Business Development Manager - Textiles

Our client is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to drive nationwide growth within the newly established Textiles Division. This role focuses on customized, project-based textile solutions that support brand identity, sustainability goals, and innovative product development across multiple industries.

This role leads strategic, solution-based sales efforts across textiles and branded merchandise, partnering closely with internal design, development, sourcing, and operations teams. The ideal candidate excels in managing complex sales cycles, building relationships across procurement and product development groups, and advising clients on sustainable, ethically sourced textile solutions. Travel required up to 50-75 percent.

Business Development Manager Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and secure new business across key sectors including retail, lifestyle, merchandising, hospitality, automotive, industrial, and corporate apparel
• Lead consultative, end-to-end sales efforts from design and development through sourcing, production, and delivery
• Act as a strategic advisor on sustainability, ethical production, circularity, and transparency
• Collaborate with internal design, product development, sourcing, operations, and marketing teams to support execution of complex, customized textile projects
• Stay informed on tariff changes and sourcing impacts
• Manage the full sales cycle including prospecting, proposals, negotiation, closing, and post-sale support
• Build strong relationships with sourcing, procurement, and product development teams
• Represent the company at trade shows, industry events, and client meetings
• Provide market insights to support product evolution and service enhancements
• Demonstrate basic design understanding to communicate effectively with creative teams and request accurate file formats

Business Development Manager Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of business development or solution-based sales experience within textiles, branded merchandise, or promotional products
• Proven success managing complex, long-cycle, multi-stakeholder sales
• Strong understanding of how branded textile products are designed, sourced, and produced (uniforms, promotional apparel, merchandising assets, event gear, etc.)
• Established network within relevant sectors: retail, lifestyle brands, automotive interiors, workwear, promotional products
• Passion for sustainability, ethical sourcing, and circular design
• Excellent communication, negotiation, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, entrepreneurial environment
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Textiles, or related field preferred
• Willingness to travel nationally up to 50-75 percent

Competitive Commission Plan

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance. For unincorporated Los Angeles county, to the extent our customers require a background check for certain positions, the Company faces a significant risk to its business operations and business reputation unless a review of criminal history is conducted for those specific job positions.