Business Development Manager

Company Description

Harrison is a hospitality design firm that specialises in creating successful new concepts, revitalising existing brands, and designing distinctive spaces for restaurants, bars, and boutique accommodations. With over 35 years of experience, we have a team of 50 professionals in 4 offices across 3 countries. Our expertise includes new concept creation, brand strategy, branding and graphic design, master planning, and working with heritage locations.

Role Description

As Business Development Manager, you’ll drive new client acquisition, build brand visibility, and unlock growth opportunities across key hospitality and F&B markets. You’ll work closely with the leadership and creative teams to position Harrison as the go-to partner for design-led transformation in hospitality.

This role requires someone commercially astute, creatively aware, and emotionally intelligent—someone who can open doors, spark meaningful conversations, and build lasting relationships.

Key Respolisbiltys:

Business Development & Sales Strategy

• Identify and target new client opportunities in hospitality, hotel, restaurant, and F&B sectors
• Build and maintain a pipeline of qualified leads using CRM tools
• Write tailored outreach messages and follow-up campaigns (LinkedIn, email, etc.)
• Craft persuasive pitch decks and proposals with the creative team
• Manage sales funnel from initial contact to contract close

Market Expansion & Brand Positioning

• Research emerging trends, new markets, and untapped sectors
• Recommend where and how Harrison can add value in global/regional F&B landscapes
• Represent Harrison at industry events, trade shows, and webinars
• Monitor competitor activity and client brand movements

Client Relationship Management

• Nurture warm leads and grow existing client accounts
• Schedule and lead intro calls, chemistry meetings, and pitch presentations
• Build rapport with C-suite executives, marketing heads, and property developers
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure smooth onboarding of new clients

Required Skills & Experience:

• Minimum 5+ years in business development or client-facing roles in design, architecture, branding, or hospitality
• Strong commercial and strategic mindset; understands both creative value and ROI
• Comfortable with CRM systems, pipelines, reporting, and outreach tools
• Confident in presenting and storytelling; excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A warm, thoughtful communicator who knows how to build trust and credibility
• Interest in hospitality, design, and placemaking is essential

Bonus Points:

• Experience working with global or multi-site hospitality brands
• Established network in the hotel, restaurant, or F&B development sectors
• Exposure to the APAC market, especially Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, or Malaysia
• Understanding of franchising, roll-outs, and fast-casual or premium QSR brands

What we offer:

• Competitive salary + commission + profit-sharing potential
• Flexible working with 3 days in our Melbourne studio
• Travel opportunities across APAC and global markets
• A collaborative, ambitious, and values-driven studio culture
• The chance to help shape a growing global design brand