Business Development Manager – Luxury & Fashion (Milan)Ref: KA*A leading global Japanese trading company is seeking a high-calibre Business Development professional to join its Italian subsidiary in Milan.
This is not a typical sales role.
This is a rare opportunity to move from a single-brand environment into a multi-brand, strategic platform, where your network, commercial instinct, and ability to close deals will directly shape the future portfolio of fashion and luxury brands across international markets.
Your Mission
- You will play a pivotal role in expanding the company's fashion and luxury business by:70% – Business Development (Core Focus)Identify, approach, and acquire new fashion & luxury brand partners in Italy and EuropeLeverage your personal network (designers, brand owners, showrooms, decision-makers) to originate dealsLead negotiations and convert relationships into signed commercial partnershipsDevelop long-term brand strategies in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders30% – Business Operations & Strategic SupportSupport ongoing business operations and existing brand portfolioWork closely with the Managing Director on business execution and strategyEnsure smooth coordination across internal teams (sales, logistics, admin)Take ownership of both strategic and hands-on tasks in a lean organizationWho We Are Looking For; This role is designed for a commercially driven, well-connected professional who thrives in a dynamic, hands-on environment.
Required Background; around** years of experience in fashion / luxury industryStrong experience in roles such as: Business Development Manager / Wholesale / Sales Manager/ Commercial / Distribution Manager
- Proven track record of originating and closing business deals (not just managing accounts)Highly Valued Experience; Background with major luxury groups (e.
G. LVMH, Kering, Richemont) or leading Italian brandsExperience in wholesale, distribution,



or brand expansionExposure to showrooms, multi-brand environments, or international marketsPrior interaction with Japanese companies or APAC markets is a plusKey Success FactorsA strong and active network within the Italian fashion/luxury ecosystemAbility to turn connections into real commercial outcomesWillingness to be hands-on and flexible (from strategy to execution)Long-term commitment mindset (this is not a short-term move)Profilewith * years of professional experiences within FashionItalian native or long-term Italy-based professionalFluent in Italian and English (Japanese not required)Stable career historyCompensation & BenefitsSalary: €80,000 – €130,000 (target around €100,000 depending on experience)Premio included (structured within company band system)Contract level: Primo / Quadro depending on seniorityHybrid working: 2 days remote per weekLunch vouchers (office days)TFR (Italian pension scheme)Working ConditionsLocation: Milan, ItalyWorking hours: 9:*:30 (1-hour lunch break)Start date: Ideally June (flexible to September)Travel: Domestic and occasional international travel depending on projects-------------------------------------------Work type: Hybrid working available (2 days at home)Visa support: NoBenefits: Lunch vouchers provided (office working days), TFR (Italian pension scheme)-------------------------------------------Important NotesThis role requires ownership, discretion, and long term commitmentYou will be expected to build business, not just maintain it All applicants for the Business Development Specialist role must have the right to work in the country without any restrictions as the Company is not able to offer visa support.
*When contacting us, please include the job reference number (Ref: KA*) at the top of your message.
If your application is successful, you will be contacted within two business days.
We regret that due to the high volume of applications we receive we cannot provide feedback on individual CVs.

📌 Business Development Manager (Milano)
🏢 trading
📍 Milano