Head of Business Development

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Business Development to join a leading global shipping and logistics organisation in Ho Chi Minh City. This pivotal role is designed for someone who thrives on driving business growth, spearheading strategic projects, and nurturing high-performing teams. You will be at the forefront of identifying new business opportunities, leading decarbonisation and digital innovation initiatives, and shaping the future of logistics in Vietnam. The organisation offers a collaborative, multicultural environment where your expertise will directly influence commercial success and operational excellence. With significant career growth potential and the chance to work on transformative projects, this is an ideal position for those passionate about making a lasting impact in a fast-evolving market. * Play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of a major player in the shipping and logistics sector by leading high-impact business development initiatives across Vietnam. * Enjoy a supportive, multicultural workplace that values collaboration, professional development, and offers substantial opportunities for career progression within a global network. * Drive meaningful change through innovative digital projects and sustainability-focused ventures, contributing to both business excellence and environmental responsibility.

What you'll do:

As Head of Business Development based in Ho Chi Minh City, you will play an instrumental role in steering the organisation’s growth strategy. Your day-to-day activities will involve evaluating new ventures—ranging from joint ventures to mergers—and leading sustainability-driven projects that set industry benchmarks. You will be responsible for developing robust business cases supported by thorough financial analysis and risk assessment. In addition to overseeing strategic studies that shape future investments in terminals or trade corridors, you will also take charge of P&L management for new business lines. Collaboration is central to this role; you will work closely with diverse teams across functions to ensure seamless execution of complex projects. Digital transformation is another key focus area—your efforts will drive process optimisation through innovative technology solutions. By guiding a dedicated team towards operational excellence using clear KPIs and structured performance management frameworks, you will help foster an environment where continuous improvement is not just encouraged but expected.

• Identify and evaluate new business opportunities including inland joint ventures, mergers, and acquisitions to support long-term organisational growth.
• Lead decarbonisation projects such as E-Barge development, solar farm integration, and charging station infrastructure to advance sustainability goals.
• Develop comprehensive business cases with feasibility studies, financial models, and risk assessments for presentation to local and regional leadership teams.
• Conduct detailed strategic studies on terminals, emerging trade corridors, and new commodity flows to inform decision-making processes.
• Oversee the creation and management of barge joint venture initiatives aimed at enhancing inland waterway connectivity and expanding logistics capabilities.
• Take ownership of Profit & Loss for new business lines, ensuring their financial sustainability while supporting commercial teams with competitive proposals.
• Manage end-to-end delivery of strategic initiatives and transformation projects by collaborating cross-functionally with sales, operations, finance, legal, and overseas teams.
• Track project performance rigorously, manage risks proactively, and implement change controls as needed to ensure successful outcomes.
• Drive digital innovation through projects like Smartlog, RivAlliance, ERO/EDO solutions, and container optimisation to improve efficiency and customer experience.
• Lead a team of process improvement specialists by defining KPIs, monitoring agency performance through established frameworks, coaching team members, and fostering a culture focused on continuous improvement.

What you bring:

To excel as Head of Business Development you bring not only technical proficiency but also outstanding interpersonal skills that allow you to connect meaningfully with colleagues from various backgrounds. Your background includes hands-on experience managing complex projects within the logistics or shipping industries—where your analytical mindset has been matched by your ability to communicate clearly across departments. You have demonstrated success in building financially sound business cases while maintaining sensitivity towards commercial realities. Your approach is grounded in empathy; you nurture talent within your team by providing guidance tailored to individual strengths while promoting shared accountability for results. Familiarity with Vietnam’s unique regulatory environment further enhances your effectiveness when pursuing new opportunities or negotiating partnerships. Above all else your commitment to continuous learning ensures that you remain adaptable amid changing market conditions.

• A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management or a related field is required; an MBA is highly desirable for this position.
• At least five years’ experience in business development or project management roles within logistics, shipping or related sectors is essential for success.
• Demonstrated expertise in P&L management along with strong skills in financial modelling and pricing strategy are crucial requirements.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects while preparing compelling strategic business proposals that resonate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Exceptional communication abilities combined with advanced stakeholder management skills enable you to build trust-based relationships internally and externally.
• Experience managing small- to mid-sized teams—particularly those focused on process optimisation or project delivery—is highly valued.
• A deep understanding of Vietnam’s logistics landscape or maritime industry provides a significant advantage when navigating local market dynamics.
• Fluency in both English and Vietnamese ensures effective collaboration across multicultural teams as well as engagement with local partners.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as one of the world’s foremost names in shipping and logistics—a place where ambitious professionals can truly make their mark. Employees benefit from being part of an inclusive community that values knowledge sharing across borders while offering access to cutting-edge resources for personal development. The company’s commitment to innovation means you’ll have the chance to work on pioneering digital transformation projects alongside experts from around the globe. Career advancement is actively supported through structured training programmes as well as mentorship from experienced leaders who are invested in your long-term success. The workplace culture emphasises collaboration over competition—ensuring everyone feels empowered to contribute ideas regardless of their background or tenure. With its strong focus on sustainability initiatives such as decarbonisation efforts this employer also appeals deeply to those who want their work to have positive social impact beyond commercial returns.

What's next:

If you are ready to take your career forward by joining an influential team shaping the future of logistics in Vietnam then this could be your next great move!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided—your journey towards making a real difference starts here.

Due to the high volume of applications we are experiencing, our team will only be in touch with you if your application is shortlisted.