Business Development Manager - Professional Sports Garments

An innovative, market-leading manufacturer and supplier of print technology & consumable is seeking a Business Development Manager to join the business in a brand-new role. This is a rare opportunity to join a premium, globally recognised brand operating at the cutting edge of the textile, sports, fashion and workwear markets, supplying products to international sports teams and major global brands in the UK and US.

This role is focused on new business growth and maximising existing and lapsed accounts through strategic relationship building and market development. You will have the freedom to shape the role, identify emerging trends, and influence future product direction in a highly innovative environment. The business supplies a mix of simple equipment and long-term consumable products, creating strong recurring revenue and long-term customer partnerships. This is a field-based role, with travel across the UK and approximately one day per month on-site at their office in the South of the UK.

Key responsibilities include:

• Identifying, targeting and securing new business opportunities within the textile, apparel, sports, fashion and workwear sectors;
• Building strong, long-term relationships with customers and acting as a trusted advisor;
• Promoting and selling premium print solutions in line with customer requirements;
• Developing and executing strategic sales plans to achieve and exceed revenue targets;
• Staying informed on industry trends, competitor activity and emerging market opportunities;
• Working closely with internal teams including marketing and product development to deliver outstanding customer solutions.

This opportunity would suit commercially minded candidates who understand the clothing, garment or print supply chain and enjoy developing new business. Relevant backgrounds include garment manufacturing, workwear or school wear, apparel, textiles, badges, inks or print consumables, heat transfer, embroidery or garment decoration, product manufacturers selling into clothing or print businesses, or individuals currently working within these industries looking to move supplier-side.

You will ideally have around 5+ years' experience in business development, sales or account management, a valid UK drivers licence with no more than 6 points, a proven track record of winning and growing business, strong communication and presentation skills, and flexibility to travel nationally as part of a field-based role. Clients are primarily based across the Midlands, with national coverage. The ideal location is within 1 hour of the lower to upper Midlands. As a guide, candidates would ideally not be based south of Basingstoke or north of York, although exceptional experience may allow for flexibility outside these areas.

The package includes a competitive basic salary plus performance-based commission, comprehensive training and development, clear progression opportunities within a global brand, access to high-quality premium products with an excellent industry reputation, a supportive and innovative working environment, and opportunities to collaborate and network internationally within the wider group.

This is a unique opportunity to join a business in a newly created role, offering genuine scope to shape the position, work with premium products customers are happy to buy, and contribute to an innovation-led organisation where new ideas and market-driven product development are actively encouraged.