Business developer

Sector: Retail & E-Commerce, Architecture & PlanningReference: BD/26Business Developer - Milan & Lombardy (IT)Job OverviewThe Business Developer serves as a non-POS resident market activator and promoter with a primary focus on Lombardy (IT) and the greater Milan area.

The role is responsible for building and nurturing strategic relationships with private clients, A&D community and key stakeholders across relevant professional, cultural, and luxury lifestyle networks. Through targeted outreach, partnership development, and local market engagement, the Business Developer drives brand awareness, lead generation, and customer acquisition.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Identify potential private and professional clients with relevant purchasing potential and introduce them to the appropriate sales channel.

Act as a brand representative in external environments, networking events, majlis settings, community gatherings and relationship-driven business contexts.

Generate qualified opportunities by identifying project intent, purchase potential, timing and key stakeholder structure before referral to the sales team.

Create warm introductions between prospects and the responsible store manager.

Drive leads to the points of sale (POS) and collaborate with the Store Manager to develop strategies that lead to deal closure.

Build and maintain strong relationships within culturally relevant local networks, including private clients and other high-value community ecosystems.

Ensure all referred opportunities are documented and attributed correctly within the CRM or designated lead tracking process.

Support trust-building and relationship continuity during the early client journey where culturally appropriate.

Collaborate closely with the Store to align on target segments, priority accounts and opportunity follow-up. Share market feedback, cultural insights and network intelligence that may support local business development and client strategy.

Represent the brand with the required level of discretion, cultural sensitivity and premium hospitality standards at all timeEducation and Qualifications: Master's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales - especially Interior Design or Architecture - preferredProfessional background in business development, luxury retail, interior design or premium lifestyle sectorsExperience in working with HNWIs (private clients), developers, consultants, designers or culturally relevant community networksStrong understanding of the local A&D market, local business etiquette and relationship-driven business environmentsPrevious exposure to premium or luxury (furniture) brands is highly desirableExperience with CRM systems, lead tracking tools and structured client documentationFluent in english and italian required; french, german and arabic are an advantageSkills and Competencies: Strong networking and relationship-building skills within private, professional and community-based ecosystemsAbility to identify relevant client potential, project intent, purchase timing and stakeholder structuresExcellent communication and interpersonal skills across different cultures and seniority levelsAbility to represent the brand confidently at networking events, majlis settings, private gatherings and business meetings