Sustainability Business Development Manager

Dunelm is seeking a Sustainability Business Development Manager to lead their circular business model program, focusing on initiatives like the textile takeback scheme and returns improvement. The role involves project management, collaboration with operational teams, and mentoring colleagues in sustainability communications. Candidates should have retail operations knowledge, project management experience, and an understanding of supply chain logistics. The position is based in Market Bosworth, UK.
Home. There’s no place like it. And there’s no feeling like helping people create the joy of feeling truly at home. At Dunelm, that’s what we do. We’re the UK's number one choice for homewares because we make home life lovelier for our customers. And the caring and encouraging culture we've created makes this a place you'll feel right at home too.

We are the UK’s Number One homewares retailer offering c85,000 products building a consumer-focused total retail business that delights customers through our multichannel operation.

We are determined in our plans to increase further expansion of the business to more customers, shopping more frequently, with more choice, enhanced digital and physical services, and new capabilities to innovate and operate at pace in a fast-changing landscape.

In developing the business for the long-term benefit of our customers, we are investing in our supply chain, stores and technology to improve the customer proposition as we progress.

Department overview

As an ambitious company with a forward-thinking sustainability programme, we are committed to ensuring the business is fit for the future. Our Good & Circular strategy includes embedding circular thinking into product design and sourcing, as well as helping our customers use and reuse our products more sustainably.

We have an opening for a Sustainability Business Development Manager. This role will be responsible for management and progression of our circular business model programme, including our textile takeback scheme, returns improvement programme, and developing the future of our circular business model options. This role will act as business partner to operational, quality and returns teams.

Key responsibilities
• Develop and drive our circular business model programme, including our textile takeback scheme. Including contract management and external organisation engagement.
• Lead improving the efficiency of our returns programme by working with the quality team to provide insights and working on projects.
• Manage and mentor colleagues responsible for sustainability communications, ensuring alignment with company goals.
• Lead sustainability-related projects by applying project management best practices to drive measurable impact.

What we will look for in you

Knowledge of retail operations, including:
• Understanding of supply chain logistics and returns processes.
• Supplier contract management.
• Project management experience.
• Analytical skills and an understanding of data integrity.
• Organised and with good presentation skills.
• People management experience.
• Previous experience working in corporate sustainability or circular business development is desirable.

Find your happy place

Dunelm is committed to becoming a fully inclusive business that is representative of our customers and locations. We recognise the value in diversity and welcome applications from all candidates regardless of sex, age, race, religion, ability, gender or sexual identity, socio-economic background or education. We are committed to making Dunelm a place where everyone can enjoy a successful career and have systems in place to support all our colleagues. We are seeking applications from candidates who share our values and celebrate diversity in all its forms.