Business Development Manager - Earthwise

Bunzl Distribution NA • Creve Coeur, MO

6h • $100,000 - $150,000 • Remote

About The Position

As the Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for soliciting new business opportunities. You will develop and grow new customer relationships while driving revenue, profitability, and customer satisfaction. In this role, you will focus primarily on managing all strategic accounts within the retail, home delivery, food service, hospitality, convenience, entertainment, and other institutional channels; however, the role may encompass managing accounts within the grocery segment as business needs arise. As the Business Development Manager, you will be expected to work with the Earthwise Merchandising Team to innovate new product lines outside of the traditional Grocery segment.

You will serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customers and works closely with internal teams to deliver solutions that align with customer objectives and Earthwise's sustainability mission. Success in this role requires strong commercial acumen, strategic thinking, account planning, relationship management, and product knowledge. You will consistently partner with the Director of Sales to build presentations and present to prospective customers.

Earthwise
As part of Bunzl's Earthwise segment, you'll support the sales of reusable shopping bags and custom-branded bag programs designed to help retailers reduce single-use waste and meet sustainability goals. Our product portfolio includes reusable grocery bags, insulated bags, tote bags, wine and beverage bags, and seasonal promotional bags. Customers include grocery chains, retailers, convenience stores, and other commercial businesses seeking innovative, environmentally responsible solutions.

While this posting lists our North America HQ in St. Louis, MO as the location, we will consider remote candidates anywhere in the U.S. that have easy airport access. Customer headquarters and operating locations are distributed throughout the United States requiring regular travel for customer meetings, business reviews, industry events, and strategic planning sessions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience in account management, national accounts, sales, business development, or a related commercial role.
• Proven ability to grow customer relationships and deliver revenue growth.
• Experience selling a customizable product and following through to order completion.
• Experience working cross-functionally and leading initiatives across multiple teams.
• Strong negotiation, communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including forecasting, profitability, and margin management.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make strategic recommendations.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience in grocery, retail, foodservice, packaging, consumer products, sustainability-focused industries, or related markets is preferred.
• Ability to travel nationally as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of strategic accounts, driving revenue, profitability, and customer retention.
• Develop strong relationships with key customer stakeholders and serve as the primary point of contact.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand business within existing accounts and secure new customers.
• Lead customer business reviews, account planning, and long-term growth initiatives.
• Partner with Product Development, Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, and other cross-functional teams to deliver customer solutions and execute key programs.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and program agreements that support customer objectives and company profitability.
• Analyze sales performance, market trends, and customer data to identify growth opportunities and business risks.
• Maintain accurate forecasts, account plans, and customer activity within the CRM system.
• Represent Earthwise at customer meetings, trade shows, and industry events.
• Travel as needed to support customer relationships and business growth.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance available to employees and eligible dependents starting the first day of the month after 30 days of employment (unless otherwise specified by a collective bargaining agreement).
• 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match of $0.75 per $1.00 contributed, up to 6% of eligible pay, available after 30 days.
• Paid time off, including (Pro-rated based on hire date): 40 hours annual sick pay (56 hours sick pay per year for candidates hired in Washington, in accordance with Washington State law).
• 6 paid national holidays and 2 floating holidays
• 10 vacation days and 2 personal days annually (prorated in the first year based on hire date).
• Any leave required under federal, state, or local law, as applicable, such as leave under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree