Business Development Manager

Who we are

Since 1843, The Economist Group has championed independence, excellence and openness, helping people understand and tackle the critical challenges shaping the world. Today, we are building on that legacy as a global media and information-services company powered by digital innovation, analytical rigour and evidence-based insight.

Across our three businesses -The Economist, Economist Enterprise and Economist Education - we deliver trusted analysis and insights to individuals and organisations in more than 170 countries. United by a shared purpose to drive progress, we empower decision-makers to make sense of change and chart a course through an increasingly complex world.

As a colleague, you will be part of a culture that values ideas, encourages ownership and holds itself to high standards. We invest in people who are curious, thoughtful and adaptable, whether they are launching new products, reporting on global events or harnessing emerging technologies such as AI to improve how we work. Here, fresh thinking is taken seriously, ambition is matched by integrity, and great work is recognised. Working across disciplines, geographies and perspectives, we are united by a commitment to innovation, excellence and creating meaningful impact.

About EIU & the Role

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) is the research and analysis division of The Economist Group. We provide insight, analysis, and data that help governments, multinationals, and financial institutions make better decisions in an increasingly complex global environment.

We are seeking an Account Executive to help grow our presence across the region. This role is suited to a commercially motivated seller who enjoys creating opportunities, engaging key decision-makers, and taking responsibility of deals from first conversation through to close.

You will sell EIU’s research and data-led solutions to organisations navigating geopolitical, economic, and regulatory change, working with a range of stakeholders including business leaders, strategy teams, and data-adjacent functions. The role offers strong exposure, responsibility, and the opportunity to deepen expertise in information and data-led selling over time.

The Opportunity

The Account Executive, ASEAN (Singapore-based) is a 360° sales role for a strong outbound seller who can take responsibility of opportunities from creation through to close.

You will manage a defined ASEAN territory, driving new business through proactive prospecting and consultative engagement with senior business and data-adjacent stakeholders. The role requires commercial curiosity, thorough execution, and comfort selling information and data-led solutions into complex organisations.

This is a broad, meaningful role with visibility across the business and scope to grow depth in data-led selling over time.

What you’ll do

• Own the full sales cycle across your territory, from prospecting to close.
• Generate pipeline through consistent, high-quality outbound activity.
• Qualify and progress opportunities involving multiple stakeholders and longer sales cycles.
• Engage confidently with senior executives and data or analytics teams, tailoring your message to different buyer personas.
• Use Salesforce and modern sales tools to manage pipeline, forecasting, and deal progression with discipline.
• Build trusted client relationships and deliver against revenue targets.

What you’ll bring

• 5-8+ years’ experience in a full-cycle sales role within SaaS, information services, or data-adjacent B2B environments.
• Proven ability to prospect, build pipeline, and close new business.
• Experience selling consultative, insight-led solutions to key decision-makers.
• Commercial comfort with data-led propositions, including analytics workflows and APIs (deep technical expertise not required).
• Strong Salesforce hygiene and forecasting discipline.
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to operate autonomously across ASEAN.
• Based in Singapore, with regional travel as required.

What Success Looks Like

By 6 Months

• Build a strong understanding of EIU’s propositions, including research, intelligence, and data-led solutions.
• Develop a clear view of the ASEAN territory, priority accounts, and target buyer personas.
• Demonstrate disciplined use of Salesforce, with accurate opportunity stages, activity tracking, and forecasting from the outset.
• Launch consistent, high-quality outbound prospecting, using sales engagement and AI tools to develop early pipeline creation.

By 6 Months

• Close initial new-business deals, demonstrating the ability to take opportunities from creation through to contract signature.
• Own a healthy, well-structured pipeline with clear close plans and realistic forecasts.
• Be actively progressing multiple mid-to-late stage opportunities, engaging senior decision-makers and relevant data or analytics stakeholders.
• Show strong CRM hygiene and forecasting accuracy, with pipeline data trusted by sales leadership.
• Demonstrate effective use of Salesloft, Highspot, and AI-enabled tools to improve outreach quality, prioritisation, and deal velocity.
• Be recognised internally as a proactive, accountable Account Executive who takes full ownership of their territory.

By 12 Months

• Consistently meet or exceed revenue targets for the ASEAN region.
• Close complex, consultative deals that reflect the full value of EIU’s information and data offerings.
• Build a reputation with clients as a trusted commercial partner, not just a vendor.
• Maintain a predictable, well-covered pipeline, underpinned by strong Salesforce discipline and accurate forecasting.
• Contribute to territory strategy and the evolution of sales best practices across the region.
• Be viewed as a high-impact contributor with potential for broader responsibility over time.

#LI-Hybrid

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Working Arrangements

The majority of our roles operate on a hybrid working pattern, with 3+ days office attendance required. 

AI usage for your application

We are an innovative organisation that encourages the use of technology. We recognise that candidates may utilise AI tools to support with their job application process. However, it is essential that all information you provide truthfully and accurately reflects your own experience, skills, and qualifications.

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What we offer

Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance. It includes a highly competitive pension or 401(k) plan, private health insurance, and 24/7 access to counselling and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program.

We also offer a range of lifestyle benefits, including our Work From Anywhere program, which allows you to work from any location where you have the legal right to do so for up to 25 days per year. In addition, we provide generous annual and parental leave, as well as dedicated days off for volunteering and even for moving home.

You will also be given free access to all The Economist content, including an online subscription, our range of apps, podcasts and more.