Business Development Manager – Southeast Asia Focus

Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia (with travel across the Southeast Asia region)
Reporting to: CEO
To apply: Please email us your CV with your salary requirements at: hello@glean.net

About Glean Asia

Glean Asia is a digital experience and technology company focused on inclusive innovation. We support governments, civil society, and mission-driven enterprises across Southeast Asia in solving complex challenges through research, digital transformation, and inclusive product design.

With over a decade of experience, our work bridges the digital divide and builds systems that empower communities, strengthen institutions, and enable sustainable development. We’ve partnered with global donors, national governments, and international NGOs including The World Bank, USAID, UNDP, Oxfam, Pact, and the Royal Government of Cambodia. Our work is grounded in Southeast Asia and informed by global best practices.

In 2025, Glean is expanding its business development strategy across the region, with a renewed focus on working with corporates, governments, and donor agencies to scale impact.

Position Summary

We are looking for a Business Development Manager (BDM) to lead Glean Asia’s growth across Southeast Asia. You will identify new opportunities, develop strategic partnerships, and lead the full sales process—from lead generation to proposal development to negotiation and contract closure. The ideal candidate brings a strong network, understands the nuances of development and private sector collaboration in the region, and thrives in cross-cultural environments.

This is a strategic leadership role, suitable for someone who is both a hunter and a relationship-builder, capable of navigating complex client ecosystems and representing Glean Asia’s mission with clarity and confidence.

Key Objectives

• Expand Glean Asia’s presence across Southeast Asia through new partnerships and opportunities.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline across corporate, government, and donor sectors.
• Lead strategic bids and proposals in alignment with our digital transformation and impact goals.
• Strengthen our positioning in regional development, CSR, ESG, and digital innovation markets.
• Represent Glean at regional forums, donor events, and industry convenings.

Core Responsibilities

• Sales Leadership: Drive outbound business development efforts and lead the entire sales lifecycle—identification, engagement, pitch, proposal, negotiation, and closure.
• Proposal Development: Manage proposal responses including content development, RFP analysis, budgeting support, and partner coordination.
• Strategic Growth: Identify trends, sectors, and actors aligned with Glean’s strengths (e.g., education technology, digital governance, open data, civic tech, and inclusive product design).
• Partnership Development: Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships across multilaterals, NGOs, private sector actors, and government agencies.
• Market Intelligence: Continuously scan the regional landscape to identify emerging opportunities, donor trends, and innovation initiatives.
• Marketing & Positioning: Contribute to thought leadership, events, webinars, and marketing campaigns that position Glean as a regional leader.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Proven experience in B2B or institutional sales, ideally within international development, government, or technology sectors.
• Strong familiarity with the Southeast Asia development and private sector ecosystem.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex proposals (e.g., with donors like USAID, UNDP, or World Bank).
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills in English; additional Southeast Asian languages (Khmer, Thai, Vietnamese, Bahasa) are a plus.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong organizational and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines across time zones.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits, aligned with regional benchmarks and your experience level.
• Leadership role in shaping Glean Asia’s future growth and direction.
• Flexible, collaborative, and impact-driven team culture.
• Opportunities for professional development and regional travel.