Head of Business Development
design-led studio
London / South East, UK
A highly respected, design-led studio operating at the intersection of art, craftsmanship, materials innovation, and luxury environments is seeking a Head of Business Development to lead and accelerate its growth.
JOB SUMMARY:
A highly respected, design-led studio operating at the intersection of art, craftsmanship, materials innovation, and luxury environments is seeking a Head of Business Development to lead and accelerate its growth. The studio delivers pioneering work across luxury residential, hospitality, commercial, and marine sectors, collaborating closely with leading architects, designers, and global brands.
This senior role will be responsible for driving revenue growth, expanding brand presence, and acting as a key ambassador for the studio’s creative and technical capabilities. Reporting directly to senior leadership, the Head of Business Development will co-define growth strategy, convert high-level relationships into long-term specification pipelines, and help position the studio as a go-to partner for complex, high-value, design-led projects.
Key Responsibilities:
Co-define and execute a strategic business development plan to drive growth across luxury residential, hospitality, commercial fit-outs, hotels, and marine/yacht sectors
Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities across existing and emerging markets
Leverage and expand an established network of senior-level contacts including architects, designers, specifiers, contractors, developers, and project management firms
Map, prioritise, and manage key accounts, working closely with internal teams to deepen long-term relationships and repeat business
Act as a senior brand ambassador, representing the studio at industry events, design fairs, trade shows, client meetings, site visits, and presentations
Monitor market trends, competitor activity, design movements, and regulatory or compliance shifts, feeding insight back into strategic planning and new product or material development
Own revenue responsibility, developing and tracking KPIs including pipeline, conversion rates, revenue targets, margins, and partner performance
Report regularly to senior leadership on forecasts, progress, opportunities, risks, and market feedback
Collaborate closely with creative, production, and operations teams to ensure business development activity aligns with technical capability, craftsmanship standards, and brand vision
As the studio scales, support or manage a small business development team and mentor junior members as required
Requirements & Experience:
Minimum 15 years’ experience in business development, sales, or commercial leadership within luxury, design-led, architectural, marine, or related industries
Proven track record of driving significant revenue growth and delivering against ambitious commercial targets
Extensive existing network of senior decision-makers across architecture, design, development, contracting, and procurement
Strong understanding of high-end design, material quality, architectural specification, and bespoke or craft-led environments
Strategic thinker with strong market insight and the ability to identify and capitalise on emerging opportunities
Comfortable operating at board and founder level, with excellent communication and influencing skills
Highly organised, commercially astute, and confident managing complex, long-cycle sales pipelines
Willingness and flexibility to travel nationally and internationally
Desirable Experience:
Established reputation within luxury residential, hospitality, commercial interiors, marine, or boutique hotel sectors
Understanding of regulatory and compliance considerations related to finishes, surfaces, fire safety, acoustics, and sustainability
Experience using CRM systems and managing structured sales pipelines
This is a rare opportunity for a senior business development leader to shape the growth trajectory of a highly regarded, design-led studio, working closely with creative leadership to expand its global presence while maintaining exceptional standards of quality and craftsmanship.
