Business Development Manager - Branded Merchandise

An innovative, market-leading manufacturer and supplier of print technology and consumables is seeking a Business Development Manager to join the business in a brand-new role.

This is a rare opportunity to join a premium, globally recognised brand operating at the cutting edge of the textile, sports, fashion and workwear markets. The company supplies products to international sports teams and major global brands across the UK and US.

This role focuses on new business growth and maximising existing and lapsed accounts through strategic relationship building and market development. You will have the freedom to shape the role, identify emerging trends, and influence future product direction in a highly innovative environment.

The business supplies a mix of equipment and long-term consumable products, creating strong recurring revenue and long-term customer partnerships. This is a field-based role, with travel across the UK and approximately one day per month on-site at the company's office in the South of the UK.

Key responsibilities include:

• Identifying, targeting and securing new business opportunities within the textile, apparel, sports, fashion and workwear sectors
• Building strong, long-term relationships with customers and acting as a trusted advisor
• Promoting and selling premium print solutions aligned with customer requirements
• Developing and executing strategic sales plans to achieve and exceed revenue targets
• Staying informed on industry trends, competitor activity and emerging market opportunities
• Working closely with internal teams, including marketing and product development, to deliver outstanding customer solutions

This opportunity would suit commercially minded candidates from branded merchandise or promotional products who understand the process of selling into the design and creative manufacturing sector and enjoy developing new business.

Relevant backgrounds include promotional products, branded merchandise, textiles, badges, inks, sports kits, print consumables, heat transfer, embroidery or garment decoration. Candidates should ideally have experience selling bespoke or adaptable products into clothing or print businesses, rather than coming from a reseller environment where product development input is minimal.

You will ideally have:

• Around 5+ years' experience in business development, sales or account management
• A valid UK driving licence with no more than 6 points
• A proven track record of winning and growing business
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Flexibility to travel nationally as part of a field-based role

Clients are primarily based across the Midlands, with national coverage. Ideally candidates will be located within one hour of the lower to upper Midlands. As a guide, candidates would ideally not be based south of Basingstoke or north of York, although exceptional experience may allow some flexibility.

The package includes:

• Competitive basic salary plus performance-based commission
• Comprehensive training and development
• Clear progression opportunities within a global brand
• Access to high-quality premium products with an excellent industry reputation
• A supportive and innovative working environment
• Opportunities to collaborate and network internationally within the wider group

This is a unique opportunity to join a business in a newly created role, offering genuine scope to shape the position, work with premium products customers are happy to buy, and contribute to an innovation-led organisation where new ideas and market-driven product development are actively encouraged.

About Zero Surplus

Zero Surplus is one of the UK's premier recruitment agencies, based just outside Cambridge. Our recruiters source staff for small and international businesses across the South of England.

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