Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Lead

AMPP: Association for Materials Protection and Performance; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AMPP: Association for Materials Protection and Performance is seeking a Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Lead for their operations in China. This role is pivotal in expanding AMPP's presence within the Chinese market, focusing on strategic growth and compliance with local regulations.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 10-15 years of experience in related fields. Fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English is required, alongside a strong ability to work with government and industry stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10-15 years of experience in business development or governmental relations.
• Experience working within Chinese governmental or regulatory environments preferred.
• Strong understanding of business compliance and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Execute AMPP's business development strategy in China.
• Build relationships with government agencies and industry partners.
• Conduct market research to identify opportunities.

Skills

Fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English

Strong analytical skills

Relationship management

Problem-solving skills

Strong written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Lead –China

The Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Lead –China will serve as AMPP's primary representative within the Chinese market, supporting strategic growth, stakeholder engagement, standards development activities, training initiatives, and market expansion efforts. This role is responsible for identifying business opportunities, strengthening relationships with government agencies, industry partners, academic institutions, and private-sector organizations, while ensuring AMPP activities, partnerships, and programs comply with applicable Chinese laws, regulations, industry requirements, and AMPP policies.

The position will play a critical role in supporting AMPP's long‑term growth strategy in China while protecting the organization's reputation, regulatory compliance, and operational integrity.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

The following responsibilities are included, with other duties as assigned:

• Execute AMPP's business development and market expansion strategy within China, focusing on growth opportunities within the materials protection, coatings, corrosion, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and related industries.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government agencies, standards organizations, state‑owned enterprises, academic institutions, industry associations, and private‑sector organizations.
• Identify opportunities to expand AMPP standards adoption, certifications, training programs, conferences, and membership growth throughout China.
• Monitor regulatory developments, industry trends, standards activities, and market conditions that may impact AMPP operations, programs, or strategic initiatives.
• Ensure all business development activities, partnerships, events, contracts, and programs comply with applicable Chinese laws, regulations, government requirements, and AMPP policies.
• Serve as a liaison between AMPP and Chinese regulatory, industry, and strategic stakeholders.
• Support localization of AMPP training, certification, technical content, and educational programs to meet market and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging opportunities and risks.
• Represent AMPP at conferences, standards meetings, industry forums, and stakeholder events.
• Assist in coordinating joint initiatives, strategic partnerships, and business agreements with external organizations.
• Prepare business development plans, budgets, forecasts, market reports, and strategic recommendations.
• Maintain accurate records and provide regular reporting on business development activities, stakeholder engagement, and market performance.
• Identify and elevate potential compliance, legal, reputational, or operational risks to AMPP leadership.
• Support cross‑functional collaboration with AMPP departments including Education, Standards, Certification, Marketing, Finance, Legal, and Operations.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10‑15 years of experience in business development, government relations, strategic partnerships, standards development, industry relations, or related fields.
• Experience working within Chinese governmental, regulatory, standards, industrial, or professional association environments strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of the corrosion, coatings, infrastructure, materials protection, manufacturing, or related industries preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with Chinese regulatory agencies, industry associations, academic institutions, and strategic partners.
• Strong understanding of business compliance, risk management, and regulatory requirements within China.
• Experience supporting international organizations operating within China preferred.
• Proven ability to develop strategic growth initiatives while balancing regulatory and compliance requirements.

Additional Requirements

• Fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively represent AMPP with senior government, industry, and business leaders.
• Strong analytical, relationship management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with global stakeholders and leadership teams.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 50% travel throughout China and internationally as required.
• Valid passport required.