Business Development Manager - ICT/Digital Media

JOB DESCRIPTION

British Columbia Trade and Investment Office (BCTIO-Japan)
(Vanguard AP, LLC)

Position Title: Business Development Manager – ICT/Digital Media

Effective Date: October 1, 2012

Supervisor’s Title: Managing Director

Background:

Vanguard AP, LLC. is a registered Limited Liability Corporation in Japan that holds the contract to provide international trade, investment and marketing services for the Province of British Columbia, Canada (hereinafter “BC”). The Managing Director of Vanguard AP LLC. is designated as the BC Trade and Investment Representative and provides services on behalf of the provincial economic development ministry and its partners. He leads a team within Japan to develop market strategies and business development plans tailored to identify opportunities in order to grow BC exports, to assist and increase foreign direct investment from Japan into BC, and to foster innovation partnerships. Vanguard AP is responsible for advancing British Columbia’s commercial interests in Japan and enhancing the ability of companies to compete and prosper through strategic outreach to key locations throughout Japan, including Kyushu, Kansai, and Hokkaido. The British Columbia Trade & Investment Office works in close cooperation with its partners in Japan, particularly the Canadian Embassy and its associated offices, as well as Team BC partners such as Canada Wood, Tourism BC, BC Alumni Network, etc.
For more information please visit the Trade and Invest BC website at www.britishcolumbia.ca

The BC Government has identified Technology, and in particular ICT/Wireless/Digital Media as a priority for investment and trade. The Province would like to attract Japanese companies to set up operations in BC, partners with BC companies, and establish innovation partnerships with key institutes and organizations.

POSITION
The Business Development Manager - ICT/Digital Media is responsible for: contributing to the development of and executing the British Columbia's international marketing plan through a strategic program of outreach to key Japanese companies, opinion leaders and interlocutors; providing strategic advice on the current business climate and opportunities to BC business clients; communicating BC's investment advantages and opportunities to Japanese clients; seeking opportunities for innovation, research and technology development partnerships, and delivering incoming and outgoing business missions and trade shows.

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
1. Education: Successful completion of Post-secondary education (University, College, Vocational School)
2. Language Proficiency: Fluency in English and Japanese, both written and spoken.
3. Experience: 5-7 years Business development experience in an international setting; Experience in business planning, project management, liaising with key Japanese education/government contacts; and in conducting market research and preparing briefing materials; experience in promotional presentations in either English or Japanese.
4. Personal Suitability: Client service focus; self-motivation and initiative; and good organizational skills
5. Knowledge of Japan’s current ICT, gaming, Digital Media and Wireless sectors. Knowledge of British Columbia is an asset.
6. Skills and Abilities: Excellent computer literacy using standard office system (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, etc; ability to solve problems at critical moments (troubleshooting); ability to prepare market reports using primary, industry, internet and published sources; ability to write concise and effective business letters/e-mail messages in Japanese; ability to work under pressure and prioritize work flow in a small office environment

DUTY STATEMENTS: % OF TIME (spent on each key activity under normal operations)

Client Support: 50%
- Developing Market Opportunities and Client Support in ICT/Wireless/Digital Media sectors
- Relationship building in local market through strategic outcalls, attendance at seminars, trade shows, etc.
- Liaising with Canadian Embassy and other partners to support BC ICT/Wireless/Digital Media interests in Japan
- Partnership opportunity assessment and development

Planning and Managing events: 20%
- Work with Vancouver-based Sector Manager to coordinate recruitment for key events
- Support incoming and outgoing missions
- Provide briefings to incoming and outgoing mission members on business culture/etiquette, market opportunities, etc.
- Recruit local contacts to attend events, meet with BC clients.
- Create and deliver presentations in either English or Japanese, depending on the event

Market Research: 10%
- Develop market strategies through key networks
- Identify key opinion leaders and influencers
- Identify partnership leads to be developed in cooperation with the Managing Director and appropriate sector teams and/or sector specialists, along with other partners
- Develop and review English/Japanese promotional materials

Administration: 20%
- Maintain corporate database and other reporting essential to demonstrate work progression
- Activity reports, including expense reports, hospitality reports, outcall reports and business trip reports

**Only successful candidates will be contacted**

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