New Business & Client Relations Manager

Creative Agency | Europe-based | Remote

About CD Works

CD Works is a specialised creative agency and part of Classic Driver. With 20 years of digital publishing expertise in the high-end collector car and luxury lifestyle sectors. Founded by the team behind Classic Driver, we work exclusively with premium brands from automotive manufacturers to lifestyle brands helping them build compelling narratives and strategic partnerships that resonate globally. We're small enough to care deeply about quality. Big enough to execute at scale.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced New Business & Client Relations Manager to build and nurture strategic partnerships with premium brands. You'll own the complete client journey — from initial discovery and pitching through onboarding, strategy development, and ongoing relationship stewardship.

Position Level: Senior Individual Contributor
Reports to: CEO
Work Arrangement: Fully Remote

What You'll Do

New Business Development (40%)

  • Research and identify premium brands, automotive manufacturers aligned with luxury and collector car culture
  • Conduct strategic discovery calls to understand market positioning, challenges, and unmet needs
  • Develop and present bespoke proposals demonstrating clear strategic value
  • Qualify prospects early and nurture relationships.
  • Convert prospects into clients

Client Onboarding & Strategy (35%)

  • Lead initial strategy workshops to understand brand identity, audience, objectives, and vision
  • Collaborate with creative teams to scope projects: timelines, deliverables, success metrics, team structure
  • Own client handoff and ensure clarity on how we work and what to expect
  • Function as translator between creative team and client throughout execution

Relationship Stewardship (20%)

  • Conduct regular check-ins and proactively address concerns before they escalate
  • Identify and scope follow-on opportunities to expand successful relationships
  • Manage feedback loops and build genuine multi-year partnerships

Operations & Process Improvement (5%)

  • Maintain and iterate proposal templates and pitch decks based on market feedback
  • Track pipeline and contribute to refining our business development process

Who We're Looking For

Essential Experience & Skills

  • 5+ years building and managing client relationships in creative agencies or premium brand environments
  • Proven ability to research brands deeply: competitive positioning, market trends, strategic gaps
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; able to articulate strategy clearly
  • Comfortable saying 'we're not the right fit' when a prospect isn't aligned with our approach
  • Self-directed; able to manage your own time and proactively flag issues

Ideal Background

  • Creative or digital agency experience in new business
  • Familiarity with luxury, automotive, design, or content creation
  • Englisch fluent, other languages are a plus.

What We Offer

  • Autonomy to own the client relationship from discovery through delivery
  • Work with exceptional premium brands in automotive, watches, and lifestyle brands
  • Collaborate with a highly skilled and creative team of content creatiors, designers, and strategists
  • Access to our international network across Zurich, Milan, and beyond
  • Transparent culture and genuine career growth opportunities
  • Fully remote with flexible work arrangements
  • Competitive salary reflecting experience and market rates

The Realistic Picture

  • Pipeline fluctuation: Some months bring multiple wins; others focus on nurturing long-cycle prospects
  • This is consultative, relationship-focused work — not high-pressure sales
  • You'll constantly bridge internal capabilities with client expectations
  • Not every pitch wins; resilience without cynicism is essential
  • Your first 60 days will involve learning what makes us unique

How to Apply

Please send to [email protected] with subject line 'New Business Manager Application — [Your Name]'

1. Your CV (one page, PDF or Word)

2. A short note (2–3 paragraphs in your own voice)

  • Describe a client relationship you built that you're proud of
  • Why does this specific role at CD Works excite you?
  • What are you looking for in your next position?

3. One writing sample (proposal, email, with 1–2 sentences explaining your choice)

We review applications rolling and will respond within two week if there's a fit. This role requires genuine commitment to building something long-term.

Questions?

Reach out to [email protected] with any questions before applying.