Director, Business Development

The Business Development Director oversees the creation and implementation of the business development strategy in the US. This includes identifying new business opportunities, developing relationships with potential partners, and overseeing the development and execution of business plans. The Business Development Director works closely with other members of the executive team to ensure that the company’s overall strategy is aligned with its business development goals.

The Business Development Director helps the company to stay ahead of their competition by seeking out new partnerships and opportunities. This position identifies potential areas where the Company can improve its offerings to better meet client needs.

Responsibilities

• Drive efforts to achieve growth through mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures that align to the Company’s strategic objectives.
• Identify opportunities through research, developing industry relationships, etc, continuously building a pipeline of potential deals.
• Evaluate each new business/acquisition opportunity through analysis of the target company’s financial information, business strategy, human resources, technology and other available data to identify synergies & potential risks.
• Perform M&A project management processes including due diligence, financial planning, scoping, closing, and integration.
• Advises, collaborates, and guides senior executive management in negotiating business terms and works with legal counsel to finalize agreements.
• Oversee the cross-functional execution of integration into our existing business operations.
• Works with brokers and real estate Legal Counsel in preparing leases for review, approval and signature.
  Provides strategic input, including risks and opportunities, into the Company’s long-range business plan in North America.
• Selects prospective vendors and negotiates contracts.
• Negotiates and prepares agreements for closings
• Conducts market research and analysis to identify trends and opportunities
• Prepares detailed reports and presentations on business development activities and opportunities
• Supports the VP, Finance & Operations in creating and leading the US business strategy and growth
• Works closely with the Process Improvement Team in ensuring initial execution and launch of new business opportunities.
• Develop proposals in response to requests for proposals (RFPs).
• Proposes and develops new strategic partnerships to guide long-term objectives to meet business needs and requirements.
• Builds relationships with legal counsel, suppliers, distributors, partners, and vendors.
• Evaluates existing partnerships and sales efforts with an eye toward building on what works and changing what does not.
• Expands the profile and reach of the Company and its brands.
• Develops and strengthens internal and external relationships that will lead to increased lead generation and market share.
• Keeps abreast of latest developments within the industry and identifying new market
• Travels to new retail markets and brand partner locations to assess opportunities
• Develops and implements comprehensive business development strategies to achieve company objectives
• Works with the Executive Vice President, Store Development, and real estate brokers in identifying future space for retail relocation and expansion.
• Studies and understands the business environment and reviews emerging trends so new opportunities can be identified ahead of the competition.
• Business related travel when required.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Experience and Education Required

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 8 years Corporate Development relevant experience working in a fast-paced M&A and Corporate Development environment in our luxury retail industry
• 5 years’ experience and demonstrated track record of independently managing end to end acquisition and business development processes – sourcing, diligence, structuring and closing activities.
• Experience building collaborative relationships with team members and internal and external stakeholders fostering a productive teamwork environment, leading teams to achieve a common vision, soliciting and leveraging diverse views, encouraging innovation.
• Experience taking a lead role in new business development and pursuit activities, including client lead maturation, proposal development, and closing new business opportunities.
• Experience identifying and addressing client needs by building, maintaining, and utilizing networks of client relationships.
• Experience directing and conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses of complex data, including Market and competitor analysis, client analysis and internal analysis (strategic analysis, business model reviews, financials).
• Experience framing and understanding key client issues, processes, and mandates, while defining realistic expectations.
• Experience being solution-driven with a high level of prioritization on core issues.
• Experience writing, communicating, facilitating, and presenting to and/or for all levels of internal and external audiences.

Skills and Competencies Required

• Autonomy - Has defined authority and accountability within a significant area of work
• Influence - Initiates influential relationships with internal and external clients; makes decisions which impact the achievement of strategic objectives and overall business performance; encourage collaboration
• Complexity - Applies a wide range of professional and management principles, proactively and effectively
• Business Skills - Demonstrates commercial awareness
• Excels in client experience and building relationships
• Outstanding presentation skills, can speak with enthusiasm
• Strong organizational, client service and time management skills
• Ability to find creative solutions
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate with retail and corporate colleagues
• Ability to multitask daily on a fast-paced environment
• Excellent judgment skills