Business Development Manager / Senior Business Development Manager

Pasona Inc.; Menlo Park (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Pasona Inc. in Menlo Park, CA is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to create new customers and markets, advancing opportunities from discovery through commercialization.

The role is a hands-on, individual-contributor position with potential leadership as the business grows. Occasional travel to support global initiatives is expected.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Business Development, Technical Sales, or related experience.
• Strong English written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prospect through cold outreach and professional networks.
• Experience in semiconductors, semiconductor equipment, Big Tech/data centers, aerospace, mobility, or advanced tech.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Develop new North American customers and markets through cold outreach, networks, events, and relationships.
• Create and execute target-account, market-entry, and opportunity-development strategies.
• Manage the full BD cycle from prospecting and discovery to proposals, supplier coordination, negotiation, and adoption.
• Introduce technologies from suppliers/startups to semiconductor, Big Tech, mobility, aerospace, and other customers.
• Understand technical products and connect capabilities to customer needs and commercial opportunities.
• Independently manage multiple opportunities, suppliers, and customer follow-ups.
• Collaborate with suppliers, technical resources, and global/internal stakeholders.
• Research unfamiliar technologies, applications, and markets to develop commercial approaches.
• Maintain structured pipeline and activity reporting.

Skills

Business development

Communication skills

Travel ability

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience

Job description

Business Development Manager / Senior Business Development Manager

Location: Menlo Park, CA

Compensation: $140,000–$170,000 base salary; exceptional candidates above the range may be considered

Hours: Generally 9:00 AM–6:00 PM with flexibility for occasional global meetings

Employment Type: Full-time, Hybrid; typically 3 days/week onsite

Applications will only be considered from candidates who meet the listed job-related qualifications. Please review thoroughly before submitting your application.

Company Overview

A global trading and business development organization is expanding its Silicon Valley presence to develop North American opportunities for innovative technologies and products from international suppliers and startups. Target markets include semiconductors, semiconductor equipment, data centers, aerospace/space, mobility, and other advanced technology sectors.

Position Summary

This is an experienced individual-contributor/business-builder role focused on creating new customers, markets, and commercial opportunities rather than primarily managing established accounts. The successful candidate will independently identify prospects, develop go-to-market approaches, introduce technical solutions, and advance opportunities from discovery through evaluation and commercialization.

Title and compensation will be determined based on experience. There are currently no direct reports, although leadership opportunities may develop as the business expands.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new North American customers and markets through cold outreach, existing networks, events, and industry relationships.
• Create and execute target-account, market-entry, and opportunity-development strategies.
• Manage the full BD cycle from prospecting and customer discovery through proposals, supplier coordination, negotiation support, and adoption.
• Introduce technologies from suppliers/startups to semiconductor, Big Tech, mobility, aerospace, and other advanced-technology customers.
• Understand technical products and connect capabilities to customer needs and commercial opportunities.
• Independently manage multiple opportunities, suppliers, and customer follow-ups.
• Collaborate with suppliers, technical resources, and global/internal stakeholders.
• Research unfamiliar technologies, applications, and markets and develop appropriate commercial approaches.
• Maintain structured pipeline and activity reporting.

Qualifications

Required:

• 5+ years of Business Development, Technical Sales, Strategic Account Management, or related commercial experience.
• Demonstrated success developing new customers, markets, or business opportunities, not solely managing existing accounts.
• Business development experience in semiconductors, semiconductor equipment, Big Tech/data centers, aerospace/space, mobility, or another advanced-technology industry.
• Ability to independently prospect through both cold outreach and professional networks.
• Ability to understand technical products and conduct customer-level technical discussions.
• Strong English written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong ownership, adaptability, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• Ability to travel as required.

Preferred:

• Semiconductor or semiconductor equipment industry experience.
• Established North American relationships in relevant advanced-technology markets.
• Automotive/mobility, aerospace, data center, or Big Tech experience.
• Experience commercializing technologies from overseas suppliers or startups.
• Trading company, distributor, channel partner, or supplier-development experience.
• Knowledge of semiconductor materials/equipment, electronic components, advanced materials, AI/data center infrastructure, or related technologies.
• Japanese language ability for supplier communication.

Other Details

Travel is typically 1–2 times/month, often for approximately 3 days, primarily across the West Coast and other U.S. markets. Occasional travel to Japan or other parts of Asia may arise based on projects.

Annual performance reviews are based on the March–February fiscal year, with salary increases and bonuses generally paid in May or June. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and 401(k). Relocation assistance may be considered for strong candidates. Visa sponsorship is not preferred but may be considered for exceptional candidates.

The interview process generally includes an initial virtual interview followed by an onsite interview.

This role may include additional responsibilities as needed based on business needs.