Business Development Manager

About Blum

The Blum name stands for quality, innovation, and great customer service. We manufacture hardware that makes working in the kitchen and throughout your home easier. Each of our products has been designed carefully, with the customer experience in mind, and research to back them up. We specialize in engineering and manufacturing concealed hinges, drawer systems and systems for lift-up doors. From our touch-to-open technology to the soft-closing door or drawer, our hardware helps modernize the kitchen experience.

It is not just a job; it is a way of life. We are here to move your ideas forward.

We produce the highest quality products in our industry from start to finish, and every single employee plays a role in that. At Blum, we work in teams and collaborate with colleagues within our family-oriented culture. In our rewarding work environment, we learn something new every day. Join us and grow with us!

The Opportunity

In this position as a Business Development Manager, you are required to develop and expand the network of contacts of retailers and various stakeholders in the US furniture industry. With your strong background and connections in the furniture industry in the US and years of experience in SEA (South-East-Asia), preferably Vietnam, you are the direct link between our customers in the US and our teams in Vietnam and other markets in SEA. Due to your strong network within the furniture industry in the US but also in Asia, your industry knowledge and your trustworthy personality, you generate a significant added value for our customers in the US.

This position will provide the opportunity to enhance your selling, account management, and hardware knowledge while being part of a professional supportive team and a tremendous and welcoming culture.

Responsibilities:

• First point of contact for Furniture retailers and other relevant stakeholder in the US market
• This position manages and assures flawless execution throughout the customer purchasing process (drawing specification, product consultancy/selection, after-sales support …) at the US side in close collaboration with Blum Vietnam
• Work hand-in-hand with the Blum team in Vietnam, in order to add value for all stakeholders in the US and in SEA
• Share market insights for better understanding of customer needs and expectations and consult customers with best and most suitable technical solutions
• Work to establish a network within the furniture industry that will allow for long-term relationships with new and existing retailers in the US.
• Network with US buyer representatives in Southeast Asia (SEA).
• Participate in customer events in the US and Vietnam, such as trade fairs, in-house exhibitions, customer tours, etc.
• Maintain regular contact with internal and external customers to cultivate strong relationships.
• Participate in on-the-job Blum product trainings so you can implement all acquired skills to better educate our customers and deliver results.
• Initiate and provide product training and demonstrations to both retail partners as well as manufacturers.
• Develop primary knowledge of the marketplace (users, applications, products, competition, and channels) to effectively analyze market potential and communicate competitor market data.

Note: Employee's duties and responsibilities are not limited by the above. Other duties may be assigned as deemed necessary by the employee’s supervisor. In addition to the basic requirements of the position, all employees are expected to meet the company's goals of continual improvement in the areas of knowledge, skills, processes, quality, and sustainability.

Requirements:

• The applicant should be initiative-taking and a team player with strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
• Solid experience in the furniture industry in Southeast Asia (SEA), with a focus on Vietnam. This person must understand Vietnam or SEA and must have a close connection to SEA/Vietnam culture/People.
• Extensive industry knowledge, latest and future market trends, and existing networks in the US luxury furniture retail market, and ideally in the hospitality market as well
• Is aware of and understands cultural aspects in different work situations and respects cultural differences.
• Willing to spend several months in SEA, such as Vietnam and Indonesia for the first 2 years. Afterwards regular visits are required in order to maintain the network with US buyer representatives in Southeast Asia (SEA).
• Demonstrates sound judgement and deals with conflict with diplomacy.
• Maintains a willingness to learn and improve.
• Collaborator that enjoys being and working with others as well as individually (individual or group settings).
• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years work experience in furniture industry required.
• Must have a valid United States driver’s license in your state of residence.
• Ability to pass a background check, drug screening, and Motor Vehicle Report screening.
• Ability to work in a variety of environments when meeting with customers and assessing product needs.
• Capable of lifting and transporting heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) and requesting assistance as needed.
• Applicant must be MS Office proficient and possess solid analytical skills.
• CRM experience is a plus.
• Overnight travel is required however this can vary.
• Knowledge of the kitchen cabinet industry is a plus but not required.
• Ability to manage your schedule without constant oversight.
• Must be an initiative-taker with drive to achieve more each day.
• Solid teaching skills, along with a strong technical aptitude are required.
• The ability to maintain a strong customer service focus is necessary. Aptitude to adjust one’s behavior to deal effectively with other people.

Blum USA believes in offering their employees an Excellent Benefits Package that includes:

• Salaried position
• Possible Bonus opportunities
• Health (Medical and Dental)
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Flexible spending account to cover eligible out of pocket health, dental and vision expenses.
• Three weeks of vacation starting your second year on the job
• Term life insurance equal to annual salary at no cost to employee
• Company Vehicle (Fuel, Insurance, Maintenance Included)
• And more!