Senior Business Development Manager

Picture this: You're sitting across from a fashion retail executive who knows his team is wrestling with the process of setting end-of-lifecycle discounts or markdowns. They're losing millions in margin opportunities every season, they are reluctantly aware. You're about to show them how AI can transform their entire markdown workflow with one optimization tool, with the social proof of executives just like him to back your pitch up.

In April 2024, we released Markmi, the markdown optimization assistant for fashion retailers that helps merchandising teams make faster, confident, and more profitable pricing decisions. Markmi replaces outdated spreadsheets with a fashion-specific workflow that combines industry expertise with the latest in AI. By automating the complex parts of markdown planning, it frees up teams to focus on what really matters: weighing trade-offs and choosing the best scenario. Retailers typically experience a margin improvement of 3% to 7% and an 80% to 95% reduction in workload.

Today, we're a 10-person team based in Ghent, serving around 10 paying customers and generating €750K+ in annual recurring revenue. With a solid product and proven traction, we've entered our next exciting phase: scaling our presence across international markets, currently focusing on the UK and Nordics.

Now here's the thing: this isn't your typical SaaS sales role where qualified leads are handed to you on a silver platter. We're pioneering a new product category in markets that don't yet know they have this problem. Yet, the value is proven, the use cases are real, and the impact is tangible.

But it takes someone with creativity, grit, and commercial intuition to bring it to life in these uncharted territories. That is where you fit in.

🎯 The Role

As our Senior Business Development Manager, you'll work directly with the CEO to open new markets and win landmark deals. You'll be our point person for expansion into the UK and Nordics, driving everything from strategic outreach and pipeline building to high-stakes sales conversations and industry event presence.

🚀 Your Responsibilities

Market Mapping & Outreach

• Map out the ecosystem: key players, events, trends, partners, competitive landscape

• Develop local partnerships with relevant ecosystem players: pricing experts, retail consultants, system integrators, media outlets

• Prepare for and attend relevant industry events and conferences

Lead Generation

• Proactively identify and connect with ideal customer profiles via outreach, networking, and field activity

• Lead early discovery and value conversations with potential clients

• Work closely with marketing and product teams to bring market feedback in

Sales

• Craft and run high-impact sales meetings (with support from the CEO)

• Manage the end-to-end sales process, from first contact to signed contract

• Handle negotiations and contractual closing (with internal support)

🧠 What We're Looking For

Experience & Background

• 3+ years of B2B sales or business development experience, preferably in SaaS or startup environments

• Bonus points: experience in fashion retail, pricing, or retail tech

• Proven track record of creating markets from scratch: calling, emailing, attending events, building relationships that convert

Personal Qualities

• You're structured and disciplined, you don't wait to be told what to do

• You're an assertive communicator who thrives on momentum

• You're a natural connector who knows how to open doors and build trust quickly

• You're based in Belgium (or nearby) and happy to be in the office at least 3 days/week

• You're willing to travel (1–2 short international trips per month)

What You Bring to the Table

• Hunter DNA: You thrive in uncertainty and love chasing opportunities

• Strategic mindset: You can navigate complex conversations and long sales cycles

• Drive: You're proactive, resilient, and biased toward action

• Creativity: You can adapt your approach, craft messages, and find new angles to engage hesitant buyers

• Collaboration: You work well with founders, marketing, and product to move things forward fast

🏆 Why Join Markmi?

• Work directly with the founder/CEO to shape the go-to-market strategy

• Sell a high-impact AI product in a greenfield category

• Join a tight-knit, ambitious team of 10 that moves fast and values ownership

• Competitive compensation package with upside potential

• Build your reputation as a market maker, not just a quota crusher

• Be part of a Ghent-based team that's revolutionizing fashion retail pricing

📩 How to Apply

If you're excited to open new markets, win big deals, and build something that matters, we'd love to hear from you.

Send us your CV and a few short lines on:

• Why this role excites you

• Tell us about a time you sold something new to a skeptical buyer

Apply now and we'll review your application. You might be invited for an initial conversation, followed by a job-specific challenge where you can showcase your approach. Impress us, and you could be the next key addition to our growing team in Ghent!