Strategic business development manager

Job Purpose:To lead the development and execution of strategic sales and business growth initiatives across Italian territory, with a focus on End Users, A& E consultants and key channel partners.This role combines key account management, solution-based selling, and project development to drive sustainable growth through both existing relationships and new business opportunities.Reporting to:Country Manager (Italy & Greece)Direct Reports:NoneLocation:Field-based (Italy)Key Responsibilities:Strategic Business DevelopmentIdentify vertical market challenges (e.g., City Surveillance & Smart City, Energy & Critical Infrastructure, Retail) and offer tailored, value-driven Hanwha Vision solutions.Develop and manage a pipeline of new business opportunities from early-stage lead through to order conversion.Actively create demand and influence project specifications by working closely with consultants, specifiers, M& E, and building contractors.Collaborate with regional and national sales teams to ensure seamless handover of specified projects and maintain customer satisfaction through to delivery.Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and market dynamics to inform strategic direction.Channel & Key Account ManagementMaintain regular contact with key clients and partners, including A& E consultants and end users, to ensure satisfaction, product availability, and opportunity identification.Manage and grow relationships with Distributor staff, System Integrators, and other STEP partners in the assigned area of competence.Promote and deliver training on Hanwha Vision products and software to partners to drive solution adoption.Solutions & Specification DevelopmentPosition Hanwha Vision technologies (e.g., SSM & WAVE VMS) within early-stage project discussions.Engage in consultative selling to develop bespoke solutions aligned with customer pain points.Collaborate with technical and marketing teams to develop vertical-specific sales materials and tools.Work with technology partners to position Hanwha as part of end-to-end or preferred solutions in the consultant community.Commercial Planning & ReportingTrack and report sales activity, project status, and pipeline updates through Salesforce CRM and other internal reporting systems.Analyse and evaluate business development methods, project outcomes, and ROI to drive continuous improvement.Support the wider sales team in achieving national and regional targets through aligned efforts and cross-functional collaboration.Brand & Market PresenceRepresent Hanwha Vision at trade shows, industry events, and partner engagements.Help elevate the company's image as a trusted, innovative, and solution-focused provider in the security and surveillance industry.Performance Measurement:Performance will be assessed on:Project Order Intake (volume and value) in assigned verticals and regions.Growth and development of existing key accounts.Contribution to national sales performance and strategic initiatives.Successful specification and \"pull-through\" of projects into order.Key Requirements:Proven experience in a similar role within the security industry.Strong understanding of the complex sales process, involving End Users, consultant (A& E), and channel partners (Integrators and Distributors)Demonstrated success in developing business through specification and consultative selling.Experience working with System Integrators, Distributors, Consultants, and End Users.Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Power Point) and CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce).Ability to manage complex sales cycles and large-scale projects.Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.Strategic thinker with a hands-on, results-driven approach.Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and ability to work autonomously.Degree-level education in Business, Technical or related field.Full clean Italian driving license.Italian mother tongue - Fluent in English.Location:Field-based with regular client visits, site meetings, and industry events.Required to attend meetings in Hanwha Vision Milan office when requested and HQ in Chertsey, (HQ) as necessary.