Business Development & Sales Lead – Footwear

Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
Employment Type: Full-time
Experience: 8–15 years
Function: Sales & Business Development
Industry: Footwear / Lifestyle / Consumer Products

About the Opportunity

A new footwear business initiative, being developed in collaboration with the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI), is looking for an experienced and commercially driven Business Development & Sales professional to lead the market development and commercialisation of a new footwear product line.

This is an chance to be part of a new initiative from its early stage and play a significant role in developing the market, sales channels and commercial strategy for the product.

We are particularly interested in professionals who have a strong understanding of the footwear industry and can build markets, develop channels and drive business growth, rather than simply manage an existing sales territory.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the market launch and commercial development of a new footwear product line.
- Develop and execute sales, distribution and market development strategies.
- Identify and develop dealers, distributors, retailers and institutional/business channels.
- Build and manage relationships with key footwear trade partners and retail networks.
- Identify new markets, territories and customer segments for business expansion.
- Develop channel and market-entry strategies aligned with the product's positioning and target consumer.
- Conduct market visits and gather insights on customer preferences, pricing, competition and emerging trends.
- Work closely with product and design teams to provide market feedback and support product refinement.
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders on product availability, pricing, sales planning and launch activities.
- Monitor competitor products, pricing, distribution and promotional activities.
- Prepare sales forecasts, market plans and periodic business reports for senior management.
- Build the foundation for future expansion of the footwear business.





Ideal Candidate

We are looking for professionals with experience in the footwear industry, particularly those who have worked in:

- Sales & Business Development
- Channel Sales / Distribution
- Dealer & Distributor Management
- Retail Sales
- Trade Marketing
- Market Development
- New Product Launch / Business Development

Professionals currently or previously associated with established footwear brands, manufacturers, retailers or distributors will be preferred.

Candidates from the footwear, lifestyle, fashion or consumer products sectors with strong market-development experience may also be considered.

Candidate Profile

- 8–15 years of relevant experience, preferably in the footwear industry.
- Strong understanding of footwear retail, distribution and market dynamics.
- Proven ability to develop new markets and sales channels.
- Strong dealer, distributor and retailer relationship-building skills.
- Strong commercial understanding with a clear business-development orientation.
- Excellent negotiation, communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of a new business initiative.
- Willingness to travel as required.
- Candidates based in Kolkata / West Bengal will be preferred.

Why This Opportunity?

This is a build-and-grow opportunity for a professional who wants to play a significant role in developing a new footwear business from the ground up.

The selected candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to product launch, market strategy, channel development and business expansion, while working closely with senior leadership and being part of an initiative developed in collaboration with FDDI.

Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience and industry background.

Location: Kolkata

Interested candidates are invited to apply with their updated CV.

#FootwearJobs #FootwearIndustry #SalesJobs #BusinessDevelopment #SalesLeadership #ChannelSales #RetailSales #MarketDevelopment #FootwearProfessionals #KolkataJobs #WestBengalJobs #Hiring

Pay: ₹25,000.00 - ₹40,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person

📌 Business Development and Sales Lead (India)
🏢 iLEAD
📍 India