Business Development Manager (Diamonds)

Job Title: Business Development Manager (Diamonds)

Location: New York, NY

Alternate location: The position can be remote, but NYC is highly preferred

Industry: Diamonds

Market: US

Direct Reports: None

Salary Range: (USD) $120k to $130k in annual base salary

Visa: No sponsorship possible. Must have valid work authorization

Job ID: ZR_9563_JOB

Remote work policy: Full remote, Hybrid (local: 2-3 days/wk), On-site

Job Seniority: Middle Management Level

Company size: Small (1-50 ppl)

Company Ownership: Privately Owned

Industry(ies): Jewelry, Watches / Jewelry,

Function(s): Sales & Business Development (National),

Region(s): NORTH AMERICA, USA, New York City area

Company Description

Our client is a fast-growing business operating at the intersection of diamonds, logistics, and technology. The company is building a modern commercial platform designed to simplify sourcing and supply for jewelry retailers, with a strong emphasis on speed, reliability, and operational efficiency. The U.S. market is a key growth priority, and the organization is investing in its commercial capabilities to expand its retail footprint and support long-term development. The environment is entrepreneurial, agile, and relationship-driven, with a strong focus on practical execution and value creation.

Objective of the Role

The Business Development Manager will lead front-end commercial development in the U.S. jewelry retail market. The mandate is to identify, approach, and secure new retail partners, while also contributing to the development of selected existing accounts. This role is intended for a commercially strong individual who can open doors, create momentum with prospective clients, and convert opportunities into long-term business relationships. The position will work in close partnership with the existing sales team, which will support account development after the initial business has been secured.

Ideal Profile

The ideal candidate will bring solid experience in the diamond and jewelry industry, preferably with a natural polished diamond background and a strong understanding of how the U.S. trade operates. A successful background could include experience developed through 47th Street, the LA Mart, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, or a family-owned diamond business. The client is seeking a commercially driven profile with existing relationships across independent jewelry stores, multi-store regional chains, and buying groups such as RJO, IJO, and CBG. Exposure to larger retail environments similar to Fred Meyer Jewelers, Borsheims, or Helzberg would also be relevant.

This individual should combine industry credibility with a hands-on, results-oriented mindset. The role requires someone who is persuasive, energetic, and capable of generating new business directly, rather than operating only at a strategic or advisory level. The preferred profile is also comfortable with a modern, tech-enabled commercial model and can understand business terminology related to APIs, data feeds, or system integrations, without needing to be deeply technical.

Responsibilities

• Develop new business opportunities across the U.S. jewelry retail landscape
• Build relationships with independent jewelers, regional chains, and relevant buying groups
• Open doors with prospective accounts and convert interest into active commercial partnerships
• Support the growth of selected existing accounts and encourage repeat business
• Promote stock programs and assortment-based partnerships with retail customers
• Travel regularly for client meetings, store visits, and industry trade events
• Work closely with internal sales and operations teams to ensure smooth client onboarding and follow-through
• Represent the business in a credible, professional, and commercially effective manner in the market

Requirements

• Approximately 5 to 10 years of relevant experience in the diamond and jewelry industry
• Strong network within the U.S. jewelry retail ecosystem
• Proven track record in business development, account acquisition, and repeat sales generation
• Experience working with independent retailers, regional chains, and/or buying groups
• Ability to operate autonomously in a field-based commercial role
• Strong interpersonal skills and natural credibility with customers
• Comfortable in a fast-moving, growth-oriented environment
• Sufficient technology fluency to understand and communicate a modern commercial offering
• Willingness to travel extensively as required by the role