Business Development Manager

Bridging cultures and continents with a leading European carpet yarn manufacturer.

B.I.G. Yarns is a leading Belgian manufacturer specializing in high-quality carpet yarns for the carpet and carpet tile industry. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability and service excellence, we have established a strong global presence in Europe, Asia and Oceania over the last 30 years.

We are a leader in the production of 1-step 3-ply yarns and have recently expanded our product offering to 2-step yarns. We have built a collection of yarns, specifically designed for the Japanese market.

Currently, we are seeking a dynamic and motivated Business Development Manager to spearhead our expansion in the Japanese market.

As a Business Development Manager, you will play a crucial role in establishing and strengthening our presence in Japan. The ideal candidate is a Japanese professional with a keen interest in textiles, possessing the ability to bridge cultural gaps and collaborate seamlessly with our European headquarters and our Chinese manufacturing facility.

This role requires excellent English language skills, as you will be working closely with a diverse and passionate international team.

Main responsibilities and key tasks

• Promote B.I.G. Yarns as a solution provider for the Commercial, Automotive and Residential market segments by closely interacting with different interlocutors at the customer's side.
• Follow up all leads and pursue the most promising opportunities until a long-term relationship is established.
• Manage several B-2-B key accounts focusing on maintaining a long-term relationship and maximizing sales opportunities, while supporting our customers to grow their business.
• Develop and execute strategic plans to expand market share in the Japanese carpet and carpet tile industry.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including carpet manufacturers in the commercial, residential and automotive segments, as well as other influencers in the Japanese flooring industry.
• Collaborate with a Chinese manufacturing facility to ensure seamless production and delivery of carpet yarns to the Japanese market.
• Utilize technical knowledge and affinity with textiles to address customer inquiries, provide product expertise, and offer tailored solutions.
• Work closely with a Japanese consultant to gain insights into the local market and receive coaching on effective business development strategies.
• Regularly report progress and market trends to the Global Sales Director in Europe.

Competencies and skills

• Japanese nationality with an excellent understanding of the local business practices and cultural affinities.
• Open and adaptable to working with a European company and a Chinese factory.
• Technical affinity with textiles; knowledge of carpet tufting or (carpet) yarn manufacturing is a plus.
• Proven experience in business development, sales, or a related field, ideally within the textile industry.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with all levels at our customers and at B.I.G. Yarns.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Textile Engineering, or a related field. An advanced degree or relevant certifications would be advantageous.
• Ability to analyze market data, financial reports, and industry trends to make informed decisions.
• Maintaining a customer-centric approach with the ability to understand and meet the needs of customers, focusing on creating value for both our customers as B.I.G. Yarns.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Languages

• Japanese fluenty.
• Proficient in English, both written and spoken.
• Any other language such as Chinese or any European language is a plus, but not a requirement

Our Offer

• A great international team to work in, equipped with up-to-date sales support tools.
• Competitive reward package
• Career opportunities as our success in the Japanese market grows