Sales & Business Development Director - Luxury Design, Art & Lifestyle

Sales & Business Development Director - Luxury Design, Art & Lifestyle

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
David Harber

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead luxury sales, build influential relationships, and drive commercial growth.
  • Company: Join David Harber, a celebrated British luxury design house.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, international travel, and a chance to shape a luxury brand.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work with prestigious clients and projects globally.
  • Why this job: Become the face of an iconic brand and influence the luxury design world.
  • Qualifications: Experience in luxury sales, relationship building, and team leadership.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

Shape Relationships. Inspire Confidence. Become the Face of an International Luxury Design Brand. Are you a charismatic, entrepreneurial commercial leader who thrives in luxury environments, cultivates influential relationships and transforms trusted connections into exceptional commercial opportunities?

About us: At David Harber, we're seeking an accomplished relationship-builder and brand ambassador to become a recognised figure within the global design community, champion our award-winning collections and help drive the next phase of international growth. This is far more than a sales leadership role. You'll become the public face of David Harber across the luxury design world, building relationships with leading landscape architects, interior designers, architects, developers, hospitality brands, collectors and high-net-worth individuals while leading a talented sales team and personally delivering meaningful commercial growth.

The Role at a Glance:

  • Sales & Business Development Director
  • Hybrid Working | Didcot, Oxfordshire HQ (2-3 Days Per Week) + UK & International Travel
  • Full Time - Permanent

Company: Multi-award-winning, internationally renowned luxury sculptures, sundials and water features.

Our Values: Creativity. Teamwork. Excellence. Collaboration. Pride.

Clients: High-Net-Worth Individuals, Landscape Architects, Garden Designers, Property Developers, Architects, Art Consultants and Luxury Hospitality Brands.

Projects: Destined For Prestigious Private Estates, Luxury Developments, Hotels, Public Spaces and Iconic Gardens Worldwide.

Pedigree: Recipient of The Queen's Award for International Trade. Seven-Time Chelsea Flower Show Tradestand Trophy Winner. Multiple International Design Awards.

Highlights: Three sundials unveiled by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and one by His Majesty King Charles III.

Your Expertise: Luxury Sales Leadership, Business Development, Strategic Partnerships, International Growth, Client Engagement, Relationship Building and Team Leadership.

Your Background: Luxury Design, Art, Architecture, Interiors, Landscape Design, Sculpture, Luxury Property, Bespoke Products or Premium Brands.

Welcome to David Harber: David Harber is an internationally celebrated British luxury design house whose handcrafted sculptures, sundials and water features grace some of the world's most prestigious addresses. From private estates and royal residences to luxury developments, world-class hotels and public spaces, our work combines artistry, craftsmanship and innovation to create pieces that transform environments and leave lasting impressions. Every creation is handcrafted in rural Oxfordshire by a team united by a relentless commitment to excellence, originality and exceptional client experience. Family-owned and proudly independent, our reputation has been built over decades through extraordinary design, meticulous craftsmanship and enduring relationships. Today, those same foundations continue to drive our growth across the UK and international markets.

Where You'll Shine: As Sales & Business Development Director, you'll operate at the intersection of luxury design, relationship capital and commercial leadership. You'll be equally comfortable hosting clients at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, representing David Harber on industry panels, cultivating relationships with influential designers in London and New York, identifying opportunities within luxury property and hospitality networks, and converting high-value commissions into long-term commercial partnerships. Success in this role comes from building trust, creating visibility, opening doors and transforming relationships into revenue. You'll become a recognised ambassador for the David Harber brand while helping shape the future commercial direction of the business.

What You'll Shape:

  • Commercial Growth & Business Development
  • Industry Influence & Brand Representation
  • Relationship Development
  • Leadership & Team Development

About You: You're someone who naturally creates opportunities through your relationships, reputation and commercial instincts. You understand that success in luxury markets is rarely about hard selling. It's about credibility, trust, influence and the ability to cultivate meaningful relationships that create long-term commercial value.

You'll likely bring:

  • Significant experience and connections within luxury design, interiors, architecture, art, bespoke products, luxury property, hospitality or related premium sectors.
  • A proven track record of securing and developing high-value client relationships.
  • Experience navigating long sales cycles and consultative buying journeys.
  • A demonstrable record of delivering commercial growth and revenue generation.
  • Exceptional networking, presentation and public speaking skills.
  • Gravitas, polish and presence without ego.
  • An entrepreneurial mindset and a hands-on approach to opportunity creation.
  • Resilience, patience and determination when developing complex opportunities.
  • Experience leading, mentoring and developing successful commercial teams.
  • The ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution.

The type of person who will thrive in the role:

  • A natural connector and relationship-builder.
  • Knowledge and experience within luxury and or the design community.
  • Experience selling bespoke, commissioned or premium products and services.
  • International business development experience, particularly within North America.
  • Comfortable engaging with affluent and influential audiences.
  • Commercially astute, curious and highly proactive.
  • Entrepreneurial in your approach to identifying and converting opportunities.
  • Equally effective in a boardroom, at an industry event or on a client site.
  • A recognised professional within your sector or someone ready to step into a larger leadership role.
  • Energised by representing a brand and being visible within your industry.

Shape the Future of an Iconic British Luxury Brand: This is a rare opportunity to join an internationally acclaimed luxury brand at a defining moment in its growth journey. You'll have the platform, autonomy and influence to shape commercial strategy, build exceptional relationships and leave a lasting mark on a business renowned for craftsmanship, creativity and excellence. If you're ready to become the trusted face of a world-class British luxury brand and help write the next chapter of an extraordinary success story, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and help shape the future of David Harber.

Sales & Business Development Director - Luxury Design, Art & Lifestyle employer: David Harber

At David Harber, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters creativity, teamwork, and excellence in a vibrant work culture. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while being based in the picturesque Didcot, Oxfordshire, where you will be part of a family-owned luxury design house renowned for its craftsmanship and innovation. We offer unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, enabling you to become a recognised ambassador within the global design community and shape the future of our iconic brand.

David Harber

Contact Details:

David Harber Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Sales & Business Development Director - Luxury Design, Art & Lifestyle

Leverage Your Network

In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!

Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results

When targeting a full-time role like Sales & Business Development Director - Luxury Design, Art & Lifestyle at David Harber, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!

Engage with Sales Communities

Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.

Direct Applications Matter

While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including David Harber. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales & Business Development Director - Luxury Design, Art & Lifestyle. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!

We think you need these skills to ace Sales & Business Development Director - Luxury Design, Art & Lifestyle

Luxury Sales Leadership
Business Development
Strategic Partnerships
Client Engagement
Relationship Building
Team Leadership
Networking Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!

Tailor Your Message for David Harber:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for David Harber. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!

Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!

Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!

How to prepare for a job interview at David Harber

Know Your Sales Methodologies

Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show David Harber that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.

Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills

Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show David Harber that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.

Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios

In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!

Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision

Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with David Harber’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.