Business Development Manager

Join Foliot Furniture's UK Growth! Foliot Furniture is a leading North American manufacturer of high-quality, sustainably produced furniture, with operations in Quebec and the United States. As part of our continued international expansion, we are growing our presence across the UK student accommodation sector. With secured projects underway in London and Scotland, and active engagement across developers, operators, contractors, and university estates teams, we are building a strong foundation in the UK market. We are now looking to appoint a UK-based Business Development Manager to support this growth—working across Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), university on-campus accommodation, Built-to-Rent (BTR), and Hospitality. This role reports to the Vice President - Business development and will be instrumental in strengthening relationships, supporting live opportunities, and helping position Foliot as a trusted long-term delivery partner across these sectors in the UK. The Role This is a dynamic, client-facing commercial role suited to someone who understands both the client perspective—including developers, operators, universities and hospitality groups—and the delivery side, including contractors, procurement, fit-out and construction processes. You will act as a key link between stakeholders, helping clients shape opportunities, navigate procurement, and confidently deliver projects in partnership with Foliot's North American manufacturing operations. You'll combine commercial acumen with a practical, solutions-focused approach to help drive projects forward and build lasting relationships across the UK market. What You'll Do

• Build strong, long-term relationships with developers, operators, universities, hospitality groups, contractors and delivery partners.
• Identify, develop and manage new business opportunities from early engagement through to contract award and project delivery
• Support the progression of live opportunities, ensuring strong communication and alignment throughout the project lifecycle
• Contribute to bids, proposals and procurement processes, including JCT contracts and relevant frameworks
• Provide practical, solutions-led input to support design intent, product selection and buildability
• Help manage client and contractor expectations around programme, logistics, lead times and risk mitigation
• Attend client meetings, site visits, presentations and industry events
• Identify opportunities for repeat business, framework agreements and long-term strategic partnerships
• Act as a trusted point of contact for clients and stakeholders throughout pre-construction and live project phases
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure UK client requirements are clearly communicated and aligned with Foliot's North American manufacturing and delivery capabilities
• Represent Foliot professionally within the wider accommodation, interiors, construction and hospitality sectors What You'll Bring
• Experience within the UK accommodation, hospitality, construction, fit-out, interiors, furniture or FF&E sectors
• Ideally, knowledge of one or more of the following: PBSA, university accommodation, Built-to-Rent or Hospitality
• Experience building and managing relationships with multiple stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle
• A good understanding of construction processes, procurement routes and commercial environments
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify and develop new business opportunities
• Excellent relationship-building, communication and presentation skills
• The ability to balance client expectations with practical delivery requirements
• A proactive, organised and solutions-oriented approach
• Comfortable working independently within a growing and evolving business
• A collaborative mindset, with the confidence to take ownership and drive opportunities forward Requirements
• 3–5+ years of experience in sales, business development, construction, fit-out, interiors, FF&E or a related sector
• Experience within PBSA, university accommodation, Built-to-Rent and/or Hospitality is highly desirable
• Exposure to furniture, FF&E, manufacturing, interiors or project delivery is an advantage
• Experience with JCT contracts and/or public-sector frameworks is beneficial but not essential
• Strong communication, negotiation and presentation skills
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel throughout the UK Why Join Foliot?
• Be part of a high-growth UK expansion, with strong market traction already established
• Work closely with the UK Sales Director and play a key role in the company's continued growth
• Gain exposure to both private PBSA developments and public-sector university projects
• Build and strengthen relationships with clients, contractors, and delivery partners across the industry
• Clear opportunities for career progression as the UK team continues to expand
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial environment with direct access to leadership
• Competitive pension plan through NEST: 3% employer contribution matched by 5% employee contribution
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage including vision and dental benefits through the National Health Services (NHS) framework
• 28 days of paid annual leave, including public holidays
• Fully remote working environment with travel required for client and project visits