Business Development Manager - Scenography

Atelier ATHEM is a creative scenography studio based in Paris, and part of The Independents group. We design and produce brand scenography projects and immersive activations that are both distinctive and meaningful for leading international brands.

Our work ranges from XXL installations and retail environments to creative brand activations, exhibitions and artistic projects. We operate at the intersection of luxury, fashion, design and arts, combining strong creative direction, technical expertise and a responsible environmental approach.

As we prepare to open our new office in Milan, we’re looking for an experienced and well-connected  Business Development Manager to lead our growth locally. This is a strategic role for someone with a strong network and a deep understanding of the luxury, retail, arts, and real estate ecosystems.

What you’ll do

• Drive new business opportunities across luxury, fashion, design, and retail, and around key industry moments (Design Week, Fashion Week…)

• Stay informed about key market insights  (trends, projects, events, openings, renovations…)

• Lead commercial discussions from first contact to signed contract   and build long-term client relationships with major brands, visual merchandising directors, creative directors, store design planners, marketing & comms teams and partner agencies

• Work closely with our Paris teams (creative, production) to prepare tailored proposals, and coordinate with project managers to make sure clients are fully satisfied

• In coordination with the Head of Comms, promote ATHEM in Italy: attend events, grow our network, share our vision

What we're looking for

• 5+ years’ experience in business development

• Strong background in luxury, creative industries. Real estate is a plus

• Proven track record in selling high-value creative or production projects

• A strong professional network within the Italian luxury fashion and design ecosystem, (Specifically in Milan) and ideally international as well

Key skills

• Entrepreneurial mindset with proven track record in prospection and negotiation

• Excellent written and spoken communication skills

• A strong commitment to customer satisfaction and service excellence

• Native Italian speaker, fluent in English; French is a plus.

Personal qualities

• Team spirit, Positive and problem-solving mindset

• Autonomous, well-organised, agile and strategically minded

• Strong communication and client relationship skills

• High standards of quality and attention to details

• Comfortable in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

What we offer

• Full-time permanent role

• Milan-based hybrid role with frequent Paris travel

• Competitive compensation package (base + bonus)

• The opportunity to join an ambitious creative group

We will only contact shortlisted candidates within 15 days of submission – thank you in advance for your understanding.

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably thinking about applying — and we’re already looking forward to meeting you.