Asia Business Development Executive in Luton

Asia Business Development Executive in Luton

Luton 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 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!

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.

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 Luton 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 Luton

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Research UK Trade Furnishings, their brands, and the flooring market in Asia. 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 business cards ready and be prepared to pitch yourself and the company.

✨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 apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at UK Trade Furnishings.

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

Fluent Mandarin Chinese and English (spoken and written)
Sales Development
B2B Sales
Relationship Management
Commercial Negotiation
Market Insight
Networking Skills
Presentation Skills
Account Management
International Trade Experience
CRM Proficiency
Self-Motivation
Organisational Skills
Cultural Understanding

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. Mention specific experiences that relate to business development and sales in Asia, as this will make you stand out.

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 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 scenarios. Prepare to discuss your approach to negotiating terms and closing deals. Think of examples where you successfully navigated complex negotiations, as this will showcase your commercial acumen.

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