Business Development Manager - South Korea (2025-47a)

Contract

Hybrid

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Job Details

Job Title:Business Development Manager – South Korea
 
Division:Asia Pacific
Location: Seoul, Korea
  
Ireland is a leading global hub for international business. Over 1800 of the world’s leading companies have chosen Ireland as their international base; including Intel, Amazon, SK, Hanwha, Astellas, Hitachi, Citibank, SMBC, Stripe and many more.

IDA Ireland is the Irish Government’s inward investment agency, responsible for the promotion and attraction of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Ireland. IDA Ireland partners with global multi-national companies (MNCs) considering a European location for international operations. 

About the Role:

IDA’s international Business Development teams play an important role in driving new business investment opportunities from key global markets. This position will focus on new business development from the South Korea market. The successful candidate will be responsible for targeting and winning Foreign Direct Investment from South Korean companies in sectors including Technology, Semiconductors, Biotechnology, Financial Services, Advanced Engineering, and the Green Economy.

This exciting and challenging role is an opportunity for an experienced, enthusiastic, and self-motivated executive to work closely with C-Level Executives in some of the world’s most important and progressive companies and to make a significant contribution to Ireland’s economic development.

Reporting to IDA’s Director for Japan & Korea, this position will be based in the IDA office in Seoul.


Key Tasks:      
In line with the targets and objectives set out in IDA Strategy, the key tasks are as follows: 
 
  • Proactively identify and engage with target companies from South Korea with the potential to invest in Ireland and win investments aligned with IDA strategy and targets.
  • Build strong relationships with senior executives within selected target companies and develop a strong pipeline of future investments from the market.
  • Deliver compelling presentations to influential C Level executives, business groups, and networks across the market to promote the advantages of Ireland as a location for Foreign Direct Investment.
  • Demonstrate solid sectorial and deep domain knowledge with the ability to clearly articulate Ireland’s value propositions.
  • Work with IDA Asia-Pac and global teams to develop appropriate and relevant marketing and value propositions for the Korean marketplace.
  • Secure commitments by companies to site visit Ireland; help prepare appropriate itineraries and assist with the commercial assessment and post approval implementation.
  • Arrange marketing visits to the territory by IDA colleagues and senior Irish political visitors.
  • Represent IDA in the market and develop and maintain senior level business and industry networks.
  • Demonstrate flexibility in undertaking additional tasks as may be assigned. 
 
Key Competencies Required
Client Focused Relationship Building
Sales & Marketing
Negotiation & Influencing
Communications and Personal Effectiveness
Knowledge
Networking, Influencing and Negotiation
Creativity and Innovation

Essential Experience & Competencies Sought
  • Proven experience (minimum 7 years) in international B2B Enterprise Sales, Business Development, or Account Management within a corporate environment. 
  • Fluency in both Korean and English, with the ability to conduct business negotiations in both languages.
  • Strong commercial acumen with a demonstrated understanding of strategic selling in a target-driven environment.
  • Strong ability to build relationships and network effectively with C-level executives.
  • Highly developed communication skills, including delivering compelling presentations to senior executives and business groups.
  • Good understanding of global business and the international FDI marketplace, as well as business practices and cultures in Asia.
  • Ability to work well under pressure, independently, and with flexibility in a dynamic environment.

Additional Considerations
  • Knowledge of the Lifesciences, Technology, Financial Services, or Sustainability sectors.
  • Flexibility to travel across the market as required.
  • Familiarity with digital marketing tools and techniques is desirable.

Terms & Conditions
  • Competitive salary and conditions – details available on request.
  • Applicants must be eligible to work in South Korea.

Depending on the experience of the successful candidate and in advance of commencing the new role, tailored induction and development programs will be put in place to support the successful candidate.

 
Application:A detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae, clearly demonstrating experience to-date and key tasks of each role.
 
Closing Date:              27/07/2025

IDA Human Resources & Organisational Development 

Date:  7th July 2025