnerships within a dynamic economic landscape. Responsibilities include leading a team, developing market strategies, and advising on market entry for Canadian exporters. Candidates should have at least 10 years of experience in business development and fluency in English, with additional language skills as an asset.

Qualifications

• 10 years of proven experience in business development, international trade, or export strategy.
• 3–5 years of leadership in managing diverse, high-performing teams.
• Deep understanding of the Indo-Pacific region’s economic and cultural landscape.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies to build and expand strategic relationships in the Indo-Pacific.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team to drive operational excellence in the region.
• Advise Canadian exporters on local regulations and facilitate market entry.

Skills

Business development

International trade

Strategic relationship management

Stakeholder engagement

Fluency in English

Education

University degree in business or related area

Job description

Candidates must meet the requisite government security screening requirements.

How to apply

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. If selected for an interview, please advise us if you require special accommodation.

Description

EDC is Canada’s export credit agency, offering information, knowledge and innovative commercial solutions to help Canadian exporters and investors expand their international business. We take on risk so Canadian businesses can take on the world.

When you join our team, you’ll be helping Canadian companies bring their vision, passion and innovation to the global marketplace. Your knowledge and expertise will support more than 13,000 Canadian companies and their customers in as many as 200 markets worldwide. You’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with the best and brightest in an inclusive, collaborative environment that fosters professional development and success. And you’ll know that you’re making a difference every day—for companies, for Canada and for the people you work with.

Year after year, EDC has been recognized as a Top 100 and Top Family-Friendly Employer in Canada. #LI-Hybrid

The EDC branch office in Singapore serves as a hub for the Asia Pacific region. The branch allows us to support our Asia Pacific and Canadian customers more effectively as they go, grow and succeed internationally.

Team & Job Overview

As Director of Strategic Relationships for the Indo-Pacific Region at Export Development Canada (EDC), you will play a pivotal leadership role in advancing Canada’s commercial interests and expanding its economic influence across one of the world’s most dynamic regions. This is more than a business development position—it demands a visionary approach to fostering long-term partnerships and driving meaningful impact for Canadian exporters and investors. As both strategist and advocate, you will cultivate and expand strategic relationships with leading organizations, governments, and business leaders throughout East and South Asia, Oceania, and related markets, unlocking new opportunities and networks for Canadian enterprises.

You will be responsible for identifying and executing growth strategies, developing a high-performing team, and delivering customer-centric solutions that generate lasting value. Success in this role requires the ability to collaborate with stakeholders across multiple time zones, represent EDC at prominent panels and industry forums, and act as a trusted partner who links foreign opportunities to Canadian strengths. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a deep passion for EDC’s mandate, a mastery of strategic relationship management, and strong influencing and business development skills, ultimately strengthening Canada’s presence in one of the world’s most important economic regions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies to build, lead, and expand EDC’s strategic relationships in the Indo-Pacific, connecting the dots across customers, partners, markets and teams with the ultimate goal of creating pathways for and facilitating the entry and growth of Canadian companies into the market.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team to design and implement programs and initiatives that strengthen EDC’s presence, promote collaboration, and drive operational excellence in the region.
• Forge and nurture commercial partnerships with influential organizations, governments, and business leaders, facilitating export and investment opportunities for Canada.
• Advise and support Canadian exporters seeking market entry or expansion, providing insights on local regulations, risks, and business environments, and facilitating matchmaking and supply chain connections.
• Represent EDC and Canadian commercial interests at high-level forums, trade missions, and industry events, promoting Canada’s priorities and capabilities.
• Develop and deliver market briefings, strategy reports, and marketing resources to inform stakeholders, raise awareness, and share technical expertise on Canadian strengths and Indo-Pacific markets.
• Champion Canadian interests in Agrifood, Infrastructure, sustainability (i.e., Renewables/Cleantech), Advanced Manufacturing and digital infrastructure, collaborating with internal and external partners to enable high-impact trade opportunities and support through EDC’s financing and risk mitigation services.

Screening Criteria

• University degree in business or a related area, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• 10 years of proven experience in business development, international trade, or export strategy
• 3–5 years of leadership in managing diverse, high-performing teams
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into execution
• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
• Deep understanding of the Indo-Pacific region’s economic and cultural landscape
• Lead with conviction and communicate with clarity and purpose—effectively conveying difficult messages and fostering alignment by bringing others along through change and complexity
• Effectively navigate EDC’s internal landscape by engaging stakeholders, building alignment, and negotiating with influence to gain support and drive business objectives forward
• Knowledge of financing and insurance products

Assets

• Strong knowledge of business conditions in Southeast Asian markets and the application of EDC services in these markets

Language Skills: Fluency in English required; proficiency in French and/or one or more Indo-Pacific languages (e.g. Mandarin, Japanese, Hindi, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Korean) would be beneficial

Leadership: Experience leading teams and managing projects in diverse, fast-paced environments.

Salary Range

• Salary range for Business Development roles typically varies with qualifications and experience and may be disclosed as appropriate. Example: $179,250 to $239,000 plus a performance-based incentive.

Location

• The position is based at our Singapore branch office located at the Marina Bay Financial Centre, Singapore and is expected to be in the office when not traveling throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
• Flexible hours and responsiveness to time zone differences are required.
• Occasional representation at events outside standard business hours.

Eligibility

• EDC is committed to fair employment practices and candidates who are able to work legally in Singapore at the time of application (Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents). Candidates must meet the requisite government security screening requirements.
• The position is open to those who meet all of the essential requirements stated above and whose applications are received by the closing date.

EDC’s Commitment to Employment Equity

Export Development Canada (EDC) is dedicated to fostering employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment that respects people from all cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. At EDC, we nurture a culture of inclusion and belonging where everyone has equal opportunity to grow, develop, succeed, and be their truest selves.

We actively encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all the requirements. We thank all applicants for their interest in a career at EDC; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that qualified candidates may be considered for similar roles at this level within EDC.

Should you require any accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please contact the Recruitment team at [e-mail].