About the Role
We are looking for a commercially driven and customer-focused Business Development Manager Asia to join our Shanghai-based regional team. This role plays a pivotal part in managing and growing our distributor network business across Asia – with a focus on the following countries: South Korea, Mongolia, Japan, ***, Hong- Kong, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.
The ideal candidate brings strong international distributor management experience e.g. from working with a Western FMCG company exporting to Asia, and demonstrates a mature, solution-oriented approach when engaging with customers.
You will work closely with our Asia Commercial Director and cross-functional global teams to drive growth across snacking & spreads categories (Better-for-you Snacks for Children/Adults & Natural Spreads). This role requires travel 20–30% of the time, including regular visits to key markets.
Key Responsibilities:
Regional Business Development
· Act as the main point of contact for all existing and new distributors across your assigned countries.
· Own and deliver Net Sales, Gross Margin, and Operating Profit targets for your area.
· Develop and implement Route-to-Market strategies and value chains tailored to each market.
· Identify and unlock new growth opportunities, channels, and portfolio expansion.
Distributor & Customer Management
· Build strong, trust-based relationships with distributors and sub-distributors.
· Drive performance management and ensure strategic alignment on pricing, assortment, promotions, and execution.
· Representing the company with maturity and presence in business meetings, professionalism and customer problem-solving are key.
Sales Planning & Execution
· Monitor market performance, identify NSV gaps, and develop action plans.
· Lead demand planning efforts in collaboration with supply chain and customer service teams to ensure forecast accuracy.
· Oversee product launches, assortment updates, and in-market execution together with trade marketing teams.
Financial Accountability
· Manage regional Net Sales, Gross Margin, and Operating Profit budgets.
· Track and optimize A&P investments, ensuring return on spend.
· Ensure healthy in-market inventory and sustainable growth.
Who You Are
Experience & education
· Minimum 5–8 years in international business development or regional sales, managing FMCG distributors in Asia.
· Proven track record in snacks, confectionery, biscuits, or other fast-moving consumer products.
· Prior experience with a Western company exporting to Asia is strongly preferred.
· Demonstrated success in complex distributor networks across multiple countries.
· University degree in business administration or similar
Skills & Attributes
· Fluent in English (spoken & written); additional Asian languages are a plus.
· Strong interpersonal skills, with a customer-*** and solution-driven mindset.
· Analytical and strategic, yet hands-on and execution focused.
· Confident and credible when dealing with senior clients or partners, especially in high-context markets like Japan.
· Entrepreneurial, independent, and performance oriented.
Mobility & Location
· Role is based in Shanghai, working with our Asia regional team.
· Requires 20–30% international travel across Asia.
· Open to Chinese nationals or foreigners already living in China with valid residence/work permits.
Why Join Hero?
· Competitive salary and benefits package
· Collaborative and flexible working environment with like-minded people who are passionate about natural food and supply chain.
· A collaborative and supportive work environment.
· You will join an agile, ambitious team focused on bringing better snacking options to families across Asia. This role gives you the opportunity to make a real commercial impact and work with passionate colleagues in a supportive, international environment.