Sales Director

ppOur client is a historic Italian company with over 60 years of tradition in the design and production of high-quality contemporary lighting for the residential and contract sectors. With in-house manufacturing in Veneto and long-standing collaborations with internationally renowned designers and architects, the company has built a strong reputation for quality, craftsmanship and innovation. /p pRecently acquired by a private equity fund, our client is entering an exciting new phase focused on professionalization, international expansion and accelerated growth. The company combines deep heritage with fresh strategic momentum and is now looking for a high-calibre commercial leader to drive the next stage of development. /p h3The Role /h3 pOur client is seeking an ambitious bSales Director /b with a proven track record as an Area Manager in the lighting, design or contract sector. The ideal candidate brings a solid existing customer portfolio and is ready to lead the commercial function during this strategic growth phase. /p pThis is a high-impact leadership role with significant autonomy and visibility. For the right individual, there is a clear and realistic path to broader responsibilities, potentially including the position of bCEO within 2–3 years /b. /p h3Key Responsibilities /h3 ul liDefine and execute the national and international commercial strategy, with strong focus on export growth and expansion in the contract and architectural segments /li liDevelop and maximise the existing customer portfolio (architects, interior designers, lighting designers, specifiers, distributors and contract clients) /li liIdentify and activate new sales channels and markets, including new agents, international distributors, strategic projects and large tenders /li liManage and strengthen relationships with key accounts and strategic partners /li liLead and coordinate the sales network (agents and dealers) /li liCollaborate closely with marketing, product development and operations to align the product offering with market requirements /li liEstablish budgets, forecasts and KPIs, and provide regular reporting to ownership and the board /li liContribute actively to the overall strategic direction of the company during its growth phase /li /ul h3The Ideal Candidate /h3 ul liSeveral years of experience as an bArea Manager or Commercial Manager /b in the lighting, high-end furniture/design or contract sector (minimum 5–7 years) /li liA strong bexisting customer portfolio /b and network within the sector (architects, designers, lighting specifiers and contract clients) /li liEntrepreneurial mindset combined with a hands‑on approach and a proven ability to drive revenue growth /li liNatural leadership skills with experience in motivating and developing sales teams /li liExcellent knowledge of the Italian market together with a strong international outlook (fluent English required; additional languages are a plus) /li liWillingness to travel frequently in Italy and abroad /li liA degree in Economics, Marketing, Engineering or Design is preferred /li /ul h3What Our Client Offers /h3 ul liA strategic and highly visible leadership role in a historic brand that is undergoing an exciting transformation and growth phase backed by professional private equity ownership /li liA competitive compensation package with a significant variable component tied to results, with potential for profit‑sharing mechanisms /li libClear career acceleration /b: for the right candidate, a realistic opportunity to progress to the CEO / General Management position within 2–3 years, taking on increasing responsibility for the overall direction of the business /li liThe chance to make a tangible and lasting impact by helping shape the commercial and strategic future of the company /li liA dynamic and meritocratic environment with the support of professional ownership /li /ul h3Salary range /h3 p70.000 euro + MBO, with the potential of a strong growth at the company grows /p h3Location /h3 pVeneto area (with flexibility for partial remote working) /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr