Asia Business Development Executive in Basildon

Asia Business Development Executive in Basildon

Basildon Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive sales and build relationships across Asia in the interiors sector.
  • Company: Join UK Trade Furnishings, a leading player in the online flooring industry.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, pension, and full travel expenses covered.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in a growing company while exploring Asia and attending trade shows.
  • Qualifications: Fluent in Mandarin and English with sales experience; travel-ready and self-motivated.
  • Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a family-owned business.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are UK Trade Furnishings Ltd, one of the UK’s leading companies in the interiors sector. We supply a wide range of flooring options including solid and engineered wood, laminate and vinyl, as well as accessories and fitting equipment, boasting 3 unique brands with different routes to market.

Founded in 2011, and incorporated in 2013, UKTF was started by a young entrepreneurial duo of cousins, who had the ambition of becoming one of the leading players in the online flooring industry. Since then, we have grown from strength to strength, expanding to new offices, with a growing team and picking up a few awards along the way!

Definition: We are seeking a sales-driven, commercially minded Mandarin Chinese / English speaker to lead our Asia-focused business development and sales activity. This role is primarily about building revenue-generating relationships, identifying new commercial opportunities, representing the company at trade shows, and supporting the development of export, wholesale, and strategic partnerships across Asia. While you will work closely with manufacturers and partners, this is not a procurement role. The emphasis is on sales, negotiation, relationship management, and market expansion, rather than day-to-day sourcing or supply chain administration.

Key Responsibilities

  • Sales & Business Development (Primary Focus)
    • Identify, develop, and manage new B2B sales opportunities across Asia, including distributors, wholesalers, retail partners, and strategic collaborators.
    • Build and maintain strong long-term commercial relationships with key Asian partners to drive sales growth and brand presence.
    • Actively promote UK Trade Furnishings’ brands and product ranges to potential customers and partners in the region.
    • Develop and manage a sales pipeline, reporting opportunities, progress, and forecasts to the UK leadership team.
    • Support the development of export-led sales strategies into Asian markets in collaboration with the Leeds-based team.
  • Trade Shows & Market Representation
    • Represent the company at major Asian trade shows and exhibitions (e.g. Domotex Asia/Chinafloor, CIFM/interzum Guangzhou).
    • Network with potential customers, distributors, and partners, generating qualified sales leads and follow-up opportunities.
    • Deliver confident, professional presentations of our brands and product offerings at events and meetings.
  • Commercial Negotiation & Market Insight
    • Lead commercial negotiations with partners and customers on pricing structures, volumes, exclusivity, and commercial terms.
    • Provide market intelligence on Asian flooring trends, customer demand, competitor positioning, and emerging sales opportunities.
    • Act as a cultural and language bridge between Asian partners and the UK team to support effective communication and deal-making.
  • Internal Collaboration & Reporting
    • Travel to the Leeds head office regularly to align with sales, marketing, and leadership teams.
    • Maintain accurate records of sales leads, partner discussions, and agreements using CRM and internal systems.
    • Provide clear feedback from the market to inform product positioning, marketing strategy, and sales planning.

The Successful Applicant

  • Fluent Mandarin Chinese and English (spoken and written) – essential
  • UK-based with right to work in the UK and unrestricted international travel capability
  • Strong willingness to travel internationally (up to 50–70% during peak trade show periods)
  • Proven experience in sales, business development, account management, or international trade
  • Demonstrated ability to negotiate commercial terms and close deals
  • Confident networker with strong interpersonal and presentation skills
  • Self-motivated, organised, and comfortable working independently while collaborating remotely
  • Full UK driving licence (desirable)

Desirable Experience

  • Previous sales or business development experience in Asia or with Asian markets
  • Background in flooring, interiors, building materials, furniture, or related sectors
  • Experience working with distributors, wholesalers, or B2B trade customers
  • Familiarity with international trade shows and B2B lead generation
  • Experience living or working in China or wider Asia

Salary & Benefits

  • Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
  • Performance-based bonus / commission linked to sales and commercial growth
  • Company pension
  • All international travel expenses fully covered
  • Holiday allowance
  • Long-term career progression within a growing, family-owned business

Location

  • UK-based (ideally within reasonable commuting distance to Leeds, or willing to travel)
  • Home-based with regular visits to our Leeds head office (a few days per month)
  • Significant international travel across Asia, primarily China, for trade shows, partner meetings, and business development activity

UK Trade Furnishings Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from candidates with strong Asia market experience or cultural understanding.

Asia Business Development Executive in Basildon employer: UK Trade Furnishings Limited

At UK Trade Furnishings Ltd, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer in the interiors sector, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and growth. As an Asia Business Development Executive, you will enjoy competitive salaries, performance-based bonuses, and the opportunity for long-term career progression within our family-owned business, all while engaging in exciting international travel across Asia. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values your contributions and supports your professional development.
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Contact Detail:

UK Trade Furnishings Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Asia Business Development Executive in Basildon

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Research UK Trade Furnishings Ltd, their brands, and their market presence. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Attend trade shows and industry events where you can meet potential partners and customers. Make sure to have your elevator pitch ready to go – you want to make a memorable impression!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role is all about closing deals, brush up on your negotiation techniques. Role-play with friends or colleagues to build confidence before those big discussions.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After meetings or networking events, send a quick email to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest. It keeps the conversation going and shows your commitment.

We think you need these skills to ace Asia Business Development Executive in Basildon

Fluent Mandarin Chinese and English (spoken and written)
Sales and Business Development
Account Management
Commercial Negotiation
Interpersonal Skills
Presentation Skills
Networking
Market Insight
CRM Proficiency
Self-Motivation
Organisational Skills
International Travel Capability
Experience in B2B Sales
Understanding of Asian Markets
Familiarity with Trade Shows

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Sales Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your sales experience and any successful deals you've closed. We want to see how you can drive revenue and build relationships in the Asia market!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Mention your fluency in Mandarin and English, and how your background aligns with our focus on the Asian market. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experience with what we’re looking for!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at UK Trade Furnishings!

How to prepare for a job interview at UK Trade Furnishings Limited

✨Know Your Market

Before the interview, dive deep into the Asian flooring market. Understand the trends, key players, and potential opportunities. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Showcase Your Sales Skills

Prepare specific examples of your past sales successes, especially those related to B2B environments. Be ready to discuss how you identified opportunities, built relationships, and closed deals. This will demonstrate your capability to drive revenue for UK Trade Furnishings.

✨Cultural Awareness is Key

Since this role involves working closely with Asian partners, highlight any experience you have in cross-cultural communication. Discuss how your fluency in Mandarin has helped you navigate business relationships and negotiations in the past.

✨Be Ready to Network

Think about how you would approach networking at trade shows. Prepare a few strategies or anecdotes about how you've successfully generated leads in similar settings. This will show that you’re proactive and understand the importance of representation at events.

Asia Business Development Executive in Basildon
UK Trade Furnishings Limited
Location: Basildon
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