Curio Careers
BD-Focused Managing Director in High-End Design
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Our client is a well-established, design-led London studio working across landscape and exterior spaces for private clients, estates, and premium developments in the UK and internationally. They are known for design excellence and long-standing relationships with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, and are entering a new phase of growth supported by a planned transition within senior leadership.
About the Role
The Managing Director will lead the business commercially and operationally. Business development sits at the centre of the role: for the first 18 to 24 months the priority will be sales, lead generation, and taking ownership of client relationships, before broadening into wider strategic and operational leadership. This is not a build-a-pipeline-from-scratch brief. The business has a strong reputation and a steady flow of inbound enquiries, but the right person will also actively generate opportunities through networking and industry relationships.
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Beyond the immediate remit, there is scope for the successful candidate to share in the longer-term growth of the business, subject to performance in the role. This forms part of the studio's wider planning and would be discussed directly with the client at the appropriate stage of the process.
What We're Looking For
- 15+ years' leadership experience, with a track record running a studio or business unit
- Proven business development and work-winning experience
- Commercial and P&L ownership, including budgeting and forecasting
- Direct experience working with HNW and UHNW clients
- Experience delivering a three to five year business plan
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Backgrounds considered include landscape architecture, interior design, architecture, luxury property, high-end construction, luxury retail or product design, and hospitality. An understanding of landscape and horticulture is advantageous, though deep technical expertise is not essential.
What We Offer
- Performance-related bonus
- Private healthcare
- Pension
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Regular evening client and networking events
Given the confidential nature of this search, a fuller job description will be shared with candidates following a successful initial screening call.
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