Business Development Director, APAC

Business Sweden is looking for a Director of Business Development to lead complex sales of our services to large Swedish companies operating in the APAC region. This is a unique opportunity to focus on winning and growing strategic business, shaping how we build pipeline, position our offering, and close complex and large deals with some of Sweden’s most important global companies.

You will own and drive the commercial agenda across a portfolio of 8–10 strategic Swedish clients, with a clear focus on identifying opportunities, building pipeline, and closing high-value deals. At the same time, you will play a key role in strengthening how Business Sweden operates in complex sales across the APAC region, contributing to a more structured, scalable, and results-driven commercial approach. This is a frontline sales role, combining senior client interaction with hands-on business development and deal execution.

The roles key responsibilities are:

Sales & business development

• Identify, shape, and develop high-value opportunities for large Swedish companies operating in and/or expanding into the APAC region
• Build and actively manage a strong pipeline of complex, large-scale sales opportunities for Business Sweden’s services
• Lead and close large, multi-stakeholder deals with senior decision-makers
• Drive account growth, including upselling and repeat business within existing accounts
• Ensure a strong link between commercial opportunities and tangible client value

Build the future model for complex sales

• Contribute to developing a more structured and effective approach to complex sales across Business Sweden’s offices in the APAC region
• Improve how we work with pipeline development, positioning, and conversion
• Support the development of tools, methods, and best practices to increase win rates and deal size

Coaching and capability building

• Support and coach colleagues in sales, client dialogue, and opportunity development
• Act as a role model in commercial drive, ownership, and accountability
• Contribute to a more performance-oriented and sales-driven culture

Cross-regional alignment

• Work closely with APAC leadership and colleagues in Sweden
• Ensure alignment on key accounts, commercial priorities, and go-to-market efforts
• Secure cross-regional development through close collaboration with other regions

You will work directly with some of Sweden’s largest companies and help shape Business Sweden’s APAC go-to-market approach and commercial offering. You will also build deep expertise in APAC markets and client needs, while playing a key role in strengthening our long-term capabilities in complex sales and delivery.

The role is preferably based in Singapore. Stockholm is an option.

Core competencies and collaborative skills

• Demonstrate commitment, honesty, and accountability in tasks.
• Provide support and take ownership to ensure high quality delivery on time.
• Collaborate effectively to achieve good results with a positive can-do attitude.
• Contribute to team spirit and transparent communication.
• A problem solver who easily adapts to new ways of working.
• Voice your own ideas and share opinions. Show appreciation for different perspectives.

Formal requirements

• A Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, or equivalent
• 15+ years of experience in complex B2B sales of professional services. Additional experience from management consulting and/ business development is preferred
• A strong track record of building pipeline and closing large, high-value deals
• Proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and decision processes
• A highly commercial mindset with clear focus on results and growth
• Ability to operate at both strategic and hands-on levels
• Experience working in international and cross-cultural environments (APAC experience is a plus)
• Proficiency in Swedish is an advantage

Application

Please submit your CV and cover letter in English or Swedish as soon as possible as we will be screening applications on a rolling basis. Your application will be handled confidentially.