Business Development Manager Jobs in Shenzhen

Life brought me to Shenzhen a few years back when I scored a sweet business development manager gig with a tech start-up here. As a foreigner who spoke mediocre Mandarin at best, job hunting was tough those first few months. But with some perseverance (and Google Translate magic), I landed an awesome job that has allowed me to live and thrive in this futuristic city they call "the Silicon Valley of China."

Four decades prior, Shenzhen's narrative was dramatically different, its identity that of a humble fishing hamlet, home to merely 30,000 souls. However, a pivotal shift occurred when China designated it as a "Special Economic Zone," a move that ushered in an era of liberal market strategies and welcomed foreign capital. This strategic decision catalyzed an extraordinary metamorphosis. Fast forward to today, and Shenzhen stands as a dazzling emblem of modernity, a sprawling megacity whose population has burgeoned to over 13 million. This whirlwind of growth didn't just reshape its skyline but also ignited a dynamic economy, brimming with a multitude of opportunities.

In my capacity as a business development manager, I juggle a diverse array of tasks — from unearthing novel business prospects and forging key alliances, to brokering pivotal partnerships and sales agreements. I'm part of a start-up entrenched in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector, specializing in crafting smart home devices and solutions tailored for both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) segments. This is an exhilarating time to be in this field, particularly with the advent of 5G technology sweeping across China. My role essentially revolves around predicting market trends, exploring uncharted territories, and contributing to the expansion of our company amidst what can be described as the most groundbreaking technological upheaval humanity has ever witnessed.

For foreigners seeking BDM jobs here in Shenzhen, the biggest hurdle is likely the language barrier. Despite its internationalized economy, Chinese is still the predominant language used in the workplace. So breaking through that barrier is key, even if your Mandarin never progresses beyond survival phrases and lots of hand gestures. Showing you've made efforts to understand and embrace the culture also goes a long way.

In terms of securing an actual BDM position, networking is everything. Attend tech and start-up events, conferences, meetups etc. Get connected with the local expat community too. Be proactive and don't be afraid to reach out directly to companies you're interested in. You'd be surprised how responding to a random LinkedIn message or two could lead to some intriguing job prospects.

Landing interviews when companies see a foreign name pop up does require persistence. Don't let the initial "no foreigners" rejections deter you. Also be flexible – you may need to start in an adjacent role to business development that still allows you to get your foot in the door. Once they realize you actually have the skills and experience to create business opportunities, you'll likely have managers approach you directly.

If this whole venture still seems rather daunting, don't worry because you won't be all on your own. Shenzhen has one of the largest expat communities in China, so there are plenty of others navigating the job hunt hustle right alongside you. Tight knit groups tend to form, and established foreigners are often enthusiastic about helping newcomers get situated. Resources like visa services, real estate agents, tax advisors etc that cater specifically to expats makes the transition much easier too.

So for any adventurous foreign professionals seeking that next career move, come on down to Shenzhen! This is the land of opportunity after all, especially if you have skills in high demand industries like tech, manufacturing, finance, and supply chain. Even without speaking a lick of Mandarin, you can absolutely carve out a stellar career here. Just take it from me, some random Reddit guy who somehow stumbled into an incredible BDM job that has allowed me to live out my Chinese metropolis dream! It's a wild ride for sure, but one I'd enthusiastically recommend to fellow foreigners looking to level up both their career and life trajectory.