VP of Business Development & Retention Higher Education Dining Services

Pay varies by location. Remote.

About the Role

As the VP of Business Development & Retention, you will create a strategic plan to identify and qualify new business opportunities, implement sales strategies and techniques to win business, and maintain existing client relationships to ensure retention. Primarily targeting the mid-Atlantic and Southern markets, your role will involve maintaining relationships with current accounts to retain business, as well as establishing connections to acquire and keep new clients. This is an individual contributor position with no direct reports. Substantial sales and/or dining operational experience is essential to be considered for this position.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement sales strategies and business development processes for Higher Education Dining Services in the mid-Atlantic and Southern US.
• Hunt for new opportunities by directly prospecting companies, building client relationships, and engaging in industry associations to cultivate new business.
• Research and analyze new business opportunities using market trends, data, and clients.
• Own the full sales cycle process by identifying win strategies for each opportunity, clearly articulating the value of the partnership to internal and external stakeholders through client meetings, proposals, presentations, and contracts.
• Collaborate with the executive team, operations, and marketing to determine a customized approach to each opportunity.
• Thoughtfully prepare and deliver effective client presentations.
• Lead contract negotiation and execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Business Administration, Hospitality, or related field.
• 10 years direct sales or operational management experience in the Business Dining segment.
• Concise and effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong presentation, financial acumen, and organizational skills.
• Experience and understanding of the RFP process in the private and government sectors.
• Proficiency using SalesForce and Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams.
• Ability to think strategically and operate autonomously.

About Us

Together, American Food & Vending and American Dining Creations form one of the nation’s largest privately held dining and refreshment service organizations. Family-owned and headquartered in Syracuse, NY, we have served clients nationwide for more than 80 years, delivering customized dining and refreshment solutions across business, education, healthcare, and cultural environments. Recognized by NAMA and our peers as Operator of the Year, we combine national capabilities with a personal, responsive approach to create exceptional experiences for our clients and guests.

Our Mission

To create moments of happiness through customized hospitality experiences that delight guests and bring people together.

Our Vision

To be the best in the industry at elevating hospitality experiences for places where people want to be.

Our Values: F.I.R.S.T.

• Family – Treat people as family.
• Integrity – Do the right thing.
• Responsiveness – Listen first. Then act with urgency.
• Service Excellence – Deliver exceptional experiences every day.
• Teamwork – Win together.

Benefits

• Weekly pay schedule
• Flexible hours for a balanced work life
• Vacation
• 401K with company match
• Referral Bonus Program for bringing new hires to the team
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for eligible employees