Business Development Manager

ST Talent is proud to be partnering with a well-established and growing manufacturer within the upholstery sector to recruit an ambitious Business Development Manager. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially driven professional with industry experience to spearhead expansion into new European markets from the company's UK headquarters in Leeds.

The successful candidate will play a key role in identifying, targeting, and developing new business opportunities across Europe, helping to establish long-term partnerships and increase market presence in both existing and emerging territories.

The Role

As Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for building a robust pipeline of new business opportunities through proactive market development and customer engagement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Identifying and targeting new customers across European markets within the upholstery, furniture, bedding, fibre, filling, and related manufacturing sectors.
• Conducting detailed market mapping and competitor analysis to identify growth opportunities.
• Developing and executing market entry strategies for new territories.
• Making high-volume outbound prospecting calls and introducing the company's products and services to potential clients.
• Arranging and attending face-to-face meetings with prospective customers throughout Europe.
• Building strong relationships with key decision-makers and purchasing teams.
• Managing the sales process from initial introduction through to negotiation and account onboarding.
• Collaborating closely with internal teams to ensure customer requirements are met.
• Representing the business at industry events, exhibitions, and trade shows where required.
• Producing regular sales forecasts, pipeline updates, and market intelligence reports.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience in a Business Development Manager, Sales Manager, International Sales, or Commercial Development role.
• Industry knowledge within upholstery, fibre, fillings, furniture components, textiles, bedding, foam products, or related manufacturing sectors.
• Proven success in generating new business through cold calling, prospecting, and relationship building.
• Experience conducting market mapping and identifying new commercial opportunities.
• Confidence engaging with customers at all levels, from buyers to senior leadership teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly throughout Europe.
• Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
• Self-motivated, target-driven, and capable of working independently.
• Additional European language skills would be advantageous but are not essential.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to lead international market expansion initiatives.
• Competitive salary and performance-related bonus structure.
• International travel opportunities.
• Supportive and growing business with ambitious expansion plans.
• Long-term career progression and development opportunities.

If you have a background in upholstery, fibre, fillings, furniture components, or related manufacturing sectors and are excited by the prospect of developing new European markets, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply or find out more, contact ST Talent today.