Sales Manager (Cell and Gene Therapies) - North Asia
About the Company
As a global medical device company originating from Japan, we pursue reliable quality and technology to contribute to healthcare in more than 160 countries and regions around the globe. We promise to walk alongside healthcare professionals to continue to make great contribution to society, now and into the future.
Summary of the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated and results-oriented Sales Manager, Cell and Gene Therapies to drive the growth and adoption of Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies' (BCT) innovative cell therapy platforms and solutions across North Asia. Based in Seoul, South Korea, this critical role will be responsible for directly identifying, engaging, and building deep relationships with key strategic accounts, while also identifying and expanding our channel network in these dynamic markets. This role will report to Director, APAC Commercial, Cell and Gene Therapies.
This is a unique opportunity for an individual with a strong blend of scientific understanding, strategic sales acumen, and a passion for shaping the future of cell and gene therapy.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Account Development & Management
- Consistently meet or exceed assigned sales goals and achieves appropriate price targets.
- Identify, prospect, and qualify high-potential strategic accounts within the cell and gene therapy ecosystem (pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, CMOs/CDMOs, leading academic research institutions) across North Asia.
- Develop and execute comprehensive account strategies to deeply integrate Terumo BCT's CGT platforms (Quantum Flex, Finia, SCD IIB welders and their associated consumables and services) into customer R&D pipelines, clinical trials, and commercial manufacturing processes.
- Employ a consultative sales approach to truly understand customer challenges, scientific needs, and long-term business objectives, positioning Terumo BCT solutions as strategic partners in their success.
- Utilize strategic selling methodologies to navigate complex organizational structures, identify key influencers and decision-makers, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
- Build and nurture long-term, trusted relationships with key decision-makers, scientific leaders, MSAT and PD teams, and C-suite executives within target accounts.
- Lead complex sales cycles, orchestrating internal cross functional resources in APAC and Global (e.g., Field Application Specialists, Technical Service, Marketing) to deliver compelling technical and economic value propositions.
- Conduct in-depth customer needs assessments, uncovering pain points and identifying opportunities where Terumo BCT solutions can provide significant value and accelerate their therapeutic development.
- Negotiate and close high-value, long-term contracts, demonstrating strong commercial acumen and understanding of customer business models.
- Provide accurate sales forecasts, pipeline management, and maintain detailed records in CRM system.
2. Channel Identification & Expansion
- Continuously assess the market landscape to identify potential new channel partners (distributors, integrators) that can effectively extend Terumo BCT's reach and market penetration in North Asia.
- Evaluate potential local channel partners based on their technical capabilities, market access, existing customer base, financial health, and strategic alignment with Terumo BCT's objectives.
- Support the onboarding, training, and ongoing management of new and existing channel partners to ensure optimal performance and adherence to Terumo BCT standards.
- Collaborate with channel partners on joint sales initiatives and market development activities.
3. Market Intelligence & Collaboration
- Act as a voice of the customer, gathering competitive intelligence, market trends, and unmet customer needs to inform product development, marketing strategies, and business planning for the APAC and global teams.
- Participate in relevant industry conferences, trade shows, and scientific meetings to promote Terumo BCT's presence and network with key stakeholders.
Functional / Technical Skills
- Self-starter with strong results orientation and success in moving business toward long-term goals
- Demonstrated expertise in employing consultative sales approaches and strategic selling methodologies (e.g. Korn Ferry Selling) to close complex, high-value deals.
- Demonstrated experience in identifying, qualifying and closing complex long-cycle sales with decision makers in biopharma/ biotech companies and CMOs.
- Experience in identifying, qualifying and developing sales channels is a significant advantage
- Understanding of cell and gene therapy workflows, GMP environments and CGT/ drug development journeys
- Strategic thinking with a hunter mentality and a long-term vision for account growth
- Strong communication, negotiation and persuasion abilities to sell concepts, idea and value to diverse audiences
- Highly organized, self motivated and able to work independently
- Is a collaborative team player. Understands the importance of team success, and acts with the team in mind.
- Ability to articulate and champion local needs to diverse cross-functional teams in an international environment
- Demonstrated resilience and effective problem-solving, leadership, and change management skills.
- Proficient in CRM software (Salesforce) and relevant PC software applications
- Language : Fluent in Korean (written and spoken) is essential. Excellent business English (written and spoken) is required. Proficiency in Mandarin Chinese is a plus.
Education & Experience
- Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific/technical field A. Ph.D. is a plus. Bachelor’s degree with equivalent level of experience will be considered
- Minimum of 8+ years of progressive sales experience in the life sciences, biotechnology, or medical device industry, with a strong emphasis on capital equipment and high-value solutions. At least 3-5 years of direct sales and strategic account development experience specifically within the cell and gene therapy, regenerative medicine, or biologics manufacturing space.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
- A valid Driver’s License is required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Typical Office Environment requirements include: reading, speaking, hearing, close vision, walking, bending, sitting, and occasional lifting up to 20 pounds.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
Additional Physical Requirements
Willingness to travel extensively (50%) across North Asia and occasionally across APAC or other regions for trainings, meetings and conferences.
Note to External Recruitment Agencies:
Terumo does not recognize candidate submissions from any recruitment agencies and will not be responsible for payment of any recruitment fees due to the hiring of candidates whose resumes were submitted to Terumo employees or offices without the recruiting team's acknowledgement.