Business Development Manager (Category Lead- Flooring and Finishes) in Exeter

Business Development Manager – Category Lead (Flooring & Finishes)This role leads the commercial expansion and strategic development of the Flooring & Finishes division. The postholder will balance proactive new business generation with building a strong supply chain across flooring manufacturers, distributors, and specialist installation networks. The goal is to develop a technically credible, commercially competitive, and margin-strong product category used across residential, commercial, industrial, and public sector environments.

Required Sector Experience (Essential)

Laminate, engineered timber flooring, solid wood

Carpet and carpet tiles

Flooring adhesives, grouts, fixing systems

Screeds, levelling compounds, smoothing systems

Specialist Flooring

Industrial/commercial-grade flooring solutions

Decorative boards or wall-panel finishes

Finishing Components

Floor trims, thresholds, expansion profiles

Experience should include working with:

Flooring manufacturers, distributors, or merchants

Commercial flooring contractors, fit-out specialists, or installation companies

Technical teams specifying flooring build-ups, acoustic performance, slip ratings, or resin systems

Strong understanding of installation sequencing, subfloor preparation, performance ratings, and compliance documentation (e.g., slip resistance, fire performance) is highly desirable.

Key ResponsibilitiesNew Business Development

Identify and secure new customer accounts across flooring contractors, fit-out contractors, developers, main contractors, and interior design/specification teams.

Develop pipelines across residential developments, office refurbishments, retail fit-out, industrial flooring upgrades, and public-sector interiors.

Build and manage strategic partnerships with manufacturers of tiles, LVT, vinyl, timber flooring, carpets, adhesives, screeds, resin systems, and finishing components.

Conduct supplier assessments, negotiate pricing structures, rebates, and potential exclusivity opportunities.

Evaluate product ranges for technical suitability and compliance.

Category Strategy & Portfolio Development

Develop a competitive, scalable category spanning decorative and structural flooring systems.

Identify gaps in product offering—acoustic flooring solutions, moisture management systems, rapid-setting compounds, specialist trims, or resin products.

Provide insights into interior design trends, flooring innovations, and demand shifts across commercial and residential markets.

Field Representation

Represent the Flooring & Finishes category at trade shows, supplier demonstrations, CPD events, and contractor visits.

Attend project sites to understand installation practices, contractor challenges, and real-world performance of flooring systems.

Sound interesting? Apply today.

Seniority levelMid-Senior level

Employment typeFull-time

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