Job Description

About Us

We are a growing textiles and home accessories company with two distinct brands: one serving trade-only (B2B) customers and another offering both trade and consumer (B2B/B2C) collections. Our products are design-led, high quality, and known for their craftsmanship and contemporary appeal.

We're looking for a proactive and commercially minded Category & Business Development Executive to help us strengthen and expand our position in the market, building relationships, developing new sales opportunities, and ensuring our product categories are performing to their full potential.

About the Role

This is a hands-on, mid-level commercial role combining category coordination with active business development.
You'll work closely with the Marketing & Business Development Manager to implement sales and category strategies, manage product ranges and stock, and most importantly, drive new business opportunities across the UK.

From meeting new retail and trade customers to exploring routes to market such as buying groups, corporate gifting, and new wholesale partnerships, you'll play a key role in delivering growth for both brands.

You'll also collaborate with the E-commerce & Content Manager and the wider team to ensure our products are effectively represented and supported across all channels.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Business Development

Proactively identify, contact, and develop relationships with new customers and retail partners across the UK. Research and develop new routes to market, including buying groups, gifting, and corporate sectors. Attend and represent the brands at trade shows and industry events, following up on leads and opportunities. Nurture existing B2B customer relationships and support account growth. Report regularly on new leads, pipeline progress, and market insights.

Category & Product Management

Support category planning and product range management for both brands. Monitor sales data and category performance, identifying opportunities for range improvement or promotion. Work with suppliers to ensure timely reordering, competitive pricing, and strong product availability. Provide product insights to marketing for campaigns and seasonal launches.

Stock & Operational Coordination

Track stock levels, reorder points, and supplier deliveries. Coordinate clearance or promotional activities for slower-moving lines. Ensure smooth communication between stock, logistics, and sales functions.

Collaboration & Strategy Execution

Work with the Marketing & Business Development Manager to deliver category and sales plans. Collaborate with the E-commerce & Content Manager to align on promotions, new launches, and content priorities. Provide regular updates, reporting, and ideas to support the wider business development strategy.

About You

You're a confident, motivated, and commercially minded professional with an eye for both numbers and relationships.
You thrive on developing new business, talking to customers, and seeing your efforts translate into tangible results.
You're as comfortable analysing product performance as you are meeting new buyers at trade events.

You'll bring:

2-4 years' experience in sales, category management, or business development, ideally within textiles, interiors, or consumer goods. Strong communication and relationship-building skills. Confidence in meeting customers and representing brands at events. A proactive, self-starting attitude with commercial awareness and curiosity. Good organisational skills and a practical understanding of stock and product management. Proficiency with Excel and familiarity with CRM or stock management systems.

What We Offer

33,000 salary (depending on experience) Opportunity to work across two growing brands in a creative, product-led industry Supportive and collaborative team environment Travel to UK trade shows and customer meetings Potential to grow into a more senior commercial role as the business expands

How to Apply

If you're commercially minded, love building relationships, and want to play a key part in growing two dynamic homeware brands, we'd love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a short cover note outlining your relevant experience to debbie.fish@ashfieldmillgroup.com.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 30,000.00-33,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount On-site parking
Work Location: In person