Business Development Manager

Company Description
Papers & Pens (PNP Digital) is a specialized product marketing agency focused on B2B and tech brands, particularly product-led companies ready to grow. The agency is built on a belief that strong product marketing comes from curiosity, deep understanding of the product and audience, and disciplined execution. We're building Marketing OS - proprietary AI agents running on a brand-specific Context Engine, and AEO Platform with senior operators keeping every output honest.
Our clients include SaaS and deep tech companies in Vietnam and APAC.
We're hiring our Business Development Manager to build pipeline on two fronts at once: B2B SaaS and tech companies across Southeast Asia, and cash-rich operators - manufacturers, professional services firms, education groups, real estate developers and premium clinics - that the AI wave hasn't reached yet. You'll work directly with the CEO and help write the sales playbook, not just follow it.
Role Description The Business Development Manager will be responsible for identifying and pursuing new business opportunities with B2B and SaaS clients, especially product-led and tech-focused brands. Day-to-day tasks include prospecting and qualifying leads, conducting discovery calls, preparing and delivering tailored proposals, and managing the sales pipeline from first contact through contract negotiation and closing. The role also involves collaborating closely with the product marketing and account teams to align client needs with agency capabilities, maintaining strong relationships with existing clients, and tracking market trends to refine outreach strategies.
This is a full-time, on-site role based in An Khanh Ward, HCMC, requiring daily presence for client meetings, internal collaboration, and participation in strategic planning sessions.
What you'll do
You own the full cycle - from first conversation to signed contract to account expansion
Build pipeline on two tracks
Operators: work banking partner referrals, founder communities (EO, YPO, BizClub), industry associations and warm intros from existing clients.
SaaS & tech: prospect on LinkedIn, tap VC and investor networks, and convert inbound from our diagnostic and content.
Build target lists by industry - operators at $5-50M revenue, SaaS from Pre-Seed up.
2. Diagnose and close
Lead diagnostic and discovery conversations, on Zoom or in person at a client's office or factory.
Place each buyer on the Marketing OS maturity ladder (L1-L4) and recommend the right entry point.
Shape proposals, pricing and 60-90 day paid pilots with our Growth and Tech teams.
Negotiate, close and hand over cleanly to delivery.
3.Expand accounts
Turn successful pilots into annual retainers.
Spot the moment a client is ready to climb a level, and make the case.
Turn every signed client into three to five peer introductions in their industry.
Run the machine
Keep HubSpot accurate and current - no deal lives only in your head.
Report weekly to the CEO on pipeline, conversion and forecast.
Bring market signal back into positioning, pricing and messaging.
Represent PNP at events, panels and industry meetups.
What you bring
Must-haves
2+ years in business development, B2B sales or account management - ideally at a marketing agency, SaaS company or B2B services firm.
A closing record you can show in numbers: contract values, deals won, quota attainment.
Full professional English - you write proposals and pitch to regional decision-makers without a safety net. Vietnamese is required for the operator track.
Working knowledge of B2B marketing: brand, content, SEO, demand gen, measurement.
Self-direction: you run your own pipeline and targets, and you're energised - not unsettled - by a startup still building its process.
Strong communication and negotiation skills, including the ability to conduct discovery calls, deliver persuasive presentations, and manage stakeholder expectations.
Strategic thinking and analytical skills to assess market opportunities, refine outreach tactics, and contribute to go-to-market plans.
Relationship-building skills, with a track record of developing long-term partnerships and maintaining client satisfaction.
Nice-to-haves
Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
An existing network in manufacturing, professional services, education, real estate or healthcare in HCMC, Bình Dương or Singapore.
Ties to founder communities (EO, YPO, BizClub, VCCI) or the SEA startup and VC scene.
Experience with consultative selling and frameworks such as SPICED or MEDDIC.
Comfort in the room with owners, GMs and CMOs, from a family-run factory to a VC-backed startup.
Hands-on with HubSpot or a similar CRM.
You already use AI in your own sales or marketing workflow.
What you get
Competitive base salary plus uncapped commission - compensation discussed openly at interview.
A direct line to the CEO and a real say in PNP's go-to-market strategy and pricing.
A clear path to Head of Sales or Head of Growth as the team scales.
Early access to our AI agents and internal tools, so you sell faster than a traditional BD team.
A portfolio that spans industries and markets across Southeast Asia - not one niche.
Learning and events budget.
Statutory benefits and annual leave under Vietnamese labour law.