Director of Business Development - Softlines

About the role

The Director of Business Development leads strategic growth initiatives and plays a key role in shaping long-term business development strategies aligned with corporate objectives. In addition to managing core business development activities, this role partners with senior leadership to influence go-to-market strategies, mentors junior team members, and drives innovation in processes and outreach methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Meet/exceed quarterly and annual targets within assigned territory.
• Prepare individual sales plans with goals and objectives; identify, research, plan, and contact new prospects.
• Carefully coordinate transfer of landed account ownership to assigned Account Manager.
• Provide accurate forecasts and pipelines regularly.
• Report on market developments, analyze trends, and competitor activities.
• Work with sales support groups (Marketing, Sales Development, Sales Operations) to support lead generation.
• Ensure client quotes, proposals, and RFP responses are completed accurately and on time.
• Prepare and submit timely reports of sales activities using CRM systems.
• Represent the company at high-profile industry events to strengthen brand positioning.
• Work with leadership & marketing team in organizing and executing industry events & vendor summits.
• Mentor and coach junior business development staff, fostering talent development.
• Develop and execute long-term business development strategies aligned with corporate goals.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to shape go-to-market strategies.
• Oversee complex proposals and strategic client engagements, ensuring scope, schedules, and budgets are accurately planned.
• Provide advanced market intelligence, including competitor threat analysis and trend forecasting.
• Lead special projects or cross-functional initiatives to support organizational growth.
• Participate in special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Post-secondary degree in a relevant field
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in a multinational organization. International business exposure in imported consumer products in a sales, program management, or key account management function.

Leadership/Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provides guidance and/or leadership to others, including indirect reports, peers, or managers.
• Guidance around sales and account activities.
• Mentorship to Junior Business Development staff.

Job Complexity

• Negotiating contracts with procurement teams and senior management, protecting SGS's interest, maximizing profit, and winning business.
• Analyzes sales performance and market trends to develop advanced strategies, prepares complex proposals, and makes high-impact commercial decisions aligned with corporate objectives. Applies expert judgment to identify strategic opportunities, close major deals, resolve complex client issues, and leverage extensive industry knowledge to influence organizational growth and market positioning.

Impact of Decisions

• Decisions directly influence achieving sales targets, maintaining brand reputation, and strengthening client relationships. In addition, they shape strategic revenue growth, market positioning, and long-term client retention at an organizational level, while supporting overall business objectives and future expansion.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Persuasive, diplomatic, but always to the point, and has a strong ability to sell a concept.
• Hands-on, open-minded, proactive team player.
• Strong written and spoken English skills; other languages will be an advantage.
• Must be able to read, understand, and follow work instructions in a safe, accurate, and timely manner.
• Candidates must be proficient in using various types of computer software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook).
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly professional environment.
• Candidates must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, including grammar and composition.
• Ability to work well with others & independently.
• Proven time management skills and a strong attention to detail.
• Works well under pressure.
• Extended hours and shift work may be required from time to time.

Additional Information

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000 base salary. This range represents the minimum and maximum base salary we reasonably expect to pay for this role. Actual compensation within the range will depend on skills, experience, and qualifications.

Our Benefits

• Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, employee assistance programs.
• Wealth: In addition to base pay, we offer 401(k) with company match (immediate vesting upon enrollment).
• Happiness:- Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, tuition reimbursement program
• Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off and family leave.

In compliance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws, we provide clear and equitable compensation information for all applicants.

Position anticipated to close July 27, 2026.

Additional Information

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.