Director, Business Development – South Korea and ASEAN Government & Defence

Job description

Telesat (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers for over 55 years.  Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat has grown to be one of the largest and most successful global satellite operators. Telesat Lightspeed, our revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, scheduled to begin service in 2027, will revolutionize global broadband connectivity for enterprise and Government users by delivering a combination of high capacity, security, resiliency and affordability with ultra-low latency and fiber-like speeds. Telesat is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices and facilities around the world.   The company’s state-of-the-art Satellite fleet consists of 12 GEO satellites, the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 and one LEO 3 demonstration satellite.  For more information, follow Telesat on X and LinkedIn or visit www.telesat.com The Director, Business Development - South Korea & ASEAN Government and Defence will develop and execute business development strategies for Telesat Lightspeed services and solutions across South Korea and the ASEAN region, with a particular focus on defence, government and strategic national programs.   The position will lead Telesat's market development activities in South Korea while driving defence and government opportunities throughout ASEAN Region.   This position reports to the Senior Sales Director, APAC and is responsible for aligning Telesat Lightspeed's business development objectives with the company's overall business strategy and growth plans across South Korea and ASEAN. Main Responsibilities: Execute Telesat Lightspeed's market strategy across South Korea and support the development and execution of defence and government business growth strategies throughout ASEAN. Develop revenues and backlog with South Korean telcos, enterprises, and government customers, while identifying and pursuing strategic defence and government opportunities across ASEAN. Lead the development of strategic partnerships, channel relationships and complex commercial negotiations across the region for government and defence vertical. Establish and maintain senior level relationships with defence agencies, government stakeholders, system integrators, and strategic partners throughout South Korea and ASEAN. Map, engage, and influence relevant defence, government and industry stakeholders involved in satellite communications, identifying key decision makers and procurement authorities. Evangelize Telesat Lightspeed solutions to defence and government, creating awareness and advocacy at senior leadership and decision-making levels. Influence long term connectivity, SATCOM, and network modernization strategies of government and defence customers. Monitor market trends, competitive developments, defence modernization initiatives, procurement programs, and emerging connectivity requirements across South Korea and ASEAN. Coordinate engagement activities with government institutions, defence organizations, regulators, industry associations, and relevant political stakeholders to support business objectives and strategic initiatives. Work closely with solution engineering, product management, regulatory, and commercial teams to develop and customize solutions that meet customer and mission requirements. Contribute to regional go-to-market strategies, capture plans, and long-term business development initiatives supporting Telesat's growth across South Korea and ASEAN government and defence verticals. Identify and support strategic sovereign and national satellite communications programs, including defence modernization, secure communications, and government digital infrastructure initiatives. Represent Telesat at industry events, defence exhibitions, government forums, and executive engagements to strengthen the company's market presence and strategic positioning in the region. Education and Experience required: 15+ years of experience in business development, strategic sales, capture management, or government relations within the Defence, Satellite Communications, Telecommunications, Aerospace, or related technology sectors. Strong working knowledge of the South Korean government, defence, telecommunications, and industrial ecosystems, with a good understanding of ASEAN defence and government markets, procurement environments, and stakeholder landscapes. Experience engaging with government agencies, defence organizations, military customers, public institutions, and strategic industry partners in South Korea and/or ASEAN countries. Solid understanding of secure connectivity, satellite communications, mobility, defence communications, or mission-critical networking environments is highly desirable. Proven track record of identifying, developing, and closing strategic opportunities, building executive-level relationships, and positioning complex technology solutions within government and defence markets. Demonstrated experience developing and managing strategic partnerships, channel relationships, system integrators, and ecosystem partners across multiple markets. Experience operating in complex, multi-stakeholder, and politically sensitive environments, including coordination with government institutions, embassies, defence organizations, and strategic industry partners. Ability to understand operational, technical, regulatory, and sovereign requirements and work across internal teams to develop customer-focused solutions aligned with national priorities. Strong experience managing complex opportunity and capture cycles involving technical, operational, procurement, legal, and executive stakeholders. Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively at senior government, military, and executive levels. Strong reporting, business planning, and presentation skills, including preparation of executive briefings, market assessments, opportunity reviews, and strategic business updates. MBA and/or advanced degree in Business, Engineering, Telecommunications, International Relations, Defence Studies, or a related discipline is preferred. Excellent command of English (written and spoken). Additional Korean and ASEAN language capabilities would be considered an advantage. Willingness and ability to travel extensively across South Korea and ASEAN in support of customer engagement, business development activities, and strategic partnership initiatives. Key Competencies Strategic business development, capture management, and complex deal structuring Defence, government, and enterprise relationship development across South Korea and ASEAN Executive stakeholder engagement and C-level relationship management Strategic partnership development, alliance management, and ecosystem building Strong understanding of defence procurement, government acquisition processes, and public-sector engagement Cross-cultural leadership and collaboration within a matrixed global organization Commercial acumen with the ability to identify, qualify, and advance large strategic opportunities Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills across technical, operational, and executive audiences High ethical standards, sound judgment, and a strong governance and compliance mindset Ability to operate effectively in complex, multi-stakeholder, and politically sensitive environments Success Measures Achievement of revenue, backlog, and profitability targets in accordance with Telesat's business plan across South Korea and ASEAN Development and execution of a sustainable pipeline of defence and government opportunities Establishment of strategic partnerships with defence contractors, and regional ecosystem partners Successful capture and conversion of government and defence programs, contracts, and strategic initiatives Expansion of Telesat's market presence, brand awareness, and strategic influence within key government and defence accounts Development of strong executive-level customer and partner relationships throughout South Korea and ASEAN Successful identification and advancement of sovereign satellite communications, secure connectivity, and national digital infrastructure opportunities Effective cross-functional collaboration resulting in successful solution positioning, bid execution, and contract awards Delivery of accurate market intelligence, business forecasts, and strategic growth plans to support regional objectives 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.