Business Unit Head, Southeast Asia

Surgical Devices | Consumables

Preferred base:
Singapore, Thailand, or Malaysia

Industry:
Medical Devices

Employment type:
Full-time, permanent

Client:
Confidential global medical device company

Our client is an established medical device firm who is specializing in critical care, surgery and a wide array of specialized therapeutic clinical areas. They are searching for a

Business Unit Director SEA for Surical Business.

This is a senior regional commercial leadership position with responsibility for driving the strategy, growth and commercial performance of a portfolio covering

surgical devices, surgical consumables medical device products

in the Southeast Asia Region.

The successful candidate will lead the business across multiple Southeast Asian countries, manage both direct and distributor-led commercial models, and work closely with regional and global stakeholders to strengthen market presence and accelerate sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Responsible for full P&L, Translate company's APAC and global strategies into clear country business plans, ensuring focused execution and measurable outcomes.

With entrepreneurial and growth mindset, maximize the potential growth for SEA Surgical business

Establish and govern budgets, forecasts, and operating plans in line with company's financial discipline Develop and execute the Southeast Asia commercial strategy in alignment with regional and global priorities.

Take ownership of revenue, profitability, budgeting, forecasting and overall business performance.

Lead commercial operations across multiple Southeast Asian countries namely:

Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar

.

Lead and develop a high performing direct sales organization, ensuring strong execution discipline, customer

coverage, and pipeline health.

Establish, manage, and optimize distributor and channel partner models (where applicable) in accordance with company's channel governance framework.

Drive consistent sales execution, pricing discipline, and account prioritization aligned with company's commercial excellence standards.

Personally engage with key customers, KOLs, government stakeholders, and strategic accounts to strengthen partnerships and influence outcomes.

Oversee approvals for non standard commercial terms and key contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies and ethical standards.

Serve as the primary contact within Thailand for partners and hospitals, acting as the key relationship lead for domestic strategic accounts.

Identify growth opportunities across surgical business in SEA

Lead, coach and develop regional and country-level commercial teams.

Manage and optimise distributor relationships, including performance reviews, business planning and market development.

Drive new product launches, market development initiatives and portfolio expansion.

Build strong relationships with surgeons, interventional cardiologists, hospital leaders, procurement stakeholders and other key opinion leaders.

Partner closely with marketing, clinical, regulatory, market access, supply chain and finance teams.

Ensure that all commercial activities comply with applicable company policies, industry standards and local regulations.

Candidate Requirements

Minimum of 15 years of progressive commercial (sales and marketing) experience within the medical device or healthcare industry in Southeast Asian markets.

Strong experience in

surgical devices, surgical consumables and/or products

.

Proven P&L experience in managing direct sales operations and / or disributors across

at least three Southeast Asian countries

. This is a non-negotiable requirement.

Demonstrated success in regional business leadership, sales management, business development or general management.

Experience in Surgical therapies is strongly preferred.

Exposure to complex, regulated healthcare markets within APAC or globally.

The Opportunity

The appointed leader will have meaningful influence over SEA regional strategy, organisational capability and the continued growth of the company’s surgical and / or interventional cardiology portfolio.

Qualified candidates may apply through LinkedIn with an updated CV. All applications and discussions will be handled in strict confidence.

#MedicalDevices #BusinessUnitDirector #SoutheastAsia #SurgicalDevices #SurgicalConsumables #RegionalLeadership #CommercialLeadership #MedTechCareers

Ascendi Global

Helping Leaders and Organizations Ascend because the Right Leader changes Everything.

Ascendi Global is a boutique executive search and leadership advisory firm headquartered in Singapore, partnering with organisations across the Asia-Pacific region at pivotal moments of growth and transition.

We support boards, founders, CEOs, and senior leadership teams in identifying and securing leaders who are not only capable, but aligned with the organisation’s culture, strategy, and long-term ambitions. Our work spans executive search and leadership advisory, with a disciplined, fit-driven approach grounded in deep regional market insight.

Alongside our search and advisory work, Ascendi also provides executive coaching services for senior leaders and candidates navigating career transitions, role expansion, or increased leadership responsibility. Coaching is offered as a complementary service, supporting long-term leadership effectiveness and continuity.

Our consultants bring over 25 years of cumulative experience in executive search and talent acquisition across Asia-Pacific. We partner with a diverse range of organisations—global and local, listed and privately owned, as well as non-profit institutions—addressing complex, multi-country talent needs.

Our team comprises of experienced partners and / or associates in Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Milan, Manila and USA markets. Ascendi Global operates as a trusted partner to our clients and a responsible brand ambassador in the market, representing organisations with discretion, clarity, and professionalism.