Business Development and Partnership Manager
Apply NowCompany: Food for Thought
Location: Lincolnwood, IL 60712
Description:
Job Title: Business Development and Partnership Manager
Location: Chicago Headquartered - National Territory
Hybrid Work, Responsible for In-Person and Virtual Client Meetings
Hours: Full Time / Salaried
Start Date: To Be Determined
Salary: $110,000 + Commission - Based on Experience
About Us: We are a dynamic and innovative company specializing in special events, catering, and contract food services. Our commitment to delivering exceptional culinary experiences and top-tier service has made us a leader in the industry. We are seeking a driven and experienced Business Development and Partnership Manager to join our team and help us continue to grow and expand our footprint. Reporting directly to senior management, you'll be a key member of cross-functional teams, contributing to the growth and development of our multiple brands. Visit us at www.foodforthoughtchicago.com to learn more.
Position Overview: As a Business Development and Partnership Manager, you will play a crucial role in driving the growth of our Special Events, Catering, and Contract Foodservice business. With your extensive experience in the hospitality industry, you will identify and secure new business opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and maintain strong client relationships. Your ability to work independently and your deep industry knowledge will be critical in achieving our ambitious growth targets.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Why You'll Love Working Here:
Company Values and Culture:
Benefits & Perks:
If you're an experienced professional with a passion for hospitality and a track record of driving business growth, we want to hear from you! Join FFT Event Group - Catering and Special Events and FFT Workspace Solutions, where you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while being part of a vibrant company culture.
Visit www.foodforthoughtchicago.com to learn more about our company.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
EEO Statement
Food For Thought provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
E-Verify Participation
Food For Thought participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.
Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS.
Location: Chicago Headquartered - National Territory
Hybrid Work, Responsible for In-Person and Virtual Client Meetings
Hours: Full Time / Salaried
Start Date: To Be Determined
Salary: $110,000 + Commission - Based on Experience
About Us: We are a dynamic and innovative company specializing in special events, catering, and contract food services. Our commitment to delivering exceptional culinary experiences and top-tier service has made us a leader in the industry. We are seeking a driven and experienced Business Development and Partnership Manager to join our team and help us continue to grow and expand our footprint. Reporting directly to senior management, you'll be a key member of cross-functional teams, contributing to the growth and development of our multiple brands. Visit us at www.foodforthoughtchicago.com to learn more.
Position Overview: As a Business Development and Partnership Manager, you will play a crucial role in driving the growth of our Special Events, Catering, and Contract Foodservice business. With your extensive experience in the hospitality industry, you will identify and secure new business opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and maintain strong client relationships. Your ability to work independently and your deep industry knowledge will be critical in achieving our ambitious growth targets.
Responsibilities:
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the Special Events, Catering, and Contract Foodservice sectors.
- Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve sales targets and expand market presence.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and strategic partners.
- Conduct market research to identify trends, competitor activities, and potential areas for growth.
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure the successful execution of contracts and events.
- Negotiate contracts, prepare proposals, and close deals with clients and partners.
- Monitor and report on sales performance, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
- Represent the company at industry events, networking functions, and in key client meetings.
- Contribute to a positive work culture that fosters collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Hospitality, or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience in business development, sales, or partnership management, with a strong background in hospitality, hotel operations, events, or major contract foodservice companies.
- Proven ability to work independently and achieve results with minimal guidance.
- Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated success in achieving sales targets and driving business growth.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Deep understanding of client needs and market trends within the hospitality industry.
Why You'll Love Working Here:
- Competitive salary, with performance-based bonuses.
- A supportive and collaborative work environment that values innovation and creativity.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development within a leading industry organization.
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision insurance, 401K, and more
Company Values and Culture:
- Collaborative and Open Communication
- Diverse, Inclusive, Safe, and Motivating Work Environment
- Commitment to Sustainability with a Focus on People, Product, and Planet
- A Net Positive Organization
Benefits & Perks:
- Paid Time Off
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (including coverage for spouses and domestic partners)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Critical Illness and Pet Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with mental health and wellness support
- Parental Leave with equal benefits for mothers and fathers
- 401K Retirement Plan
- Access to FFT University for career growth and development
- Employee Meal Plan and other company discounts
If you're an experienced professional with a passion for hospitality and a track record of driving business growth, we want to hear from you! Join FFT Event Group - Catering and Special Events and FFT Workspace Solutions, where you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while being part of a vibrant company culture.
Visit www.foodforthoughtchicago.com to learn more about our company.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
EEO Statement
Food For Thought provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
E-Verify Participation
Food For Thought participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.
Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS.