Business Development Manager

Job Description – Head of Business Development & Client Experience

Role Purpose

This role is the
growth engine and first face of Empire
. The Head of Business Development & Client Experience leads all client enquiries, nurtures relationships with UHNIs, developers, and architects, and drives sales conversions. They are responsible for
qualifying opportunities, building trust, and closing deals,
all while embodying Empire's philosophy of immersive, soulful design.

Key Responsibilities

• Discovery & Qualification
• Lead first enquiry calls, positioning Empire with confidence and clarity.
• Qualify prospects based on budget, intent, and alignment with Empire's ethos.
• Identify red flags early and filter out non-ideal opportunities.
• Business Development & Sales
• Build and nurture a pipeline of UHNI clients, developers, architects, and cultural collaborators.
• Own the
  sales cycle
  : from discovery to pitch, negotiation, and conversion.
• Collaborate with Founders and Principal Designers on proposals, presentations, and pitches.
• Meet revenue and conversion targets aligned with Empire's growth plan.
• Client Experience & Relationship Management
• Serve as the
  primary relationship-holder
  until projects are formally handed over to the Studio Director.
• Ensure clients feel engaged, guided, and aligned with Empire's process from day one.
• Act as the custodian of Empire's
  tone, boundaries, and storytelling
  in every interaction.

Skills & Experience

• 10+ years in
  business development / sales
  within luxury interiors, architecture, real estate, hospitality, or UHNI services.
• Proven track record of
  closing high-value deals
  and nurturing UHNI/Developer relationships.
• Gravitas and polish to speak with authority to UHNIs, developers, and global collaborators.
• Strong financial acumen; able to confidently discuss budgets, fees, and commercial terms.
• Exceptional communication and
  storytelling ability
  — can sell a philosophy, not just a product.
• Strategic thinker who can balance
  sales targets with brand alignment
  .
• Discreet, sophisticated, and attuned to Empire's positioning as an
  avant-garde, legacy-driven brand
  .

What We Offer

• A
  partner-level seat at the table
  — representing Empire's growth alongside the Founders.
• High-profile exposure to UHNI, developer, and cultural networks.
• Competitive base compensation + performance-linked incentives.
• A role that merges
  business acumen with artistry
  — selling not just design, but a philosophy of living.

Empire Living Company
is more than a design studio. It is a
sensorial philosophy
, creating immersive environments at the intersection of design, technology, and collectible culture. Co-led by designer Shonali Mahajan and AV visionary Rustom Cooper, Empire is building the future of luxury living in India and beyond.

We are seeking a
Head of Business Development & Client Experience
— the
voice, filter, and growth driver
of Empire. This role is responsible for leading all first enquiries, qualifying the right opportunities, nurturing relationships, and driving conversions with UHNI clients, developers, and collaborators.

What we expect

• Lead first client conversations with
  confidence, clarity, and gravitas
  .
• Build and grow a pipeline of
  UHNI clients, developers, and cultural collaborators
  .
• Own the sales cycle:
  discovery → pitch → negotiation → conversion
  .
• Ensure clients experience the
  soul and selectivity of Empire
  from day one.
• Drive measurable revenue growth while safeguarding Empire's brand ethos.

Who you are

• 10+ years in luxury business development / sales, preferably interiors, architecture, hospitality, or UHNI services.
• Proven experience in
  closing high-value deals
  and managing elite clientele.
• A strong storyteller who can communicate not just
  what
  Empire does, but
  why it matters
  .
• Discreet, polished, and aligned with Empire's aesthetic:
  avant-garde, soulful, and selective
  .
• Commercially sharp with an instinct for when to push, when to filter, and when to close.

Why Empire

This is not a typical sales role. This is about being part of a
boutique design house shaping culture and legacy
. You will represent Empire in the most critical moments of growth — ensuring our story reaches the right clients and converts into timeless projects.

If you believe you have the gravitas, network, and conviction to grow Empire, we'd love to hear from you