Manager – Business Development & Events Full Time NEW

Company Description

Madison Avenue Couture is the premier U.S. reseller of Hermès handbags, offering a curated collection of rare and iconic pieces known for their authenticity, exclusivity, and unmatched quality. Established in 2010, the company is dedicated to empowering individuals to express themselves through luxury fashion and timeless elegance. With private showrooms in New York and Palm Beach and a global e-commerce presence, Madison Avenue Couture connects collectors and connoisseurs worldwide with the world’s most coveted handbags. Each handbag represents a rich heritage of craftsmanship and serves as a testament to enduring style and individuality.

Role Overview

The Manager – Business Development & Events is responsible for creating strategic partnerships, driving client acquisition, and executing high-touch luxury events that deepen relationships with existing clients while attracting new private clients to Madison Avenue Couture.

This role blends relationship-driven business development with best-in-class event planning and execution. The ideal candidate is commercially minded, highly organized, polished, and deeply connected to luxury, fashion, philanthropy, hospitality, and social communities.

The Business Development & Events Manager serves as a brand ambassador for Madison Avenue Couture, building meaningful partnerships that drive awareness, conversion, and long-term client engagement.

This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer. 

Core Responsibilities

Business Development & Partnership Growth

• Identify, cultivate, and manage strategic partnerships with luxury brands, hotels, clubs, designers, charities, concierge services, stylists, wealth advisors, real estate brokers, and hospitality groups.
• Develop local relationship networks that create consistent introductions to ultra-high-net-worth clients.
• Build referral partnerships with aligned luxury service providers.
• Create business development opportunities tied to local markets, seasonal demand, and social calendars.
• Maintain an active pipeline of prospective partnerships and track conversion opportunities.
• Represent Madison Avenue Couture at industry events, private gatherings, and luxury networking opportunities.
• Collaborate with Private Client Advisors and Client Concierge teams to generate new buying and consigning opportunities.

Event Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute a year-round calendar of luxury events, activations, trunk shows, dinners, philanthropic partnerships, showroom events, and private client experiences.
• Conceptualize events that support revenue generation, client retention, and brand positioning.
• Source and manage venues, caterers, florists, photographers, entertainment, gifting partners, and production vendors.
• Oversee event budgets, contracts, timelines, logistics, guest lists, and vendor coordination.
• Partner with marketing to create invitations, event assets, social amplification, and post-event recap materials.
• Coordinate VIP guest experience before, during, and after each event.
• Manage RSVP tracking, seating arrangements, and guest communications.
• Ensure all events reflect Madison Avenue Couture’s luxury positioning and elevated client experience.

Client Engagement & Revenue Support

• Partner closely with Private Client Advisors to ensure events produce measurable business outcomes.
• Introduce clients to the showroom, buying, consigning, and sourcing services.
• Identify opportunities to convert event attendees into long-term clients.
• Follow up post-event to drive appointments, consignments, and purchases.
• Track business generated from events and partnerships.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with marketing, merchandising, showroom teams, and client advisors.
• Coordinate with external PR, media, and brand partners.
• Maintain an organized event calendar aligned with business priorities.
• Support brand storytelling and positioning through experiential activations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in luxury events, partnerships, business development, hospitality, fashion, or high-end client services.
• Strong existing network in luxury, social, hospitality, or philanthropic communities preferred.
• Proven ability to execute premium events with strong attention to detail.
• Commercial mindset with ability to tie events to revenue outcomes.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and multitasking skills.
• Strong interpersonal presence with polished written and verbal communication.
• Comfortable working evenings, weekends, and attending events as required.
• Experience with CRM tools, event platforms, and budget tracking.
• Strong understanding of luxury clientele and relationship-based selling.

Compensation & Benefits    

• Base salary: $90,000-$125,000 DOE
• Bonus potential: 25%-35%.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks paid vacation.
• Five paid sick days.
• Paid holidays
• Matching 401(k) program.