General Manager Business Development

Evolv Clothing Company

Website: evolvclothing.com
Job details:

About Evolv

Evolv Clothing is a Chennai-based apparel manufacturing powerhouse with over 50 years of deep expertise in precision garment manufacturing for leading European and American brands. Celebrated for quality, consistency, and product integrity, Evolv is now entering an exciting phase of international expansion — positioning itself as a preferred manufacturing partner for UK and European brands, backed by India's strengthened Free Trade Agreement landscape.

 

Job Title: General Manager — Business Development

The Opportunity

As Evolv accelerates its UK and European brand portfolio, we are seeking an exceptional General Manager — Business Development to lead this strategic expansion. This is a high-visibility, high-impact role for an individual who combines the commercial sharpness of a dealmaker with the polish of a brand ambassador. The right person will be as comfortable negotiating at the boardroom level as they are on a factory floor or at a trade show in Milan or London.

Role Purpose

The General Manager will own the end-to-end acquisition and onboarding of new brand accounts across the UK and Europe. They will serve as the primary relationship builder, brand-facing representative, and strategic lead for Evolv's international commercial growth — while working in close coordination with internal production, planning, and quality teams to ensure delivery excellence from Day 1.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Account Acquisition

• Identify, target, and win new brand partnerships across UK and European markets — spanning mid-market, premium, and fast-growing contemporary labels.

• Leverage India's FTA agreements with the UK and EU to build compelling cost and speed-to-market propositions for prospective clients.

• Lead the full sales cycle: prospecting, brand meetings, factory visits, sampling, negotiation, and contract closure.

• Build and maintain an active pipeline of 25+ qualified brand prospects at any given time.

Account Onboarding & Relationship Management

• Personally oversee the structured onboarding of all new brand accounts, ensuring a seamless transition from commercial agreement to first production run.

• Act as the ongoing senior point of contact for key accounts — managing expectations, pre-empting issues, and building multi-level relationships within each brand.

• Conduct regular client visits in the UK and Europe (minimum 4–6 trips annually), attending trade shows, brand HQs, and buying sessions.

Product, Trend & Category Leadership

• Demonstrate confident, informed command of product development conversations — fabrics, construction, finishes, sustainability credentials, and lead time benchmarks.

• Stay current with fashion and apparel industry trends across the UK and European markets; translate these insights into relevant capability pitches for Evolv.

• Partner with internal sampling and R&D teams to position Evolv's product capabilities in line with evolving brand requirements.

Commercial Strategy & Reporting

• Define and execute an annual business development plan with clear revenue targets, market priorities, and brand acquisition milestones.

• Report directly to the Managing Director with structured updates on pipeline health, account status, and market intelligence.

• Negotiate commercial terms in line with Evolv's margin and capacity frameworks.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Experience & Background

• 10–15 years of experience in apparel manufacturing, fashion sourcing, or brand account management.

• Proven track record of winning and managing international brand accounts, ideally with UK or European clients.

• Deep familiarity with the garment manufacturing ecosystem — production processes, costing, quality standards, sampling cycles, and lead time management.

• Prior experience working with or for European or UK fashion brands is strongly preferred.

Personality & Presence

This role demands someone with natural personal magnetism — an individual who commands a room, instils confidence, and builds trust quickly across cultures. Evolv is looking for:

• A polished, confident communicator who can present to senior brand teams with authority and clarity.

• A relationship-first thinker who understands that long-term partnerships are built on honesty, responsiveness, and mutual respect.

• Entrepreneurial energy — self-starting, target-driven, and comfortable operating with autonomy at a senior level.

• Cultural agility — at ease navigating British and European business etiquette while representing an Indian manufacturing house with pride.

• Intellectual curiosity about fashion, product, and trends — someone who reads Vogue Business as readily as a costing sheet.

Communication & Presentation Skills

• Exceptional written and spoken English; ability to craft compelling pitch decks, proposals, and capability presentations independently.

• Comfortable with public speaking, brand presentations, and high-stakes negotiations.

• Confident in digital communication tools and CRM platforms; able to manage a complex account pipeline with rigour and discipline.

What Evolv Offers

• A leadership mandate at a 50-year-old institution entering its most ambitious growth phase.

• Direct access to and mentorship from the Evolv Board and Managing Director.

• Competitive senior compensation package including performance-linked incentives tied to account acquisition and revenue targets.

• International exposure — regular travel to UK, Europe, and global trade events.

• The rare opportunity to shape the international identity of a world-class Indian manufacturer.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a concise cover letter (no more than one page) and a current CV to the Human Resources team at Evolv Clothing. Please reference “GM- Business Development (UK & Europe)” in your subject line.

Applications may be sent to: careers@evolvclothing.com

Evolv is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity of thought, background, and experience, and welcome applications from candidates across geographies. Women are encouraged to apply.

Click on Apply to know more.