Business Development Associate

About the role

The Design Gallery, East Africa's destination for luxury interior design representing premium European brands, is looking for a Sales Associate to build and grow relationships with high-net-worth individuals, developers and design professionals. You will manage the sales cycle for assigned projects, from first pitch and proposal through to closing, delivery and handover, escalating complex matters to the sales manager.

Key responsibilities

• Negotiate and support the closure of contracts for bespoke furniture and interior design projects
• Manage the sales cycle for assigned projects, from first pitch to handover
• Meet and exceed agreed personal sales targets
• Grow existing accounts and win new business in luxury residential and commercial sectors
• Prepare and present tailored proposals, quotations and brand presentations
• Act as the day-to-day client contact, resolving routine issues and escalating complex ones
• Coordinate client meetings and presentations, and track project team output against the client brief
• Work with design, operations and installation teams to keep the client experience seamless
• Represent the gallery at industry events, network and build a pipeline
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity and report to the Client Partner

Required profile

• 1 to 3 years in a client-facing sales, account management or business development role
• Experience with luxury interiors, high-end furniture, architecture or a comparable premium sector is an advantage
• Proven record of supporting a client portfolio and meeting revenue targets
• Experience supporting clients through a full project cycle, from pitch to handover
• Genuine interest in design, art and luxury products, able to articulate their value
• Relevant professional qualifications in sales, key account management or client relationship management are an advantage

Required skills

• Experience negotiating and closing contracts, including preparing proposals and quotations
• Financial literacy to interpret account profitability, margins and pricing
• Hands-on experience with CRM and project collaboration tools such as ClickUp or equivalent