Director - Business Development (Branded Athleisure & Activewear)

Are you a movement maker? Are you seeking new and exciting career opportunities?

Here is what you need to know about the job:

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We’re looking for an experienced Director – Business Development with strong industry relationships and a deep understanding of the branded athleisure and activewear market. This role offers the opportunity to lead growth in a high-potential category and build lasting partnerships with top brands and retailers. If you have a commercial mindset, expertise in performance and lifestyle apparel, and a track record of driving new business, we’d like to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Growth

• Develop and execute growth strategies focused on the branded athleisure and activewear category, targeting key U.S. retailers and lifestyle brands
• Leverage your industry relationships to identify and secure new business opportunities in premium, mid-tier, and digitally native segments
• Drive sales pipelines and present tailored product and sourcing solutions to prospective partners
• Partner with design and sourcing teams to create compelling go-to-market stories aligned with customer needs

Client Management & Strategic Partnerships

• Manage key accounts across the branded athleisure space, maintaining strong relationships with buyers, brand teams, and sourcing leads
• Conduct regular business reviews, sales presentations, and strategic planning sessions with partners
• Serve as a point of contact for brand collaborations, product development initiatives, and joint business planning

Market Intelligence & Competitive Positioning

• Stay informed on consumer trends, innovation in technical fabrics, and competitive shifts within the athleisure and athletic market
• Analyze data and feedback to develop targeted sales strategies and identify whitespace opportunities
• Track competitor activity and market performance to help shape internal priorities and customer targeting

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with sourcing, merchandising, design, and operations teams to ensure alignment from pitch to delivery
• Translate market feedback into actionable product and sourcing direction
• Champion branded athleisure as a growth category within the broader business

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of business development or sales experience in the apparel industry, with significant exposure to branded athleisure, activewear, or performance lifestyle categories
• Proven success in building and maintaining relationships with top-tier brands and retailers
• Deep understanding of product development cycles, pricing strategies, sourcing dynamics, and consumer trends within the athleisure space
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Strategic thinker with a commercial mindset and a bias for action
• Skilled in analyzing market data and customer behavior to drive business plans
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Strong network within the U.S. branded apparel and athleisure industry is highly preferred

Compensation/Benefits:

• The approximate annual base salary for this position starts $170,000.00 with the final offer contingent upon role requirements, skill set, and years of experience.
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, and company holidays.

Important Notice: Fraudulent Communications: 

• It has come to our attention that there are people posing as representatives of Li & Fung. These imposters may offer false opportunities including fake employment offers and other fraudulent opportunities by email or other means of communication. Please beware of such fraudulent communications. If you are in doubt as to the legitimacy of any communications purportedly from Li & Fung, please verify with us by contacting LFHR@lifung.com.
• #lifung

If this sounds like you, Apply Now!

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As an equal opportunity employer, we shall consider all applicants regardless of gender, age, religion, marital status, race, sexual orientation, disability, disease, pregnancy, or trade union and/or political affiliation, and disregard all factors deemed inappropriate by local law and the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.