Senior Consultant - Leather Goods & Hardware

Location: ascoli piceno, marche, Italy

Company: JR Italy

Client / Employer: Yibi Group | Strategic Global Partner to Luxury Maisons

About the Company: Yibi Group is a leading OEM manufacturer and strategic partner to the world's most prestigious luxury houses, operating through three dedicated divisions:

• Yibi Luxury, specializing in premium leather goods hardware;
• Yibi Jewelry, crafting high-end fashion jewelry;
• Yibi Precision, engineering precision metal components by metal injection molding (MIM).

As the only China-based manufacturer fully certified by LVMH, Kering, and Richemont, we unite artisanal dedication with intelligent automation. Our integrated in-house capabilities, including dedicated MIM and PVD coating lines, allow us to push the boundaries of craftsmanship and material innovation for iconic leather goods collections. We don't just manufacture; we innovate alongside our partners, turning visionary concepts into market-ready realities. Join us in building the next generation of iconic collections.

About the Role: We are seeking a growth-focused industry expert with deep, specialized experience in leather goods and leather goods hardware to drive our European market expansion. Based in Europe, you will serve as our key liaison and strategic advisor for existing clients and play a pivotal role in identifying and securing new business opportunities across Italy. This is a high-impact, flexible role designed for a professional who excels in both client relationship management and strategic business development.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a strategic business development plan to identify, approach, and secure new luxury clients in key European markets
• Serve as the primary technical and commercial interface for Yibi Group's existing and prospective luxury clients in Europe, focusing on leather goods hardware projects
• Proactively identify market trends, emerging brands, and new business opportunities in the leather goods sector
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified prospects through networking, industry events, and targeted outreach
• Facilitate day-to-day communication, providing expert insights on product development, sourcing, and manufacturing processes specific to leather accessories
• Leverage deep understanding of leather goods construction and hardware trims to advise clients and internal teams on feasibility, aesthetics, and functionality
• Lead or participate in critical business negotiations and deliver compelling presentations to both existing and potential clients
• Act as a cultural bridge, seamlessly navigating between Eastern and Western business practices within the leather goods sector

Qualifications:

• Industry Background: 10+ years of proven experience in business development, product development, procurement, or strategic sourcing specifically for leather goods hardware within top European luxury brands, with a demonstrated track record of securing new business
• Company Pedigree: Mandatory prior employment experience with at least one of the following leading leather goods maisons:
  • Chanel
  • Dior
  • Bvlgari
  • Fendi
  • Saint Laurent
  • Salvatore Ferragamo
  • Montblanc
  • CELINE
• Product Expertise: Deep, hands‑on understanding of the development, sourcing, and supply chain for leather goods and their metal hardware. Experience with metal types and manufacturing techniques is essential
• Business Development Acumen: Proven ability to identify new business opportunities, build a strong sales pipeline, and convert prospects into long-term clients
• Professional Network: Established, active, and effective high‑level network within the European leather goods industry, with the ability to open doors to new potential clients
• Language Skills: Full professional proficiency in English and either Italian or French is mandatory

Required Skills:

• Exceptional Soft Skills: Outstanding negotiation, communication, and presentation abilities, paired with strategic thinking and a customer‑centric mindset
• Cultural Fluency: Deep understanding of Sino‑European cultural and business nuances, with the agility to adapt working styles accordingly
• Strong commercial acumen with proven experience in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities

Preferred Skills:

• Education: Bachelor's degree or higher; a background in Industrial Design, Engineering, or Fashion is a significant plus

What We Offer:

• High Flexibility: Part‑time engagement is possible, with remote or hybrid work models
• Preferred Location: Primary work location is Florence, Italy.
• A Premier Platform: Collaborate with the industry's most prestigious brands and professionals, maximizing your impact
• Competitive Compensation: A highly attractive consultant package commensurate with your experience and contribution, including performance-based incentives

How to Apply: If you are the leather goods expert with a proven track record in business development that we are looking for, please connect with us via LinkedIn messaging with a brief note of introduction and your LinkedIn profile or CV. We look forward to connecting.

Equal Opportunity Statement: We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.

Yibi Group | Strategic Global Partner to Luxury Maisons