This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the Waterworks brand in Italy.
As Business Market Manager, you will play a key role in driving Waterworks' long-term international growth strategy, establishing our presence within one of the world's most influential design capitals. Based in Milan and reporting directly to the Managing Director, Europe & Middle East, you will serve as the brand's ambassador in Italy, building meaningful relationships across the architecture, interior design, luxury residential, and commercial development communities.
In this highly visible and entrepreneurial role, you will lead the development of Waterworks' market presence from the ground up, creating a network of design and trade partners, cultivating new business opportunities, and elevating brand awareness across Italy. Your success will lay the foundation for the opening of Waterworks' Milan showroom in 2028 and the continued growth of the business throughout the region.
This role is sales, business development, market leadership, and operationally focused. You will work closely with international stakeholders to execute a growth strategy that not only delivers results but also strengthens Waterworks' position as the world's most aspirational luxury bath and kitchen brand.
As the business expands, you will have the opportunity to evolve your role into a broader leadership position, helping shape the future showroom operation and building a high-performing local team to support Waterworks' continued success in Italy.
This position is based in Milan, Italy. Candidates must have the legal right to work in Italy. Professional-level proficiency in both Italian and English is essential to successfully perform the responsibilities of the role.
Identify key specifiers and decision-makers within the market and develop strategic plans to win business while driving sustainable market growth
Monitor changes to regulatory, compliance, and industry requirements, communicating impacts and recommendations to internal stakeholders to ensure operational readiness and market compliance.
Conduct business development activities, including active participation in industry associations, trade organizations, and regional events to generate opportunities and strengthen market presence.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date customer, project, and market data within the CRM system to support forecasting, pipeline management, and business decision-making.
Develop and execute integrated market strategies in partnership with the Residential Sales Leader to drive revenue growth, operational effectiveness, and brand awareness.
Build collaborative relationships across internal and external stakeholder groups to ensure seamless project execution, exceptional client experiences, and achievement of business objectives.
Create and execute market prospecting plans while establishing disciplined pipeline management processes to track opportunities, project milestones, and business performance.
Partner with local Sales Consultants to drive sales activity, coordinate project execution, and achieve or exceed residential market objectives.
Execute sales and account management activities while ensuring alignment with operational processes to meet or exceed market growth goals.
Cultivate and expand relationships within the Architecture and Design community across Italy, with a focus on Milan, driving both residential and commercial project opportunities from specification through completion.
Deliver exceptional client service throughout the customer lifecycle, strengthening long-term relationships, identifying new opportunities, and ensuring successful project outcomes.
Collaborate with Sales Leadership to implement organizational growth strategies and strengthen the Waterworks brand position as the leader in luxury bath and kitchen solutions.
Support operational initiatives and business processes that uphold Waterworks' brand standards, customer experience expectations, and organizational objectives.
Develop foundational plumbing and technical product expertise to support project troubleshooting, issue resolution, and client consultation.
Partner with Finance and Accounting teams to monitor account health, manage outstanding receivables, and support effective business operations.
Manage post-sale activities, coordinating with clients and internal teams to ensure project success, customer satisfaction, repeat business, and long-term account retention.
Develop and deliver professional sales, marketing, and product presentations while ensuring consistency with company branding and strategic messaging.
Serve as a brand ambassador by modeling Waterworks' values and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence.
Perform additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned to support business growth and operational objectives.
Must be able to read, write and speak fluent Italian and English, and be able to correctly translate verbal and written content from one language to the other
Intimate knowledge of and existing relationships with high end industry clients in covered market
Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing experienced sales teams within high end luxury brand environment
Fearless, sales centric approach to business and client relationships; networker and relationship builder
Innovative and strategic thinking
Ability to take charge, drive for results and make sound decisions quickly
Proven leader of people with experience successfully leading and developing experienced sales team; adept at communicating meaningful and actionable feedback
Ability to have honest and timely performance conversations with team members with professionalism and respect
Exceptional time management skills with ability to multi-task, and thrive in a busy and dynamic environment
Ability to inspire trust, integrity and professionalism
Well connected within the luxury design trade in the covered market
Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications: working knowledge and experience with CRM systems
Plumbing/Tile/Surfaces/Construction background/exposure a plus
This role requires travel up to 50% in Italy, US, and other European locations as needed
Our Values
Be Authentic: Engage in real conversations. Communicate honestly with respect and professionalism.
Raise The Bar: Share ideas to uphold our standard of excellence. Never settle for less than the best.
Own It: Be responsible for your results. Empower yourself and others to step forward and lead.
Partner For Perfection: Collaborate with peers and teammates to deliver superior service to our clients.
Love What You Do & Do What You Love: Generate excitement and enthusiasm for our brand and company.
Waterworks is committed to promoting pay equity. Rate of pay is determined based on each individual's experience, qualifications, and the geographic location of the role. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate's experience and expertise and may vary from the amounts listed above.
Waterworks is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal or state law or local ordinance.
Italy·Milanmid
