Job Description
This position is responsible for supporting the development and expansion of the Outside Group Sales (OGS) business in Malaysia under the Business Development Department. The Assistant Manager is responsible for supporting the Manager in translating strategic direction into actionable business development initiatives and identifying new opportunities involving customers, products, markets, suppliers and business models beyond traditional automotive-related businesses.The Assistant Manager is expected to conduct market and commercial analyses, coordinate cross-functional activities, manage customer and supplier relationships and provide practical recommendations to the Manager and Senior Management.The position also supports the supervision and development of Senior Executives and Executives while ensuring assigned projects and business activities are implemented effectively, commercially and in accordance with company governance requirements.Business Strategy & Planning- Support the Manager in developing annual and medium-term Business Development strategies aligned with corporate direction.- Identify potential growth opportunities within OGS businesses, including new industries, markets, customers, products, suppliers and business models.- Translate approved Business Development strategies into practical project plans, timelines and follow-up actions.- Conduct market research and analyse industry trends, customer requirements, competitor developments and regulatory changes.- Prepare preliminary business cases, feasibility assessments and commercial evaluations for new business opportunities.- Analyse potential sales volume, revenue, profitability, cost structure, investment requirements and key business risks.- Provide recommendations to the Manager on the commercial attractiveness and feasibility of identified business opportunities.- Monitor assigned Business Development initiatives and recommend corrective actions or improvements where required.New Business Development- Manage assigned new business development projects from opportunity identification through feasibility assessment, negotiation, internal approval, implementation and commercial launch.- Identify and approach potential customers, suppliers, strategic partners and other relevant stakeholders.- Conduct discussions with customers to understand business requirements and develop suitable commercial or material supply solutions.- Coordinate feasibility studies and gather input from relevant internal departments before preparing business proposals.- Evaluate potential new business models and partnership opportunities that could strengthen market position and diversify revenue sources.- Develop project schedules, milestones and action plans for assigned new business initiatives.- Follow up closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure agreed project milestones are achieved.- Support the Manager in converting identified business prospects into sustainable and profitable long-term businesses.Sales & Commercial Management- Manage and monitor the sales pipeline for assigned Business Development activities.- Support the establishment of sales, profitability and business development targets for assigned projects or accounts.- Conduct commercial discussions and negotiations relating to pricing, payment terms, supply arrangements and other business conditions within delegated authority.- Prepare commercial comparisons, cost analyses and profitability assessments for management review.- Review customer requirements and coordinate internally to develop commercially viable solutions.- Monitor sales performance, profitability and project progress against agreed targets.- Identify causes of performance gaps and propose corrective or recovery actions.- Identify opportunities to increase revenue, improve profitability, strengthen customer satisfaction and enhance operational efficiency.- Escalate significant commercial risks, customer concerns or business issues to the Manager in a timely manner.Project & Team Management- Lead assigned Business Development projects and coordinate activities across different functions.- Supervise and provide day-to-day guidance to Senior Executives and Executives involved in assigned projects.- Allocate tasks and monitor progress to ensure deliverables are completed accurately and within agreed timelines.- Provide coaching and guidance to team members on business development activities, commercial analysis and stakeholder management.- Review work prepared by team members and provide feedback before submission to the Manager where required.- Support the Manager in identifying competency gaps and development needs within the Business Development team.- Encourage teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement and proactive problem-solving.- Act as a key point of reference for team members when the Manager is unavailable, within the limits of delegated authority.Stakeholder Management• Develop and maintain professional relationships with customers, suppliers, potentialbusiness partners and other relevant external stakeholders.• Serve as the working-level Business Development representative for assigned customers,projects and commercial discussions.• Collaborate closely with Sales, Procurement, Logistics, Finance, Legal, Quality, HR &Admin and other relevant functions to support successful implementation of new businesses.• Coordinate with Honda Trading regional offices and group companies on assigned projectswhere applicable.• Engage with government agencies, regulatory bodies and relevant industry organisationswhere clarification, approval or coordination is required.• Ensure key stakeholder concerns and requirements are communicated clearly to the Managerand relevant internal parties.• Support the Manager in preparing for strategic customer, supplier and managementdiscussions.Reporting & Management Communication- Prepare and coordinate bi-weekly Business Development progress reports for management review.- Monitor and report Sales Performance, Sales Funnel, new business pipeline and project status for assigned areas.- Provide timely updates to the Manager on key opportunities, risks, issues and proposed countermeasures.- Prepare business proposals, feasibility assessments, commercial analyses and presentation materials for management review.- Support preparation of annual business plans, sales forecasts and departmental management reports.- Maintain accurate records of project activities, customer discussions, commercial assumptions and management decisions.- Present assigned business proposals and project updates to management when required.- Ensure management decisions and instructions are properly communicated and followed through until completion.Governance, Compliance & Risk Management- Ensure assigned Business Development activities comply with Malaysian laws and regulations, Corporate Governance requirements, company policies and the Code of Conduct.- Ensure appropriate internal approvals and supporting documentation are obtained before entering into new business arrangements.- Identify potential commercial, financial, operational, legal, compliance and reputational risks associated with assigned projects.- Coordinate with relevant internal functions to evaluate identified risks and establish appropriate mitigation actions.- Monitor compliance with approved contractual and commercial conditions during project implementation.- Escalate significant risks, irregularities or compliance concerns to the Manager promptly.- Maintain proper documentation, approval records and supporting information for audit and governance purposes.- Promote ethical and transparent business practices in all dealings with customers, suppliers and business partners.- Undertake ad-hoc assignments or other responsibilities as required by the immediate superior and/or Top Management.