Director of Business Development

Business Sweden is jointly owned by the Swedish state and the business sector.  We help Swedish companies grow global sales and international companies invest and expand in Sweden.

Our team of advisors and industry experts offer local expertise, strategic advice and practical support in more than 40 markets worldwide.

From San Francisco to Singapore, Johannesburg to Jakarta – our global presence gives Swedish companies a springboard to international expansion and export growth.  And we help international companies leverage Sweden as a launchpad for innovation while unlocking access to broader European market opportunities. 

We are seeking 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 sales 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 sales 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.

Key Responsibilities:

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 the development of a more structured and effective approach to complex sales across Business Sweden’s offices in the APAC region.
• Enhance pipeline development, market positioning and conversion
• Support the development of tools, methods and best practices aimed at increasing 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 preferred location for this position is Singapore; however, Stockholm may also be considered, subject to business requirements.

Skills & Requirements:

Core competencies and collaborative skills

• Demonstrates integrity, accountability and commitment in all tasks.
• Takes ownership of tasks and provides support to ensure timely, high-quality delivery.
• Collaborates effectively to achieve good results with a positive can-do attitude.
• Contributes to team spirit and transparent communication.
• Adaptable problem-solver who embraces new ways of working.
• Proactively shares ideas and perspectives while valuing and respecting diverse viewpoints.

Formal requirements

• Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years’ experience in complex B2B sales of professional services. Additional experience in management consulting and/ business development is preferred.
• Proved track record in building sales pipeline and closing large, high-value deals.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and decision-making processes.
• Strong commercial acumen with a clear focus on driving business growth and delivering results.
• Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and hands-on execution levels.
• Experience working in international and cross-cultural environments, with APAC exposure viewed as a plus.
• Proficiency in Swedish is considered an advantage.