Business Development Manager (Furniture/Sofa/Mattress)

Develop and execute strategic business development initiatives as a preferred alternative material solution within Malaysia's sofa and furniture manufacturing industry.

Identify, engage, and secure new business opportunities with sofa manufacturers, OEM furniture producers, upholstery companies, and other key players across the furniture value chain.

Build, manage, and convert a robust sales pipeline to achieve revenue consistently, profitability, and market expansion objectives.

Conduct comprehensive market mapping to identify high-potential accounts based on production capacity, market share, and business growth opportunities.

Prepare sales forecasts, business development plans, and regular performance reports to support strategic decision-making.

Drive market awareness by educating customers on the commercial, technical, and sustainability benefits of fibre-based solutions compared to conventional foam materials.

Lead customer engagements through product presentations, technical demonstrations, product sampling, and commercial negotiations.

Manage customer evaluation programs, product trials, and conversion strategies to accelerate commercial adoption.

Build and maintain strong relationships with key industry stakeholders, manufacturers, trade associations, and decision-makers to strengthen market presence and generate new business opportunities.

Partner closely with Product Development and Technical teams to understand customer manufacturing requirements and recommend customized fiber solutions.

Coordinate product validation, pilot production runs, and implementation activities to ensure successful product integration into customers manufacturing processes.

Provide technical and commercial support by addressing customer requirements related to product performance, comfort, durability, manufacturing compatibility, cost optimization, and sustainability.

Develop and maintain long-term relationships with key customers to drive repeat business, customer retention, and account growth.

Monitor customer satisfaction levels and proactively resolve commercial or operational issues to ensure an exceptional customer experience.

Lead commercial discussions involving pricing, contracts, service agreements, and business terms in accordance with company guidelines.

Continuously monitor market trends, customer preferences, competitor activities, and emerging technologies within the furniture and upholstery industry.

Gather market intelligence and customer feedback to support product enhancements, commercialization strategies, and future product development initiatives.

Identify opportunities for business diversification into adjacent industries and applications that align with the company's growth strategy.

Collaborate closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Product Development, Marketing, and Customer Service teams to ensure seamless project execution and timely customer support.

Support participation in industry exhibitions, trade fairs, customer seminars, and networking events to enhance brand awareness and generate new business opportunities.

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Engineering, Material Science, Furniture Technology, or a related discipline.

Minimum 5–8 years of experience in business development, technical sales, or key account management, preferably within the furniture, upholstery, foam, textiles, industrial materials, polymers, or manufacturing industries.

Proven success in developing new markets, acquiring customers, and driving sustainable revenue growth in a B2B environment.

Experience selling technical or engineered materials through a consultative, solution-based sales approach will be highly advantageous.

Strong understanding of the furniture manufacturing industry, upholstery materials, foam products, non-woven materials, fiber technologies, or related industrial applications is preferred.

Excellent commercial acumen with strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship management skills.

Demonstrated ability to manage complex sales cycles, customer trials, and commercialization projects.

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market trends and translate insights into actionable business strategies.

Self-motivated, entrepreneurial, and results-driven, with the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Willingness to travel frequently within Malaysia to support customer development, product trials, and business expansion initiatives.