Business Development Manager, Hardware Channel

Overview

Location:

Chicago, IL, United States
Date Posted:
Feb 2, 2026

We are seeking a Business Development Manager to join our Grocery/Dollar/Hardware sales team within the Pet Segment. We are looking for high-energy and initiative-taking candidates who are ready to take their next career step in outside sales/large account management. This role is a remote, home-office based field sales position and desirable candidates will be based in the metro Chicagoland area. He/she will mainly cover key store groups for all hardware accounts and headquarter calls for ACE, True Value and Do It Best.

Full-time employees enjoy excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, short-term and long-term disability, free life insurance, tuition reimbursement, product discounts and more!

• Implement the sales planning process across the Central portfolio of brands for this retail category to grow sales profitably.
• Meet assigned targets for profitable sales volume, market share, and other key financial performance objectives.
• Grow Central sales at ACE by meeting with Single Owner Retailers, ACE AD Groups and HQ to sell-in and execute key initiatives.
• Lead the trade shows initiatives for ACE, TV, DIB – Schedule and presell to Single Owner Retailers, ACE AD Groups, attend and facilitate the trade shows.
• Execute account specific programs designed to achieve profitable sales volume, optimal distribution, competitive retail pricing for both brick & mortar and e-com
• Develop and maintain a listing base through strategic sales efforts
• Provide accurate and timely sales forecasts across the entire Central portfolio of brands
• Spend accountability including billing efficiencies, tracking spending, keeping books current to grow profitability.
• Implement strategic marketing plans that maximize profitable sales growth
• Participate and provide input in the areas of new product development, business planning, customer marketing, cust omer service, and KPI tracking

• Experience in managing large FDM retail accounts; high volume product sales experience, omni channel and category management experience preferred
• Hardware Channel experience a plus
• Understanding of and utilization of KPI’s (revenue, gross profit margin percent and dollars, inventory days of supply, turns, GMROI, sales per square foot, margin per square foot, comp-store sales, etc.)
• Strong original thinking, creative problem solving and attention to detail
• Demonstrated strategic planning and strong negotiation skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex information to a broad audience
• Strong interpersonal relationship-building skills with the ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously within a tight timeframe.
• High proficiency with MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Office)

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• 5+ years of professional sales experience, with a proven history of sales account management

• Travel required, approximately 35% with frequent overnight trips;frequent car and airline travel; hotel sleep accommodations.
• Home office conditions when not actively traveling in region. Variation in work hours is necessary due to employee and customer schedules, special projects, deadlines, and other business acti vities.

This position pays $90,000 - $110,000 annually, based on experience and location. This role is also eligible for a sales incentive bonus based on plan parameters and achievement of sales goals.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay
• Paid parental…