Senior Manager, International Business Development (Apparel Industry)

Rise Associates Asia Limited; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Rise Associates Asia Limited seeks a Senior Manager of International Business Development to drive distribution and franchise expansion in SEA and the GCC. You will screen and onboard partners, negotiate terms, and manage regional accounts while protecting brand standards.

The role requires strong P&L knowledge, excellent networking across fashion/fashion-related sectors, and collaboration with the Hong Kong HQ on pricing and product strategy. Based in Hong Kong with regional scope.

Qualifications

• Experience: 6 years minimum as Manager, 8+ years as Senior Manager in international business development within fashion/apparel or related sectors.
• Proven track record negotiating distributor/franchise agreements.
• Established network among regional retailers, distributors, or franchise groups in SEA or GCC.
• Strong commercial acumen with P&L, margins, OTB, sell-through, and markdown strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead international distribution and franchise expansion across SEA and GCC.
• Identify, screen, and build a strong pipeline of distribution and franchise partners.Assess partner profiles, financial health, channel access, and fit with portfolio.
• Drive deal structuring and commercial negotiations including wholesale terms and territory rights.
• Collaborate with local authorities and partners on regulatory requirements and onboarding before door launches.
• Own partner P&Ls, annual business plans, seasonal sell-ins, and performance tracking.
• Ensure adherence to brand guidelines, visual merchandising standards, and MAP policies.
• Gather regional competitive insights and pricing dynamics to inform product strategy and pricing with HK HQ.

Skills

International business development

Wholesale & distribution

Franchise negotiations

P&L management

Strategic partnerships

Market expansion

Job description

Senior Manager, International Business Development (Apparel Industry)

1. International Distribution & Franchise Expansion

Partner Pipeline & Search: Identify, screen, and build a strong pipeline of distribution and franchise partners across SEA and the GCC. Assess candidate profile, financial health, channel access, and portfolio fit.

Commercial Negotiation: Lead deal structuring and commercial negotiations (wholesale terms, territory rights, minimum purchase commitments, store formats, fixture support).

Market Entry & Onboarding: Collaborate with local authorities and customs brokers on regulatory requirements. Train partners on brand values, product ranges, systems, and visual merchandising standards prior to door launches.

Account Management & Growth: Own partner P&Ls, annual business plans, seasonal sell-ins, and performance tracking (sell-through, reorders, markdown management).

Brand Protection: Ensure strict adherence to brand guidelines, visual merchandising standards, and MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) policies across all doors.

Market Intelligence: Gather regional competitor insights, pricing dynamics, and customer feedback to inform core product development and pricing strategies with the Hong Kong HQ team.

2. Hong Kong & Singapore Corporate B2B

Develop and expand regional corporate accounts

Master the product specs, fits, and performance fabrics to effectively sell and train partner teams.

Maintain documented account processes for seamless scalability as international business expands.

Requirements

Experience & Background:

Experience: Minimum 6 years (Manager) or 8+ years (Senior Manager) in international business development, wholesale, distribution, franchise, or key account management within fashion, apparel, footwear, or lifestyle sectors preferably.

Proven Track Record: Direct experience negotiating and executing distributor/franchise agreements. For Senior Manager applicants, demonstrated history of executing and managing at least one complete partner agreement to door launch in SEA or the GCC is required.

Network: Established network among retail operators, conglomerates, distributors, or franchise groups in Southeast Asia or the GCC.

Commercial Acumen: Strong fluency in wholesale P&L management, margins, Open-to-Buy (OTB), sell-through rates, and markdown strategies.