Business Development Manager, Thought Leadership & Engagement Marketing (SG)

We are currently recruiting for a business development manager to have responsibility for both driving the growth of our existing business in Thought Leadership and our developing business in Engagement Marketing. The Thought leadership arm of the Economist Intelligence Unit undertakes research on a wide variety of business related topics. Reports are funded through sponsorship by companies who are seeking to associate with leading research on issues of concern to their client base. Reports are delivered in print, electronically, and through video and infographics, and are often promoted through events.

Engagement Marketing wraps Thought Leadership into propositions which deliver audiences to sponsors, though sponsorship, advertising, events, earned media, social media and communities.

You will be required to engage with a diverse range of senior client representatives, most commonly the heads of marketing and/or C-level executives, and will therefore possess the intellectual skills needed to understand and interpret their business marketing strategy and objectives and translate those into sponsored research solutions.

Your primary goal is to drive sponsorship sales in the assigned territory/territories. This includes the full portfolio of Thought Leadership research including surveys, white papers, briefing papers, and digital extensions such as Microsites, web/pod casts etc. As well as these platforms, you will be responsible for selling audience to sponsors in the form of advertising, events and social media activation.

A key skillset is the ability to understand the story a client wants/ needs to tell; and to craft ways in which The Economist Group can help craft that story in a compelling way for the target audience and in a way consistent with our editorial quality and guidelines. This means understanding intellectually the content and recognizing the impact for, and value to, the target audience.

We are looking for a highly-strategic individual who is comfortable having a consultative discussion with senior clients across multiple industries. Since solutions are driven by client need, the ability first and foremost to understand that need and then to examine and provide the optimum product solution will be the key to success.

To succeed in the role you must have:  

• Bachelor degree holder in economics, business or Asian studies (preferred).
  
  
• Extensive business-to-business sales experience (min three to five years) in the SEA Region where you have progressively achieved higher targets.

• Experience in dealing with MNCs across multiple industries

• Comfortable in conversing with senior executives and decision-makers

• Experience in selling sponsorship [pre] for (2-3 years) with demonstrated results. The ability to close is vital.
  
  
• Strong written and spoken English (fluent / native). Asian language abilities are a distinct advantage.

• A high level of Word, Excel and Powerpoint. 

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Proven ability at consultative selling and relationship management.
  
  
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with a strong presence, and ability to build rapport with clients of various levels of seniority.
  
  
• Good awareness of economic and political issues affecting business investment and operations in the region.
  
  
• Ability to spot and exploit commercial opportunities for the Group, and to take part in product/ idea development process.
  
  
• Ability to develop and manage a pipeline of business.
  
  
• Attributes to be a results-oriented, self-starter with the drive and determination to succeed.
  
  
• Attributes to be independent and resourceful, but totally committed to being part of a dynamic regional team.
  
  
• Ability to meet deadlines and copes well under pressure.