Manager International Business Expansion (f/m/d)

Speedgoat is a high-tech engineering company providing solutions that empower engineers to innovate cutting-edge control designs and rigorously test embedded controllers.

Our technology plays a key role in the development of electric vehicles, aircraft, renewable energy solutions, medical devices, advanced industrial machinery, and academic research and teaching. Leading tech companies, innovative startups, and universities worldwide trust Speedgoat to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Your Impact

As our Manager of International Business Expansion, you report directly to the Chief Business Development Officer. You will lead activities related to expanding Speedgoat’s footprint and business network in international markets, with a strong initial focus on APAC. This includes conducting market research, developing business plans and strategies, and ensuring effective implementation. You will work autonomously to navigate regulatory requirements, create strategic partnerships, and drive the execution of market entry plans. With your ability to understand cultural nuances, you will collaborate across different teams and regions to effectively position Speedgoat’s offerings and ensure operational success:

• Market Research and Analysis – Conduct in-depth market research to identify opportunities and challenges in target markets. Use your insights to create detailed market entry strategies that align with Speedgoat's objectives.

• Business Planning and Strategy Development – Develop and refine business plans for market entry and new and extended business relationships, outlining steps for strategic growth, financial assessments, and regulatory compliance. Build a clear roadmap to achieve successful market penetration.

• Legal and Regulatory Compliance – Gain a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks related to business operations, product offerings, and data privacy in target markets. Ensure compliance and manage risks associated with the expansion.

• Implementation and Execution – Take the lead in executing business plans, setting up operations, and ramp up local presence for Speedgoat. Ensure all strategic plans are transformed into action and measurable results.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration – Facilitate communication between teams in Switzerland and the target markets. Use your understanding of different business cultures to bridge cultural differences and promote effective collaboration.

• Stakeholder Management and Networking – Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including customers, partners, regulatory bodies, and distributors.

• Operational Set-Up and Process Coordination – Set up the foundational operations for market entry, including hiring and establishing partnerships with local entities. Coordinate processes between different regions to ensure smooth operations.

Your Background

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Business, Economics, International Relations, International Business, Management, Law, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience. An MBA is a plus.

• Business Expansion Experience: At least five years of experience in business development, market entry activities, ideally with experience in international markets such as China or other emerging regions.

• Cross-Cultural Competence: Proven experience working across cultural contexts, preferably with exposure to different business cultures.

• Autonomous and Results-Driven: Ability to work independently with a hands-on approach to drive projects from concept to execution. Demonstrated success in delivering measurable business results.

• Relationship-Building Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, capable of establishing trust and forming productive partnerships with stakeholders, including government bodies, distributors, and business partners.

• Entrepreneurial, Analytical, and Strategic Mindset: Proven ability to identify and capitalize on new opportunities, initiate projects, take calculated risks to drive growth, and develop strategic business plans based on data-driven insights. Ability to identify risks, opportunities, and actionable recommendations.

• Sales and Negotiation Skills: Experience in sales and negotiation.

• Language Skills: Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in additional languages such as German, Italian, French, Mandarin, or Japanese is advantageous.

• Willingness to travel: Including international stays of up to three months per year, and multiple international business travels per year.

• Strong level of accuracy, attention to details, facts, numbers, KPIs, with the ability to derive executive recommendations from market insights based on a magnitude of data and trends.

Your Benefits

• Join a team of experienced innovators committed to advancing technology for environmental sustainability and fostering an inclusive, supportive work culture.

• Enjoy up to six weeks of vacation and the flexibility of up to three days of home office per week.

• Invest in your growth with an annual budget for professional development.

• Work in a highly accessible location with ample lunch options, plus enjoy regular team events and free fruit, snacks, coffee, and tea.

• Thrive in a workplace that values your personal and professional development, empowering you to make a meaningful impact.

Excited to grow with a team driving innovation and sustainability? Apply now to explore how your skills could contribute to our shared mission!