What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Business Development-North America-Schwung Lighting position at Collected by Schwung?
Director of Business Development – North America Schwung Lighting | A Division of Collected by Schwung
Location: Remote (U.S.) | Full-Time
Build Something Extraordinary.
Schwung Lighting is not looking for another salesperson.
We are looking for someone who wants to build one of America's most respected premium lighting brands.
This is a unique opportunity to join a European manufacturer with nearly twenty years of craftsmanship, exceptional design capabilities, and an ambitious vision for the North American market.
Our lighting is handcrafted in Europe using solid brass, borosilicate glass and timeless design principles. We work with architects, interior designers, hospitality groups, luxury residential and commercial projects that value originality, quality and long-term partnerships.
We are now looking for an exceptional commercial leader to build the next chapter of Schwung in North America.
About Schwung
Schwung Lighting is part of Collected by Schwung, a design-driven company based in High Point, North Carolina.
Our North American headquarters at 313.space serves as:
- Our flagship showroom
- Event venue
- Design destination
- Hospitality space
- Training center
- Meeting place for architects, designers and industry partners
Rather than simply selling products, we build long-term relationships.
The Opportunity
This is not a traditional sales position.
You will be responsible for building Schwung's commercial presence throughout North America.
Your mission is to create a sustainable, specification-driven premium lighting business focused on:
- Interior Designers
- Architects
- Hospitality Groups
- Procurement Firms
- Luxury Residential
- Commercial Projects
- Premium Showrooms
- Independent Representative Agencies
You will work directly with the founders to shape and execute the North American growth strategy.
Your Responsibilities
Business Development
- Develop and execute Schwung's North American growth strategy.
- Build long-term relationships with leading architects, interior designers, hospitality groups and developers.
- Recruit, manage and support a network of independent representative agencies.
- Identify strategic showroom and distribution partners.
- Expand specification opportunities throughout North America.
- Develop recurring project business.
Sales Leadership
- Manage national key accounts.
- Generate new business through your existing network and new relationships.
- Lead complex lighting specification projects from concept through completion.
- Negotiate commercial agreements.
- Build and manage a healthy sales pipeline.
- Deliver ambitious but realistic sales growth.
Brand Representation
Represent Schwung at:
- High Point Market
- BDNY
- ICFF
- NeoCon
- LightFair
- Regional design events
- Client presentations
- Private networking events
Become one of the public faces of Schwung in North America.
Collaboration
Work closely with our teams in:
- Design
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Marketing
- Customer Experience
to deliver outstanding projects and bespoke lighting solutions.
Who You Are
You are far more than an experienced salesperson.
You are:
- A relationship builder.
- A strategic thinker.
- Commercially driven.
- Entrepreneurial.
- Comfortable opening doors.
- Confident presenting to leading design firms.
- Passionate about design.
- Motivated by building something meaningful.
You genuinely enjoy spending time with clients.
You love networking.
You create trust.
People buy because they believe in you.
Qualifications
Required:
- Minimum 10 years of experience in premium lighting, luxury interiors or related specification-driven industries.
- Established network within architecture, interior design, hospitality or commercial construction.
- Proven success growing sales in a B2B environment.
- Strong understanding of lighting products, materials, finishes and project specifications.
- Experience managing complex commercial projects.
- Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
- Willingness to travel extensively throughout North America.
Preferred:
- Lighting industry certification (LC, NCQLP or equivalent).
- Experience managing representative agencies.
- Hospitality project experience.
What Success Looks Like
Within your first 12 months you will have:
- Expanded our architect and designer network.
- Established new representative agencies.
- Increased specification opportunities.
- Built a measurable and healthy sales pipeline.
- Positioned 313.space as a destination for the design community.
- Helped establish the foundation for long-term U.S. growth.
Compensation
- Competitive base salary (commensurate with experience)
- Uncapped commission structure
- Performance-based bonus
- Comprehensive support from our European design, engineering and manufacturing teams
- Significant opportunity for professional growth
Career Path
This role is designed for someone who wants to build, not simply manage.
As Schwung continues to grow in North America, this position has the potential to evolve into:
- Vice President – North America
- Managing Director – North America
- A key strategic leadership role within the global organization
For the right entrepreneurial leader, there may also be future opportunities to participate in the long-term success of the North American business through incentive or equity-based participation, subject to performance and mutual agreement.
We are looking for someone who wants to build a company—not simply fill a position.
Application Process
To be considered, please submit:
- Your resume.
- A cover letter describing:
- Your existing network.
- The types of clients and projects you have managed.
- Why Schwung interests you.
- A portfolio highlighting relevant lighting projects, hospitality installations or major specification wins.
- A short strategic paper (2–3 pages):
"How would you build Schwung Lighting into one of North America's leading premium lighting brands over the next three years?"
Please include:
- Your market strategy.
- Target customer segments.
- Business development approach.
- First-year priorities.
- How you would leverage your existing network.
- The biggest opportunities and challenges you foresee.
Applications submitted without a cover letter, portfolio and strategic paper will not be considered.
Why Join Schwung?
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of an ambitious European lighting brand entering its next stage of growth in North America.
If you are excited by building relationships, developing markets, creating long-term value and working directly with passionate founders, we would love to meet you.