Export Sales Area Manager - APAC

Introduction / Context
Monroe Consulting Group, an Executive Recruitment firm, is partnering with an organisation in the Industrial sector to hire an Export Sales Area Manager – APAC. This opportunity is based in Malaysia.

Position Overview
Drive commercial development and sales growth across APAC, with a focus on Southeast Asia and strategic markets.
Strengthen regional market presence, expand export business, and support sustainable growth aligned with Group strategy.

Key Responsibilities:
Develop and execute the commercial strategy for assigned APAC markets in alignment with Group objectives and the General Manager of the China office.

Develop the regional export business by promoting and expanding sales of products manufactured and supplied by the Group HQ in Italy across APAC markets.

Manage and expand relationships with distributors, dealers, OEMs, architects, designers, and key customers across the region.

Identify new market opportunities, business partnerships, and sales channels to accelerate regional growth.

Monitor sales performance, market trends, competitor activities, and customer needs, providing regular market intelligence and actionable recommendations.

Coordinate commercial activities across multiple countries, ensuring consistency in pricing, positioning, product presentation, and customer approach.

Support negotiation and management of commercial agreements, contracts, and annual business plans with local partners and key accounts.

Collaborate closely with Italy HQ and China HQ, as well as customer service, supply chain, marketing, and technical support teams, to ensure effective execution of the export business model and high customer satisfaction.

Promote strong customer relationships through regular market visits, business reviews, and participation in regional trade fairs and industry events.

Ensure accurate sales forecasting, reporting, and pipeline management to support production planning and export operations.

Support the implementation of Group standards, commercial policies, and operational procedures within the region.

Act as a cultural and business bridge between local Asian markets and the broader international organization.

Key Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience
  Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, Engineering, or related field.
  Minimum 8 years of experience in international sales or area management roles within APAC.
  Experience in B2B sales management within furniture hardware industries.
  Previous experience working with Asian distributors and regional business cultures is strongly preferred.
  Based in Malaysia or willing to relocate.
  Fluency in English is mandatory; Chinese will be considered as a plus (additional Asian languages - Malay, Thai, Vietnamese, etc. – will be considered a nice to have).
  Availability for frequent travel across APAC countries and occasional travel to China and Italy HQ.
  Experience within international companies is a plus.

• Technical / Functional Expertise
  Strong understanding of APAC market dynamics, particularly Southeast Asia distribution and business environments.
  Experience in B2B sales management within industrial, manufacturing, furniture hardware, building materials, interior solutions, or related sectors.
  Knowledge of distributor management, channel development, and key account management.
  Familiarity with commercial negotiations, pricing strategies, and sales planning.
  Ability to analyse market data, sales performance, and business opportunities to support strategic decisions.
  Good understanding of cross-cultural business practices within Asian markets.
  Proficiency in CRM systems and sales reporting tools.
  Develop and manage commercial networks across multiple APAC countries.
  Build long-term relationships with distributors and strategic customers.
  Negotiate commercial agreements and drive business growth autonomously.
  Coordinate cross-functional and cross-cultural stakeholders effectively.
  Translate regional business opportunities into actionable commercial plans.
  Manage complex regional priorities with a pragmatic and hands-on approach.
  Operate independently while maintaining strong alignment with headquarters and regional leadership.

• Soft Skills & Leadership Competencies
  Strong interpersonal and relationship-building capabilities.
  Effective communication skills in multicultural environments.
  Commercial mindset with strong customer orientation.
  Pragmatism and execution focus.
  Adaptability and cultural sensitivity across diverse Asian markets.
  Influential and collaborative approach.
  Entrepreneurial attitude and proactive problem-solving.
  Resilience and flexibility in a fast-evolving international environment.