Director of Business Development - Softlines

Director of Business Development - Softlines

The Director of Business Development leads strategic growth initiatives and plays a key role in shaping long-term business development strategies aligned with corporate objectives. In addition to managing core business development activities, this role partners with senior leadership to influence go-to-market strategies, mentors junior team members, and drives innovation in processes and outreach methodologies. The Director of Business Development provides advanced market intelligence, oversees complex proposals and strategic client engagements, and represents the company at high-profile industry events. This position is instrumental in fostering organizational growth and succession planning.

Job functions include meeting/exceeding quarterly and annual targets within assigned territory, preparing individual sales plans with goals and objectives; identifying, researching, planning, and contacting new prospects, coordinating transfer of landed account ownership to assigned Account Manager, providing accurate forecasts and pipelines regularly, reporting on market developments, analyzing trends, and competitor activities, working with sales support groups (Marketing, Sales Development, Sales Operations) to support lead generation, ensuring client quotes, proposals, and RFP responses are completed accurately and on time, preparing and submitting timely reports of sales activities using CRM systems, representing the company at high-profile industry events to strengthen brand positioning, working with leadership & marketing team in organizing and executing industry events & vendor summits, mentoring and coaching junior business development staff, fostering talent development, developing and executing long-term business development strategies aligned with corporate goals, collaborating with senior leadership to shape go-to-market strategies, overseeing complex proposals and strategic client engagements, ensuring scope, schedules, and budgets are accurately planned, providing advanced market intelligence, including competitor threat analysis and trend forecasting, leading special projects or cross-functional initiatives to support organizational growth, participating in special projects as assigned, and all other duties as assigned.

Education and experience required include a post-secondary degree in a relevant field and 10+ years of experience in a multinational organization. International business exposure in imported consumer products in a sales, program management, or key account management function. Provides guidance and/or leadership to others, including indirect reports, peers, or managers. Examples of supervisory responsibilities include guidance around sales and account activities and mentorship to Junior Business Development staff.

Job complexity involves negotiating contracts with procurement teams and senior management, protecting SGS's interest, maximizing profit, and winning business. Analyzes sales performance and market trends to develop advanced strategies, prepares complex proposals, and makes high-impact commercial decisions aligned with corporate objectives. Applies expert judgment to identify strategic opportunities, close major deals, resolve complex client issues, and leverage extensive industry knowledge to influence organizational growth and market positioning.

Impact of decisions directly influences achieving sales targets, maintaining brand reputation, and strengthening client relationships. In addition, they shape strategic revenue growth, market positioning, and long-term client retention at an organizational level, while supporting overall business objectives and future expansion.

Analytical thinking/problem solving includes suggesting appropriate business development strategies for the development of new services, new partnerships, personal & professional development of the team, and adding efficiencies in programs and processes. Suggesting appropriate testing to meet regulatory requirements and claim verifications. Anticipates and resolves complex client issues, escalating when necessary, while leading pricing strategies and high-level negotiations. Shapes initiatives that contribute to achieving organizational sales targets, recommends strategic events to participate in, and drives innovative sales and marketing programs to strengthen market positioning.

Communication/contacts include clients/prospects: understand needs, present solutions, negotiate agreements; account managers: transfer landed accounts, ensure smooth handover; senior management: report progress, seek approval for major decisions; sales support teams: coordinate marketing, lead generation, proposals, and RFP responses; industry partners/vendors: explore partnerships, manage relationships.

Knowledge/skills/abilities include being persuasive, diplomatic, but always to the point, and having a strong ability to sell a concept. Being hands-on, open-minded, proactive team player. Strong written and spoken English skills; other languages will be an advantage. Ability to read, understand, and follow work instructions in a safe, accurate, and timely manner. Proficiency in using various types of computer software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook). Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly professional environment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including grammar and composition. Ability to work well with others & independently. Proven time management skills and a strong attention to detail. Works well under pressure. Extended hours and shift work may be required from time to time.

Compensation range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000 base salary. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, employee assistance programs, 401(k) with company match (immediate vesting upon enrollment), online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, tuition reimbursement program, paid-time off and family leave.