Regional Director

SGInnovate; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Populix, supported by SGInnovate, seeks a senior Business Development lead to originate, develop and close new business in Singapore. You will own the pipeline, build senior-level relationships, and work with cross-border teams to craft tailored solutions for clients across corporates, MNCs and agencies.

The role offers high visibility and strong growth potential within a growing Singapore business unit. You will be based in Singapore and focused on building Populix's brand, partnerships and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• 8-10 years' work experience, ideally at top-tier consulting or high-growth strategy.
• Proven track record in B2B sales, new client acquisition and relationship management.
• Strong network among Singapore-based corporates, MNCs, agencies, consultancies or marketing/insights professionals.
• Entrepreneurial and hands-on with ability to independently originate and close new business.

Responsibilities

• Lead Singapore commercial expansion across corporates, MNCs, agencies and consultancies.
• Own the full sales cycle from prospecting to closing with anchor clients.
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with decision-makers across marketing, insights, strategy and commercial functions.
• Collaborate with Indonesia-based teams to translate client needs into proposals.
• Develop Populix's Singapore brand through networks, events, partnerships, and thought leadership.
• Develop and execute the Singapore go-to-market strategy and identify priority segments.

Skills

B2B sales

New client acquisition

Relationship management

Stakeholder management

English proficiency

Mandarin (plus)

Based in Singapore

Strategic thinking

Presentation & pitching

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

This role is posted on behalf of Populix, a startup supported by SGInnovate.

Background

Populix is a research-driven growth consultancy that helps businesses, institutions, and government agencies gain a clearer understanding of consumers, stakeholders, and opportunities. By combining data, technology, and deep expertise, Populix helps clients identify what truly matters, transform insights into tangible actions, and measure their impact. Populix’s services cover the entire growth journey—ranging from market research and policy & public research to campaign strategy, execution, amplification, and performance measurement. Populix also offers PopSurvey, an online self-service survey platform that enables users to access insights more quickly and efficiently. To download the latest studies from Populix, please visit info.populix.co.

About the Role

You will be responsible for originating, developing and closing new business opportunities in Singapore, with a strong focus on client acquisition and relationship building. You will have ownership of your own pipeline and deals, while working closely with Populix's senior management and Indonesia-based research, panel, technology and operations teams to develop and deliver the right solutions for clients. This is a hands-on role suited for someone who is hungry to build, comfortable with ambiguity and motivated by commercial outcomes, with the opportunity to take on greater responsibility as Populix's Singapore business grows.

What will you do:

• Lead Populix's Singapore commercial expansion by identifying, developing and converting new business opportunities across corporates, MNCs, agencies and consultancies.
• Own the full sales cycle, from prospecting and pitching to commercial negotiation and closing, with a focus on building a strong pipeline and acquiring anchor clients.
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with key decision-makers across marketing, insights, strategy and commercial functions, driving repeat business and deeper client relationships.
• Working closely with Populix's Indonesia-based research, panel, technology and operations teams to translate client needs and develop proposals
• Build Populix's brand, visibility and credibility in Singapore through industry networks, events, thought leadership and strategic partnerships, while developing channels and partnerships that generate new business opportunities.
• Develop and execute Populix's Singapore go-to-market strategy, identify priority customer/ industry segments whilst monitoring competitors and market trends.

What will you need:

• Bachelor's degree in any field (Master's Degree are preferable).
• 8-10 years of work experience acquired (ideally) at a top-tier consulting firm and/or in an internal strategy department for a high growth organization; or Business Development experience at market research, consulting, insights, advertising, media or related fields.
• Proven track record in B2B sales, new client acquisition and relationship management is a big advantage
• Strong network among Singapore-based corporates, MNCs, agencies, consultancies or marketing / insights professionals is a plus
• Strong understanding of the Singapore business environment and commercial landscape.
• Entrepreneurial and hands-on with demonstrated ability to independently originate and close new business.
• Strong presentation, pitching, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinker.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, being approachable and comfortable in building relationship at every level across internal and external stakeholder
• Confident and comfortable to deal with sensitive issues.
• Proficient in English is a must. Mandarin proficiency is a plus
• This role requires candidates to be based in Singapore