Senior Manager, Life Science

Sumitomo Corporation (Singapore) Pte Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A global trading company in Singapore is seeking an experienced professional to promote agriculture-related businesses and innovation projects in Asia and Oceania. Responsibilities include conducting market intelligence, negotiating with stakeholders, and acting as a liaison with the Tokyo office. This role demands over 10 years of experience in agricultural input and life sciences, along with a Bachelor’s degree. Proficiency in Japanese is crucial for effective communication with the headquarters and regional partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sales, Marketing, or a related field is required.
• More than 10 years of work experience in Agricultural input and Life science business is required.
• High proficiency in Japanese (written and spoken) is necessary for communication.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market intelligence activities across the Asia-Pacific region.
• Perform in-depth market analysis and engage in complex negotiations.
• Act as a liaison between Tokyo head office and regional organisations.

Skills

Market intelligence

Negotiation

Business development

Communication in Japanese

Budgeting and sales forecasting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Sales, Marketing, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About the Role

To promote new agriculture-related businesses and innovation projects within the Asia and Oceania region, creating opportunities for development in both investment and trading of agricultural materials, including fertilisers and pesticides. Additionally, to develop new life science-related businesses such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and pet food products.

The role would involve supporting subsidiary companies in the region for investment and trading activities, including risk management, and providing regular reports to the management team. It also focuses on developing team capabilities by educating and training team members to strengthen their knowledge and experience in agriculture and life science businesses through regular meetings and structured development initiatives.

The main duties include:

• Conducting market intelligence activities across the Asia-Pacific region and implementing targeted initiatives to drive revenue growth, including identifying business needs and opportunities within various economic zones and emerging markets.
• Performing in-depth market analysis and engaging in complex negotiations and coordination with customers, suppliers, and government entities.
• Preparing presentation materials in Japanese for potential business opportunities for the Japan headquarters.
• Acting as a liaison between the Tokyo head office and regional organisations to ensure operational alignment with company strategies.
• Creating innovative solutions for farmers by leveraging agricultural technologies with flexibility and an open mindset.
• Arranging regular meetings and making reports for business updates whenever required.
• Achieving annual budget targets and formulating a 3-year strategic plan, including sales and profit objectives

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Sales, Marketing, or a related field is required.
• More than 10 years of work experience in Agricultural input business (fertilizers and pesticides) and Life science business (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and pet food) is required.
• Experience working across multiple countries within the Asia-Pacific region.
• Extensive knowledge in investment and trading business of Agricultural input business and Life science business.
• Strong understanding of business development and investment practices of Japanese trading houses.
• High proficiency in Japanese (both written and spoken) is required to effectively communicate with Japanese-speaking counterparts in Japan headquarter, as well as the regional group and investee companies.
• Frequent overseas business travel is required to support new business development.
• Advanced IT literacy, including proficiency in preparing reports using Word and creating presentations in PowerPoint.
• Strong proficiency in budgeting and sales forecasting using Excel, supported by solid financial knowledge.