Strategic Business Development Lead (Senior Manager / Director)

About Tapstitch

Tapstitch is a fast-growing, disruptive fashion-on-demand platform powering the next generation of apparel brands, creators, agencies, and communities. With premium apparel, global fulfillment, custom branding capabilities, and a technology-first approach, we're helping brands launch and scale without the complexity of traditional manufacturing.

As we continue our rapid growth, we're looking for a highly motivated Business Development Manager or Director to help drive strategic net-new customer acquisition and expand Tapstitch's presence across the apparel, creator, agency, and brand ecosystem.

Role Overview

This is a highly strategic hunter role focused on acquiring net-new business and opening new verticals for Tapstitch.

Reporting directly to the CMO, you will identify, develop, and close high-value opportunities that generate meaningful GMV for the business. Rather than focusing on small transactional accounts, this role will prioritize large accounts, strategic partnerships, agencies, enterprise opportunities, and emerging verticals that can drive significant long-term revenue growth.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a high-growth environment and wants to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of creator commerce and fashion entrepreneurship, with the potential to build and lead a Business Development team based on demonstrated performance and impact.

Responsibilities

New Business Development

• Identify, prospect, and acquire net-new customers for Tapstitch.
• Build and manage a pipeline of apparel brands, creators, agencies, influencers, communities, sports organizations, schools, and enterprise opportunities.
• Conduct proactive outreach through LinkedIn, email campaigns, cold outreach, networking, referrals, and strategic partnerships.
• Develop and execute account-based prospecting strategies for high-value targets.
• Generate qualified meetings and opportunities that convert into revenue.

Events & Community Engagement

• Represent Tapstitch at industry conferences, trade shows, networking events, and community activations.
• Build relationships with key industry stakeholders and decision makers.
• Leverage events to generate leads, partnerships, and long-term business opportunities.
• Support the planning and execution of Tapstitch-hosted networking and customer events.

Sales & Pipeline Management

• Maintain accurate prospecting activity and opportunity tracking within CRM.
• Provide regular reporting on pipeline health, prospecting activity, and revenue forecasts.
• Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Customer Success, Onboarding, and Leadership to ensure successful onboarding and customer growth.

Vertical Expansion

• Identify and validate new vertical markets where Tapstitch can establish a competitive advantage.
• Develop go-to-market strategies to penetrate new customer segments.
• Work closely with leadership to prioritize the highest-potential opportunities.
• Become an expert on emerging trends and opportunities within the creator economy, apparel, promotional products, corporate merchandise, licensing, events, sports, education, and other adjacent markets.

Success Metrics

This role will be measured primarily on:

• Strategic net-new business acquired
• Qualified pipeline generated
• Revenue generated from new accounts
• Number of meetings and opportunities created
• New partnerships established
• Event-generated leads and conversions
• Overall contribution to customer acquisition growth

Why Join Tapstitch?

• Join a high-growth company disrupting the apparel industry.
• Work directly with executive leadership and have a visible impact on company growth.
• Opportunity to build strategic relationships across the creator, fashion, and ecommerce ecosystem.
• Dynamic, entrepreneurial environment with significant career growth potential.
• Help shape the future of how brands create, launch, and scale apparel.

If you're passionate about building relationships, opening doors, and creating new opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.

Qualifications

• Must be based in Los Angeles
• 5-8 years of business development, partnerships, sales, or growth experience.
• Proven track record of generating net-new business.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with outbound prospecting, LinkedIn outreach, and email campaigns.
• Comfortable attending events and representing the company externally.
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and strong execution skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Experience in apparel, ecommerce, creator economy, SaaS, marketing agencies, or related industries is a plus.

Perks & Benefits

• Take care of yourself. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with paid time off and company holidays.
• Build something meaningful. Join a fast-growing company helping creators, brands, and entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life by creating access to fashion commerce.
• Have real impact. You'll work closely with senior leadership and play a key role in shaping new partnerships, opening new markets, and influencing the future growth of the business.
• Contribute to a high-ownership culture. We value people who are curious, proactive, and excited to roll up their sleeves. Great ideas can come from anywhere, and strong execution is recognized.
• Grow with the company. As Tapstitch continues to scale, there will be opportunities to expand your scope and make a lasting mark on the business.
• Work with a passionate team. We believe in collaboration, moving quickly, and supporting one another as we build something special together.