Business Development Director, South Korea

Role Summary

The Business Development Director will develop and execute Business Development Strategies for Telesat Lightspeed LEO Services and Solutions and lead country operations in South Korea.

This position reports to the Senior Sales Director, APAC and is responsible for aligning Telesat Lightspeed business development objectives with the company’s business strategy and business plan in Korea.

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.

Requirements

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

At Telesat, we take pride in being an equal opportunity employer that values equality in the workplace. We are committed to providing the best candidate experience possible including any required accommodations at every stage of our interview process. All qualified applicants that have been selected for an interview that require accommodations, are advised to inform the Telesat Talent team accordingly. We will work with you to meet your needs. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential.