Business Development Lead EMEA

At Unispace, we are committed to transforming workplaces to meet the diverse needs of today’s dynamic global brands. Our agile, end-to-end approach is delivered seamlessly across borders, fueled by strong client partnerships and supported by insightful workplace intelligence and innovative technology.

We believe that everyone deserves to work in an environment that inspires productivity, fosters peak performance, and promotes overall well-being. Across our 48 global studios, we recognize that positive work environments cultivate open, collaborative, and supportive cultures, enriched by the contributions of independent and motivated individuals from all backgrounds.

While our core business revolves around strategizing, designing, and building workplaces for some of the world's leading brands, we understand that our people are our greatest asset. We prioritize their growth and well-being through a comprehensive Employee Value Proposition program that includes rewards and recognition, career development opportunities, and a strong focus on mental and physical well-being.

To further support our team, we embrace flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working options that empower our employees to balance in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility. This approach not only enhances work-life balance but also allows us to harness the full potential of our diverse and talented workforce.

Role: Business Development Lead EMEA (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Reports to: Global Director of Business Development

Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Hybrid)

About Downstream:

As the global economy continues to undergo rapid change, experience design (XD) is driving everything from the creation of products, goods and services to the reimagining of the spaces we move through and occupy every day. From apps to skyscrapers, experience design is driving how we interface with spaces, brands, and one another. Downstream positions our clients at the forefront of this shift. We combine expertise across design, technology, brand and story for some of the largest and most dynamic companies in the world.

Job Description:

As our Business Development Lead, this role is ideal for an entrepreneurial candidate qualified to help fuel Downstream’s growth and collaborate with Downstream’s award-winning team of designers and artists.  You will play a pivotal role in achieving annual sales targets for our Amsterdam studio by identifying and cultivating new business opportunities in EMEA with companies who have a high demand for experience design (XD) services. Downstream specialises in the design of immersive branded environments and experiences, spanning head office and workspaces, customer or brand experience and Innovation Centers to sports stadium and museums projects. This role primarily focusses on new business development within corporate, sports, retail and real estate sectors . You will establish and develop strategic channel partnerships, expand Downstream’s customer base and collaborate with internal teams when pitching for new business. Additionally, you’ll be responsible for writing compelling proposals, supporting the Global Director of Business Development on new strategy execution and driving all business development and sales-related activities for your region.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, results-driven professional with a strong understanding of design projects for corporate, sports, retail and museum projects with experience in selling multidisciplinary services including UX/UI, Graphic design, Interior Design, Storytelling, Software Development, AV Engineering and Content Creation. This role will include collaboration with peers and other account team members to deliver sales and revenue growth and ensure world-class customer service. An established network of valuable contacts that can be leveraged for insights and opportunities is essential. Strong organisational skills and the ability to multitask effectively while aligning with growth priorities are critical requirements for this role. Periodic travel will be required for client and industry engagement. New business takes time, so it is important to build and cultivate relationships with relevant decision-makers and influencers, using a wide range of channels to always keep top of mind.This exciting role offers meaningful career growth, with opportunities to shape your own business development strategy across the EMEA region.

In addition, this role is responsible for pursuits in conjunction with the Unispace sales organization and associated companies under the Unispace umbrella. Unispace is a global design & build organization that acquired Downstream in October of 2021. Downstream’s proven design methodology and portfolio is often a difference maker for early conversations Unispace may be having with Corporate Real Estate and end users. Unispace construction and project delivery capabilities can be a compelling addition to traditional Downstream’s strategy, design, technology and content offerings. We work in parallel to identify and pursue opportunities and bring each other into projects when appropriate.

This role is based in Amsterdam, working out of Downstream’s canal studio on the Herengracht. Regular interaction is required with Downstream Studios in Portland OR, Amsterdam NL and Melbourne AUS. The person in this position will be assuming a role for an ambitious, growing international design firm with a compelling portfolio and a growing profile as a global leader in Experience Design (XD). The company is adventurous and full of people looking to grow and innovate.

Responsibilities

• Strategic thinking to create and implement sales plan
• Develop strategic senior-level client relationships that result in new and repeat business opportunities. Downstream’s customers include large corporate customers, real estate developers, sports industry clients, among others.
• Collaborate with management and sales leads to present a cohesive vision of Downstream’s unique offering.
• Establish strategic partnerships to expand Downstream’s access to new project opportunities.
• Conduct research and compile information regarding competitor activity, industry or market trends to aid in the development of marketing plans, proposals, and presentations
• Lead the end-to-end sales process, including research, lead generation, qualification, proposal development, pitching and negotiation.
• Be a talented writer and storyteller with the ability to gather complex or technical information from various sources, to synthesize it, and to use it as the basis to craft cohesive and compelling narratives
• Work closely with the Project Management team to create and ensure the accuracy of project scopes, cost estimates and schedules
• Set and achieve quarterly and annual revenue targets.
• Prepare regular reports on business development activities, pipeline status, and market insights.
• Represent Downstream at industry events, conferences, and other networking opportunities. 
• Periodic travel upon request and should be assumed at approximately 30%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (Master's Degree preferred)
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant industry experience in business development/sales for a professional consulting services business (experience design, architectural design, creative, or digital agency preferred)
• Extensive knowledge and relationships within key Downstream target sectors (Technology, Professional Services, Financial, Telecommunications, Industrial) with a proven track record in winning new business within these sectors.
• Deep understanding of the EMEA market and cultural nuances.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of entire sales/project lifecycle.
• Must have experience with proposal estimating and creation
• Ability to create a sales strategy and roadmap to achieve targets
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communications skills.
• Strong editing and proofreading skills; strong graphic design sensibilities
• Experience working independently, as well as within cross-functional teams in a collaborative, professional environment
• Strong organizational skills and an ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects with minimal supervision; meeting deadlines and working well under pressure, while maintaining a high level of accuracy
• Proficiency in MS Office, G-Suite and Salesforce.
• Professional level proficiency in English is required (additional languages are a bonus)

Why diversity is important to us

Our teams currently include women, military veterans, people of color, and people from the LGBTQIA2S+ community. We have different backgrounds and interests. This has been a crucial element in creating a cohesive group that makes no assumptions and remains resistant to homogeneity. We have further to go, but we recognize that our differences make us stronger together.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person(s) assigned to this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, and we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, allowing them to perform essential job functions as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Inclusion and Diversity Commitment:

At Unispace, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity hiring and will evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition (as defined by state law), physical or mental disability, military service, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We are proud that our leadership reflects this commitment, with persons of color, women, neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ individuals playing pivotal roles in shaping the future of our organization. Their unique perspectives and experiences drive innovation and help us create a truly inclusive culture. We are dedicated to ensuring that every voice is heard and that our workplace is a space where diversity is not only celebrated but is integral to our success.