Global Head of Business Development

Global Head of Business Development

Location: Europe

Coats is a world leader in thread manufacturing and structural components for apparel and footwear, as well as an innovative pioneer in performance materials. These critical solutions are used to create a wide range of products, including ones that provide safety and protection for people, data and the environment.

Trusted by the world's leading companies to deliver crucial, innovative, and sustainable solutions, we provide value-adding products including apparel, footwear and specialty threads. With a proud heritage dating back more than 250 years and a spirit of evolution to constantly stay ahead of changing market needs, we have operations across 50 countries with a workforce of over 17,000, serving our customers worldwide.

Role Purpose:

The Head of Global Business Development is responsible for identifying, developing, and accelerating new business opportunities, emerging market segments, and strategic customer relationships that drive sustainable and profitable growth for Coats globally.

What you will do (Key Responsibilities):

Strategic Business Development

• Develop and implement global business development strategies aligned with Coats long-term growth objectives.


• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize emerging market segments, industries, applications, and customer opportunities.


• Build and maintain a global portfolio of target customers focused on long-term growth potential.

Customer Acquisition & Growth

• Identify, qualify, and acquire new customers and strategic accounts globally.


• Build executive-level relationships and position Coats as a preferred strategic partner.


• Deliver sustainable and profitable sales growth through new customer wins and market expansion.

Strategic Account Development

• Drive customer engagement from opportunity identification through specification, BOM adoption, implementation and revenue realization.


• Maintain stakeholder maps, organizational charts and decision-maker profiles.

Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis

• Conduct market research and competitive analysis.


• Monitor market developments, customer needs and competitor activities.

Solution Development & Innovation

• Leverage Coats technical and digital expertise, sustainability capabilities and innovation portfolio.


• Support product development initiatives and customer innovation projects.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Global Accounts, Marketing, Product Management, Technical Services, Supply Chain and Manufacturing teams.

Commercial Governance

• Ensure specifications, contracts and commercial agreements are implemented and maintained.


• Monitor pipeline performance and opportunity conversion rates.

Who you are (Requirements):

• Strong acquisitions skills (hunter)


• Strong networker


• Ability to identify trends and technical developments at an early stage


• Fluent in English


• Bachelor’s degree required


• Minimum of minimum 7 years of experience in commercial roles or track record in sales growth


• Exceptional written and oral communication skills


• MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint) at an advanced level


• Experience in garment sourcing / manufacturing industry / product development


• Highly organized and detail oriented.


• Adaptable and willing to embrace change


• Excellent communicator with strong presentation and negotiating skills (verbal and written)


• Ability to create and sustain relationships at all levels with both internal and external customers


• Innovative self-starter with the ability to work independently and in groups


• Must have the ability to travel domestically and internationally


• Willingness to relocate when necessary

What will set you apart (Nice to have):

• MBA Sales & Marketing/Commerce specialization

• Textile oriented education or courses, ideally industrial thread


• Experience in apparel environment with expert technical knowledge


• Understands the brand dynamics and trim industry 


• Additional foreign languages (German, Spanish)

At Coats Group, we are committed to innovation, excellence, and fostering a diverse and collaborative environment where every team member can thrive. If you are passionate about making an impact in the textile industry and eager to join a global leader with a rich heritage and a forward-thinking approach, we invite you to take the next step in your career with us. Apply now to be part of our dynamic team and help shape the future of textiles.