Country Director – South Korea

Job Title: Country Director – South Korea

Location: Seoul, South Korea.

Salary: Negotiable depending on experience

What you’ll be doing:

• Develop and implement the strategy for business growth in collaboration with Lines of Business
• Lead a small team ( 4 direct reports) to oversee market coverage and secure profitable new business
• Support Lines of Business in creating Integrated Business Plans (IBPs), market strategies, and functional plans
• Monitor future trends and identify strategic growth opportunities, such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A)
• Establish a visible presence in political, defence, and industrial settings to foster bilateral relationships and support Government export initiatives
• Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, from political and defence leaders to working-level officials and partners
• Identify and shape business opportunities, supporting campaigns and deal closures to maximise success rates
• Oversee office operations and ensure compliance with governance and operational frameworks
• Drive functional learning and development while supporting internal R&D investments to strengthen innovation and capabilities

Your skills and experiences:

Essential:

• Extensive knowledge of defence and security procurement, with awareness of capability trends
• In-depth understanding of regional geopolitical trends, defence policies, and the industrial landscape within Korea, with the ability to apply this knowledge to drive business growth
• Strategic and commercial mindset, capable of delivering long-term business impact at a national level
• Proven ability to build and maintain senior-level, cross-cultural relationships across Government and industry
• Experienced in team leadership and managing multifunctional projects
• Fluency in both Korean and English (essential)

Desirable:

• Degree in business administration, international relations, or a related field

The Business Development Team:

This role sits within Head Office GBD, responsible for managing the South Korean business and reporting directly to the Regional Managing Director. The successful candidate will lead a functional team based in Seoul, driving strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in the defence and security sectors. The team collaborates closely with various internal functions to deliver a comprehensive range of business development activities, including strategy, market development, stakeholder engagement, and support for campaigns and bids. With regular interactions across senior leaders and external partners, the role requires excellent leadership and the ability to navigate local politics, procurement processes, and cultural dynamics. Candidates must have experience in the defence industry, fluency in both English and professional-level Korean, and a proven background working in Korea or the wider Asian market. This is an exciting opportunity to join a global organisation and play a key role in its expanding business in the region.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and particularly from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our industry, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals. We also want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard.

Closing Date: 3rd February 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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