Business Development Manager

• Remote – occasional visits to the London office
• Competitive salary + commission

A leading brand in the gift and lifestyle industry is looking for a Business Development Manager to take the lead in building out its global distribution and retail partnerships. This is a key role with real ownership, offering the chance to shape and grow new business across both national and international markets.

We’re looking for someone with strong existing connections in the gift and lifestyle space – someone who understands the industry, knows how to open doors with major retailers and distributors, and is confident driving long-term growth. You’ll be focused on finding and securing new opportunities, building strong relationships, and helping to take an already established brand to the next level.

If you’re well connected, strategic in your approach, and excited by the idea of growing something meaningful, this is a great opportunity to make a real impact.

Key responsibilities in this Business Development Manager role:

• Develop and lead the international business development strategy to support ambitious growth targets.
• Use your existing network across the gift and lifestyle industry to win new accounts and strengthen relationships with key distributors and retailers.
• Identify and pursue new business with a long-term, strategic approach, always focused on sustainable, profitable growth.
• Re-engage lapsed accounts by understanding previous experiences and finding fresh ways to add value.
• Expand and diversify the distributor and retail network to increase reach in both established and emerging markets.
• Attend key industry trade shows and events to network, pitch new collections, and stay front of mind with partners and prospects.
• Sell in new seasonal and core ranges, presenting the brand clearly and confidently to ensure strong uptake.
• Lead sales meetings with distributors and key accounts, working collaboratively on range planning and product selection.
• Negotiate cost prices, commercial terms, and trading agreements to ensure strong, mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Work closely with buyers to support product selection and ensure strong sell-through at retail.
• Monitor and analyse stock levels, supporting partners with strategies to reduce excess inventory while protecting margin.
• Collaborate with internal teams, especially Operations, to help with accurate stock forecasting and smooth delivery against customer requirements.
• Keep up to date with market trends, competitor activity, and customer insights to inform new product ideas and anticipate challenges.

Experience & skills required for the role:

• Substantial experience in wholesale account management and business development within consumer products, ideally in the gift, lifestyle, greetings, or toy sectors.
• A strong network of close contacts across UK and international retail and distribution, with a proven ability to win and grow key B2B accounts.
• Confident presenting to buyers, selling in new ranges, and negotiating commercial terms that drive long-term value.
• A clear understanding of the full sales cycle, from identifying opportunities and pitching through to forecasting, stock planning, and analysing performance.
• A proactive, self-driven mindset with excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships at all levels.
• A collaborative team player who is adaptable, organised, and brings a positive, solutions-focused approach to challenges.

Diversity & Inclusion: ILMJ values diversity, equality and inclusion and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and identities.