Designer Recruitment are seeking a Business Development & Showroom Manager to work in the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre in London.
As a Business Development and Showroom Manager you will be responsible for driving commercial growth whilse ensuirng effecting local brand representation.
Our client is a global, high-end Italian furniture brand, well-known for it's luxury offering and bespoke approach.
This is a permanent position offering £50,000 + Commission for the right Business Development and Showroom Manager.
Reporting line: Chief Commercial Officer
Business Development and Showroom Manager duties:
- This role is primarily focused on business development (approx. 70%)
- Responsibility for expanding the companie's presence within the UK design community
- Generating new business opportunities
- Developing relationships with key trade partners
- 30% of the role focuses on showroom management
- Ensuring the London showroom is professionally managed and aligned with the brand’s positioning
The ideal candidate is proactive, externally oriented, commercially driven, and comfortable operating autonomously in a highly competitive luxury market.
Key Responsibilities:
Business Development (≈70%)
- Actively develop the companie's presence in the UK market by building and maintaining strong relationships with interior designers, architects, developers, and selected trade partners
- Conduct regular outside calls and face-to-face meetings with design studios and key accounts
- Identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities in both residential and contract sectors
- Act as a brand ambassador, promoting values, collections, and custom capabilities within the design community
- Generate and manage a pipeline of opportunities, from initial contact through project development, in coordination with HQ
- Monitor market trends, competitors, and key players, providing market intelligence and feedback to management
- Prepare regular activity and opportunity reports, ensuring visibility and accountability on business development efforts
Showroom Management (≈30%)
- Ensure the day-to-day management of the London showroom, maintaining a high standard of presentation, client experience, and brand consistency
- Manage client visits, appointments, and showroom events in coordination with HQ and marketing
- Act as the local point of contact for incoming inquiries and showroom-based opportunities
- Coordinate operational aspects related to samples, materials, displays, and basic showroom logistics
- Support marketing and communication initiatives at local level
Profile & Requirements
- Proven experience in business development, sales, or commercial roles within high-end furniture, luxury interiors, design brands, or related industries
- Strong existing network within the UK design and architecture community
- Strong ethic and self-discipline
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, proactively, and with a strong external focus
- Commercial mindset with sensitivity to luxury brand positioning
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Structured, disciplined, and results-oriented approach
- Fluency in English; Italian is a plus
- Permit to work in the UK
Designer Recruitment are acting as the employment agency in relation to this vacancy.