Head of Business Development, Southeast Asia

MONDIALE VGL SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent logistics company in Singapore seeks a Head of Business Development to drive new business acquisition and lead sales activity across Southeast Asia. This strategic role requires oversight of core freight forwarding products and emphasizes the development of tailored solutions for key clients. The ideal candidate has a strong background in sales, demonstrated success in securing new business, and excellent interpersonal skills. A bachelor's degree and over 10 years of relevant experience are essential for this position.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in a sales/commercial role, trade lane development within freight forwarding.
• Strong knowledge of Southeast Asia’s trade corridors and shipping regulations.
• Proven track record of securing new business and growing gross profit.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development efforts across full freight forwarding products.
• Develop tailored freight solutions for clients and grow volumes.
• Monitor service performance and manage escalations with key clients.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Analytical Skills

Relationship Building

Stakeholder Management

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or related field

Tools

Freight Procurement Systems

CRM Software

Logistics Software

Job description

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills: Internal & external; collaborative style; trusted partner; strong relationship building and interpersonal skills; understand & knows how to bring people along on the journey of key projects / processes
• Proven ability to prioritise workload and meet tight deadlines
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Proven IT skills i.e. MS packages word and excel
• Uses appropriate influence strategies to gain agreement
• Takes personal accountability for actions and results
• Perseveres with an issue or problem until resolved or no longer attainable
• Can problem solve and make decisions that have positive consequences
• Modifies behaviour to adopt a different style when required
• Copes effectively with change or when faced with new challenges

Key Responsibilities

• Drive new business acquisition through volume & gross profit growth across FCL, LCL, Air services.
• Act as the commercial lead for targeted trade lanes— coordinating with overseas offices, carriers, and agents to increase new volumes.
• Prepare and present competitive freight proposals, pricing models, and service offerings based on market conditions and client needs.
• Engage directly with shippers, importers, and exporters to develop tailored freight solutions that secure new business for Mondiale VGL.
• Collaborate with internal product managers, country managers, procurement, and operations to optimize service delivery, and value created for the customer.
• Build and manage long-term customer and internal relationships.
• Act as a partner to internal and external teams, understanding clients’ global freight needs and aligning solutions with their commercial objectives.
• Monitor service performance, manage escalations, and lead regular business reviews with key clients.
• Work closely with sales, commercial and country management teams to align procurement strategies with customer demand and business growth objectives.
• Coordinate with pricing, operations, and overseas branches to ensure seamless execution of won business.
• Participate in tenders, bids, and RFI/RFQ responses with full commercial ownership.
• Align all sales activities with Mondiale VGL Journey to Excellence strategy and key initiatives.

Purpose of Role

Reporting to the Director, Southeast Asia, this role will lead sales activity across Mondiale VGL Group within Southeast Asia. The role will be based in Singapore with a primary focus to grow volumes inbound and outbound to Southeast Asia. The results driven Head of Business Development will lead new business development efforts within all core freight forwarding products – FCL, LCL, Air, Transport, Customs and Warehousing. This role requires a strategic thinker with hunter instincts as new business development will be a key indicator to success.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in sales/commercial role, trade lane development, and selling within freight forwarding.
• Proven track record of securing new business, growing volumes and gross profit.
• Strong knowledge of Southeast Asia’s trade corridors, shipping regulations, and freight market dynamics.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in freight procurement systems, CRM’s and logistics software.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience in working across regional teams.

Competencies

• Ability to communicate effectively in a wide range of contexts both verbally and in writing
• Excellent communication & presentation skills: Written and verbal; ability to clearly articulate ideas