Director of Business Development - Softlines

SGS is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With over 97,000 employees in 130 countries and operating a network of more than 2,400 offices and laboratories, we provide services to almost every industry by assuring quality and safety of products and services.

Trusted all over the world, SGS is a market leader because we put 100% passion, pride and innovation into everything we do. We encourage new ideas. We welcome people who challenge the way we do things. And we will be 100% committed to helping you reach your full potential.

POSITION SUMMARY                                                                                                                                        

The Director of Business Development leads strategic growth initiatives and plays a key role in shaping long-term business development strategies aligned with corporate objectives. In addition to managing core business development activities, this role partners with senior leadership to influence go-to-market strategies, mentors junior team members, and drives innovation in processes and outreach methodologies. The Director of Business Development provides advanced market intelligence, oversees complex proposals and strategic client engagements, and represents the company at high-profile industry events. This position is instrumental in fostering organizational growth and succession planning.

 

JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                                                                               

• Meet/exceed quarterly and annual targets within assigned territory.
• Prepare individual sales plans with goals and objectives; identify, research, plan, and contact new prospects.
• Coordinate transfer of landed account ownership to assigned Account Manager.
• Provide accurate forecasts and pipelines regularly.
• Report on market developments, analyze trends, and competitor activities.
• Work with sales support groups (Marketing, Sales Development, Sales Operations) to support lead generation.
• Ensure client quotes, proposals, and RFP responses are completed accurately and on time.
• Prepare and submit timely reports of sales activities using CRM systems.
• Represent the company at high-profile industry events to strengthen brand positioning.
• Work with leadership & marketing team in organizing and executing industry events & vendor summits.
• Mentor and coach junior business development staff, fostering talent development.
• Develop and execute long-term business development strategies aligned with corporate goals.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to shape go-to-market strategies.
• Oversee complex proposals and strategic client engagements, ensuring scope, schedules, and budgets are accurately planned.
• Provide advanced market intelligence, including competitor threat analysis and trend forecasting.
• Lead special projects or cross-functional initiatives to support organizational growth.
• Participate in special projects as assigned.
• All other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE                                                                                                                         

• Education: Post-secondary degree in a relevant field
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in a multinational organization. International business exposure in imported consumer products in a sales, program management, or key account management function.         

LEADERSHIP/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES                                                                                                

• Provides guidance and/or leadership to others, including indirect reports, peers, or managers. Yes
• Please provide examples of supervisory responsibilities - 
• Guidance around sales and account activities.
• Mentorship to Junior Business Development staff

JOB COMPLEXITY

• Negotiating contracts with procurement teams and senior management, protecting SGS's interest, maximizing profit, and winning business.
• Analyzes sales performance and market trends to develop advanced strategies, prepares complex proposals, and makes high-impact commercial decisions aligned with corporate objectives. Applies expert judgment to identify strategic opportunities, close major deals, resolve complex client issues, and leverage extensive industry knowledge to influence organizational growth and market positioning.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS                                                                                                                                     

• Decisions directly influence achieving sales targets, maintaining brand reputation, and strengthening client relationships. In addition, they shape strategic revenue growth, market positioning, and long-term client retention at an organizational level, while supporting overall business objectives and future expansion.

ANALYTICAL THINKING/PROBLEM SOLVING                                                                                                  

• Suggest appropriate business development strategies for the development of new services, new partnerships, personal & professional development of the team, and adding efficiencies in programs and processes.
• Suggesting appropriate testing to meet regulatory requirements and claim verifications.
• Anticipates and resolves complex client issues, escalating when necessary, while leading pricing strategies and high-level negotiations. Shapes initiatives that contribute to achieving organizational sales targets, recommends strategic events to participate in, and drives innovative sales and marketing programs to strengthen market positioning.

COMMUNICATION/CONTACTS                                                                                                                        

• Clients / Prospects: Understand needs, present solutions, negotiate agreements
• Account Managers: Transfer landed accounts, ensure smooth handover
• Senior Management: Report progress, seek approval for major decisions
• Sales Support Teams: Coordinate marketing, lead generation, proposals, and RFP responses
• Industry Partners / Vendors: Explore partnerships, manage relationships                                                                                                   

  KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES                                                                                                                   

• Persuasive, diplomatic, but always to the point, and has a strong ability to sell a concept.
• Hands-on, open-minded, proactive team player.
• Strong written and spoken English skills; other languages will be an advantage.
• Must be able to read, understand, and follo