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- 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: 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 Crawley 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 Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Attend trade shows and industry events 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.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities to come to you. Be proactive! Reach out to potential clients and partners in Asia, and don’t be afraid to follow up. A friendly nudge can go a long way in business development.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills. When you're in discussions, be clear about what you want but also be open to compromise. Remember, it’s all about finding that win-win situation for both parties.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your finger on the pulse of market trends. Research what's hot in the Asian flooring sector and use that knowledge to tailor your pitches. The more informed you are, the better you can connect with your audience.
We think you need these skills to ace Asia Business Development Executive in Crawley
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 qualifications and why you’re a great fit for us.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to our job description by mentioning specific skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for in an Asia Business Development Executive.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
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.
✨Be Ready to Negotiate
Expect questions about negotiation strategies. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully navigated pricing discussions or contract terms in the past. This will showcase your ability to lead commercial negotiations effectively.
