Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and build relationships across Asia in the flooring industry.
- Company: Join UK Trade Furnishings, a leading player in the interiors sector.
- 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: Opportunity for long-term career growth 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 Bedford employer: UK Trade Furnishings Limited
Contact Detail:
UK Trade Furnishings Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Asia Business Development Executive in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Get networking! Attend industry events and trade shows where you can meet potential partners and customers face-to-face. This is your chance to showcase your personality and build those all-important relationships that can lead to sales.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in reaching out to potential clients. Don’t wait for them to come to you; send personalised messages or make calls to introduce yourself and UK Trade Furnishings. Show them how our products can meet their needs!
✨Tip Number 3
Keep your finger on the pulse of market trends in Asia. Research what’s hot in flooring and interiors, and use this knowledge to tailor your pitches. Being informed will help you stand out as a credible partner.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to leverage our website for resources and insights. It’s a great tool for understanding our product offerings and can help you prepare for meetings and presentations with potential clients.
We think you need these skills to ace Asia Business Development Executive in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Sales Skills: Make sure to highlight your sales experience in your application. We want to see how you've successfully built relationships and closed deals in the past, especially in the Asian market.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your skills and experiences that relate to the role.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect how your background aligns with our needs at UK Trade Furnishings. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
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 in B2B environments. Be ready to discuss how you identified opportunities, built relationships, and closed deals. This is crucial for demonstrating your fit for a sales-driven position.
✨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 language skills and cultural understanding can bridge gaps and foster strong relationships.
✨Practice Your Presentation
As you'll be representing the company at trade shows, practice delivering confident presentations about UK Trade Furnishings’ brands. Use clear, engaging language and be prepared to answer questions about the products and market positioning.
