Job Title: Director of Sales & Business Development (Fashion)
Location: United Kingdom
Position Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working on offer
The Opportunity
dSb Recruitment is delighted to be partnering with a highly respected international knitwear manufacturing and sourcing business to appoint a commercially driven Director of Sales & Business Development.
Our client is a global leader within knitwear, producing approximately 65 million garments annually through a diversified manufacturing network of around 65 factories across China, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, with further expansion into Indonesia and Egypt. Supported by over 650 employees worldwide, the business combines large-scale production capabilities with innovative product development, advanced 3D knitting technology, and a strong commitment to quality, speed to market, and customer service.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for an ambitious commercial professional with deep industry knowledge, an established retail network, and a proven track record of driving sustainable growth within apparel, knitwear, or textile sourcing.
The role is offered on a hybrid basis, with regular travel across the UK and Europe as required.
The Role
Reporting directly to the executive leadership team, the Director of Sales & Business Development will be responsible for leading the companys growth strategy across the UK and European markets.
The successful candidate will focus on identifying and securing new business opportunities, developing strategic retail partnerships, and expanding the companys presence within major fashion and retail accounts. Whilst the business already partners with a number of well-known retailers and brands, a key objective will be to strengthen relationships with leading UK retailers and supermarkets, including organisations such as Next, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys etc.
This role requires a commercially focused individual who thrives on opening doors, building relationships, and converting opportunities into long-term, profitable partnerships.
Working closely with design, sourcing, merchandising, and product development teams, the successful candidate will bring innovative knitwear solutions to market while leveraging the companys extensive global manufacturing platform.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and execute the UK and European sales and business development strategy.
* Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities across retailers, brands, buying offices, and sourcing organisations.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers across target accounts.
* Create and manage a robust pipeline of new business opportunities.
* Develop strategic account plans to maximise growth and revenue.
* Lead commercial negotiations and contract discussions.
* Collaborate with internal product development, sourcing, and merchandising teams to deliver customer-focused solutions.
* Promote the companys capabilities in knitwear innovation, sourcing, manufacturing, and product development.
* Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities.
* Represent the business at customer meetings, trade events, and industry exhibitions.
* Provide regular reporting on pipeline activity, sales performance, and growth initiatives.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will possess:
* A minimum of 10 years experience in senior sales, commercial, or business development roles within knitwear, apparel, textiles, or sourcing.
* A proven track record of winning new business and delivering significant revenue growth.
* Strong existing relationships with major UK retailers, supermarkets, and fashion brands.
* Experience working with customers such as Next, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Asda, or similar high-profile retail accounts.
* A strong understanding of knitwear manufacturing, sourcing, supply chain operations, and product development.
* Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
* A strategic mindset combined with a hands-on approach to business development.
* The ability to identify, develop, and convert commercial opportunities at a senior level.
* Experience operating within international markets and global sourcing environments.
Why Apply?
This is an exceptional opportunity to join a highly regarded global business at an exciting stage of growth. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the companys future commercial strategy across the UK and Europe, supported by substantial manufacturing capacity, innovative product capabilities, advanced 3D knitting technology, and an experienced international team.
For an ambitious sales and business development leader with a passion for building relationships and driving growth, this role offers genuine influence, autonomy, and long-term career potential.