Business Development Lead – Rice Export

Business Development Lead – Rice Export

Agriculture | Climate-Tech | Trade & Sustainability
Location: Vietnam (with regional/global exposure)

A fast-growing climate and agri-fintech platform is seeking a Business Development Lead – Rice Export to drive the commercial expansion of its rice export business across domestic and international markets.

About the Role

The Business Development Lead – Rice Export will take end-to-end ownership of the export sales function, with a particular focus on developing and commercializing innovative and low-emission rice products. The role combines strategic market development with hands-on execution and requires close collaboration with internal teams across operations, agronomy, sustainability, and finance.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Development & Sales Execution
Lead the full export sales cycle, from market research and prospecting to negotiation and deal closure with importers, traders, consumer brands, and food companies.

Go-to-Market Strategy
Develop and execute commercialization strategies for new rice categories, including climate-smart and low-emission rice, based on buyer insights and market trends.

Pipeline & Sales Funnel Ownership
Build and manage a strong pipeline of buyers, maintain structured follow-ups, and ensure clear communication of buyer demand internally through to contract fulfillment.

Cross-Functional Coordination
Work closely with internal teams to align product specifications, pricing, sustainability requirements, and delivery execution with client expectations.

Buyer Engagement & Marketing Support
Develop high-quality sales materials such as pitch decks, product sheets, and case studies tailored to international buyers.

Market Intelligence
Monitor global rice trade flows, competitor activity, regulatory changes, and sustainability-driven demand to inform commercial strategy.

Partnership & Network Building
Represent the company at industry trade fairs, exhibitions, and conferences to expand buyer and partner networks.

Performance Tracking & Reporting
Track sales performance, market development progress, and buyer engagement against defined targets.

New Business Exploration
Explore adjacent opportunities such as sustainability-linked offerings or carbon-related commercial initiatives with interested buyers.

Requirements

Experience:
4–7 years of experience in business development, export sales, or commercial roles within rice or closely related agri-commodities. Exposure to reputable international clients is strongly preferred.

Sales Track Record:
Proven ability to manage the full sales cycle from lead generation through contract negotiation and closing.

Industry Knowledge:
Strong understanding of rice value chains, international trade dynamics, and emerging sustainability trends in food and agriculture.

Strategic & Analytical Skills:
Ability to interpret market data, anticipate buyer needs, and develop commercially sound go-to-market strategies.

Stakeholder Management:
Comfortable working with multiple internal and external stakeholders across different functions and geographies.

Communication Skills:
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare polished buyer-facing materials and present confidently.

Ownership & Autonomy:
Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently in a lean environment and proactively solve complex challenges.

Mindset & Motivation:
Entrepreneurial, hands-on, and results-driven, with genuine curiosity about agriculture, climate, and global trade.

Tools:
Proficiency in Excel / Google Sheets and PowerPoint / Google Slides.

Languages:
Full professional proficiency in English and Vietnamese.

Mobility:
Willingness to travel for buyer meetings, trade events, and field visits as required.