Business Development Representative

Role Description

The Business Development Representative is responsible for driving revenue growth, supporting existing accounts, and developing new customer relationships through onsite, virtual and phone-based sales efforts. This role partners closely with field sales, customer service, and marketing to ensure consistent customer engagement, strong pipeline development, and execution of sales initiatives.

This position is ideal for a motivated, organized, and relationship-driven sales professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys consultative selling, and is passionate about representing premium eyewear brands. This role will pay a $50K salary with on target earnings of up to $70K based on achieving sales metrics driven by performance.

About Europa Eyewear

Europa Eyewear, based in Vernon Hills, IL, is one of the largest independent designers and manufacturers of eyewear frames in the United States. Europa offers a diverse portfolio of 11 independent eyewear brands, including STATE Optical Co., which launched in 2015, and American Optical (AO Eyewear), which are both produced in our Chicago factory, the largest eyewear manufacturing facility in the United States. Europa partnered with Blue Point Capital Partners in April of 2023 to prepare for its next stage of growth. As part of the platform strategy, Blue Point made its first acquisition, in eyebobs, an omni-channel premium readers brand based in Minneapolis, MN, in 2023 as well.

Why Europa?

Europa is committed to serving our customers and the optical market with unique, high-quality, independent eyewear brands and partner-first support. We are equally committed to empowering our team, ensuring they have the support, freedom, and opportunities to grow. At Europa, we’re not just a company – we’re a community driven by a shared purpose. Our culture is built on the pillars of independence, entrepreneurship, grounded values, and approachability, which makes us an exciting and dynamic place to build a career.

Key Responsibilities

Sales Performance & Growth

Meet or exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual sales targets through proactive outbound and inbound sales efforts.

Identify opportunities to grow existing accounts through reorders, new product launches, and assortment expansion.

Qualify and convert inbound leads and re-engage dormant or underperforming accounts.

Conduct regular outbound sales calls via phone and video to review inventory, present product offerings, and promote programs and incentives

Perform in-person sales visits in vacant territories as needed to support growth, retention, or critical customer needs

Customer Engagement & Account Support

• Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned accounts, providing timely, professional, and solution-oriented support.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing customers to prevent disruption during territory vacancies
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction by proactively addressing issues, resolving concerns, and coordinating internal support
• Identify growth opportunities within assigned territories and develop targeted strategies to capitalize on them
• Conduct regular phone and video outreach to nurture relationships and maintain brand presence.
• Provide product education, virtual trainings, and merchandising guidance to customers.

Account Development

• Prospect and develop new accounts within assigned markets using phone, email, and digital tools.
• Support territory coverage by partnering with field sales representatives as needed.
• Maintain a strong understanding of customer needs, buying patterns, and competitive landscape.
• Partner with Regional Sales Managers to support recruiting efforts in vacant territories, including market insight and customer context
• Assist with onboarding and orientation of new hires to ensure a smooth transition of accounts when territories are filled
• Prepare detailed territory handoffs, including account history, opportunities, and relationship status

Merchandising & Product Support

• Ensure accounts are informed of new products, promotions, and programs.
• Support merchandising initiatives by advising on product placement, POP materials, and assortment optimization.

Reporting & Pipeline Management

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of customer interactions, sales activity, and opportunities.
• Track pipeline performance and provide regular updates and insights to sales leadership.
• Monitor, track, and analyze sales performance metrics for vacant territory accounts
• Provide regular updates and insights to Sales Leadership on pipeline health, risks, and opportunities
• Support continuous improvement of vacant territory coverage strategies and processes

Brand Representation

• Represent the company’s brands professionally in all customer interactions.
• Support trade shows, trunk shows, and virtual events as needed.

Basic Qualifications

• 2+ years of sales, inside sales or related experience with a proven track record of results.
• Ability to carry sample bags weighing at least 25 lbs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence purchasing decisions.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail.
• Critical thinking skills with the ability to anticipate challenges and propose solutions.
• Effective presentation and virtual training skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Valid driver’s license and eligibility to work in the U.S.

Travel Requirements

• Travel for customer visits, meetings, training, or events (up to 25%).

Compensation & Benefits

• $50,000 a year plus commissions
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA and HSA Spending accounts
• 401k plan with company match.