Business Development Director, South Korea

Main Responsibilities:

Execute the South Korea market strategy for satellite connectivity and services in coordination with APAC HQ in Singapore and Global HQ in Ottawa

Develop revenues and backlog with South Korean telcos, MNOs, ISPs, and Civil and Defence Government service providers

Play a key role in developing strategic partnerships and wholesale agreements as well as complex contract negotiations

Maintain senior‑level relationships with key customers and partners

Map out and engage with relevant defence, governmental, telcos and large enterprises institutional, industrial and political entities involved in the target ecosystem, identifying key influencers, decision-makers and stakeholders involved in satellite communication activities.

Evangelize Telesat Lightspeed to Governmental and commercial end users and decision makers, create interest for Telesat Lightspeed at decision making level.

Influence long-term network strategy and connectivity requirements of potential users

Monitor market trends, competitive landscape, procurement programs, and emerging connectivity needs.

Coordinate engagement activities with local institutions, relevant political stakeholders to ensure alignment with broader strategic initiatives.

Analyze local operational, technical, and regulatory requirements across South Korea.

Coordinate with internal solution engineering team, product, and commercial teams to adapt and customize solutions in line with customer expectations.

Contribute to go-to-market strategies and long-term regional business development plans for South Korea.

Education and Experience required:

10+ years of experience in business development, strategic sales, or government relations within the Defence, Satellite

Communications, Telecommunications, or related technology sectors.

Strong working knowledge of the South Korean institutional, governmental and defence ecosystems, telecommunications, including key stakeholders, procurement environments, and market dynamics.

Experience engaging with government agencies, defence organizations, public institutions, and strategic industrial partners across South Korea.

Solid understanding of secure connectivity, satellite communications, mobility, or critical communications environments is highly desirable.

Proven track record in developing strategic opportunities, establishing high-level relationships, and positioning complex technology solutions within government or commercial environments.

Experience navigating multi-stakeholder and politically sensitive environments, including coordination with institutional actors, embassy, and strategic partners.

Ability to understand operational and local requirements and coordinate internally to tailor solutions aligned with customer expectations and national priorities.

Strong experience in managing complex opportunity cycles involving technical, operational, procurement, and executive stakeholders.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, including engagement at senior executive and institutional levels.

Strong reporting and presentation skills, including the preparation of executive briefings and strategic business updates.

MBA and/or advanced degree in business, engineering

Excellent command of Korean and English (written and spoken).

Key Competencies

Strategic sales and complex deal structuring

Government and Corporate relationship building

Senior leadership and stakeholder management

Cross‑cultural communication in a matrixed global organization

High ethical standards and strong governance mindset

Sustainable revenue growth, backlog, and profitability according to the corporate business plan

Strategic partnerships with telcos and MNOs

Successful government and defense engagements and contracts