Business Development Manager - Victoria

Design & Commercial Markets Port Melbourne

On behalf of our client, ESE Recruitment is seeking a Business Development Manager to lead expansion into the commercial interiors market across Victoria.

• Location: Port Melbourne, Victoria
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Workplace: Field-based / office hybrid
• Reports To: National Sales Manager

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established, design-led Australian wholesaler with a strong reputation in homewares and commercial interiors. Their exclusive range spans furniture, designer lighting, artificial flowers and trees, homewares, decor, outdoor furniture, and pots and planters, backed by decades of heritage and a nationwide supply network.

About the Role

This newly created, high-impact role is for a commercially minded, design-savvy BDM with a genuine track record in the B2B furniture, lighting and decorating industry. You'll identify, approach and convert commercial development and design opportunities across Victoria, placing our client's products at the heart of major property and interiors projects.

This is a proactive, outbound-led role, not a retail sales position. You'll build relationships with developers, interior designers, procurement managers, aged care operators, commercial fit-out specialists and project managers, targeting sectors including Build to Rent, managed apartments, co-living, commercial offices, corporate fit-outs, co-working spaces, aged care and retirement living, hotels and hospitality, display suites, and property developers.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively build a robust pipeline of commercial project leads through cold outreach, networking, referrals and industry events
• Develop trusted relationships with interior designers, architects, procurement managers, developers and facilities operators
• Present the product range and prepare compelling proposals, quotes and presentations tailored to project scope and budget
• Achieve revenue targets, new client acquisition KPIs and pipeline benchmarks
• Stay across the Victorian commercial property pipeline (DA approvals, BTR announcements, aged care and fit-out projects) and represent the business at relevant industry events
• Manage and grow a portfolio of commercial accounts, working closely with Customer Service, Logistics and Operations to ensure seamless project fulfilment
• Maintain accurate CRM records and provide regular reporting to the National Sales Manager

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 5 years' experience in business development, commercial sales or account management, with a proven track record of proactive new business development
• Demonstrated knowledge of the B2B furniture, lighting and decorating industry in Australia, including shipping, logistics and supply chain
• Experience selling into commercial sectors such as property development, interior design, aged care, hospitality, facilities management or construction
• A natural relationship builder with strong commercial acumen, a confident presenter comfortable pitching to designers or a developer's board
• Design-aware, self-motivated, highly organised, and proficient with CRM tools and Microsoft Office
• Please note: this role is not suited to candidates whose experience is limited to store management within furniture retail

What's On Offer

• Competitive base salary, benchmarked to experience and market rate
• Competitive commission structure rewarding performance on new and existing accounts
• Vehicle allowance or company car, plus product allowance
• A genuine, credible product range and career growth as part of a new commercial channel

How to Apply

Along with your resume, please include a brief cover letter explaining how your experience corresponds with the skills and expertise we seek in this role. For a confidential discussion and more information if required prior to applying, please call Paul at ESE Recruitment on 03 9272 6109.