Dir, Business Development

Elior; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Elior North America is seeking a dynamic Business Development Director to drive growth in the contract food service industry. Based in Chicago (hybrid), you will turn conversations into partnerships, manage a sales pipeline, and close strategic opportunities across K-12, Higher Education, Business & Industry, or Healthcare.

You will collaborate with culinary, operations, finance and leadership teams, travel to meet clients, and represent Elior at industry events to expand our footprint.

Qualifications

• Proven success in business development, sales, or new account acquisition.
• Experience in K-12 Education, Higher Education, Business & Industry, or Healthcare.
• Track record of developing opportunities, managing a sales pipeline, and closing deals.
• Experience with RFPs, proposals, presentations, and contract negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Drive Growth: Identify and secure exciting new business opportunities within your market.
• Build Connections: Develop meaningful relationships with key decision-makers and prospective clients.
• Win New Business: Lead the sales process from prospecting and presentations to proposals, negotiations, and closing deals.
• Think Strategically: Identify market trends, uncover opportunities, and develop creative solutions that set us apart from the competition.
• Collaborate to Succeed: Partner with our culinary, operations, finance, and leadership teams to create winning proposals.
• Be the Face of Our Business: Represent our organization at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities.
• Make an Impact: Help shape our growth strategy and expand our footprint in the contract food service industry.

Skills

Business development

Sales

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Travel

Job description

Job Reference Number: 44296

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

Segment: Elior Corporate

Brand: ENA Corporate

Location: HUB - IL - CHICAGO

Build Relationships. Create Opportunities. Drive Growth.

Are you a natural relationship builder who loves opening doors, creating opportunities, and winning new business? We want to talk to you!

We are looking for a dynamic, driven, and results-oriented Business Development Director to help us grow our presence in the contract food service industry!

If you have a passion for sales, a strong network of industry connections, and experience in K-12 Education, Higher Education, Business & Industry, OR Healthcare, this could be your next big career move!

We're looking for someone who knows how to turn conversations into partnerships, opportunities into contracts, and great ideas into business success!

What You'll Do

This isn't just about sales — it's about building partnerships, creating solutions, and making an impact!

• Drive Growth: Identify and secure exciting new business opportunities within your market.
• Build Connections: Develop meaningful relationships with key decision-makers and prospective clients.
• Win New Business: Lead the sales process from prospecting and presentations to proposals, negotiations, and closing deals.

What You'll Do Cont.

• Think Strategically: Identify market trends, uncover opportunities, and develop creative solutions that set us apart from the competition.
• Collaborate to Succeed: Partner with our talented culinary, operations, finance, and leadership teams to create winning proposals.
• Be the Face of Our Business: Represent our organization at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities.
• Make an Impact: Help shape our growth strategy and expand our footprint in the contract food service industry.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who brings energy, enthusiasm, and a passion for winning!

• Proven success in business development, sales, or new account acquisition.
• Experience in at least ONE of these industries: K-12, Higher Education, Business & Industry, or Healthcare.
• A track record of developing opportunities, managing a sales pipeline, and closing deals.
• Experience with RFPs, proposals, presentations, and contract negotiations.

We're Also Looking For

• A strategic, entrepreneurial mindset with the drive to find new opportunities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
• Experience in contract food service management is highly preferred.
• Willingness to travel to develop relationships and pursue new opportunities.

Why Join Our Team?

Because we believe great relationships create great opportunities!

You’ll be part of an organization that values innovation, collaboration, and growth. We offer the opportunity to make a real impact, build meaningful partnerships, and play an important role in expanding our business.

We're looking for someone who wants more than just a job — someone who is excited to take ownership, drive results, and celebrate success!

About Elior North America

Elior North America is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. We take pride in supporting the development of our employees and their skills at all levels and in fostering an environment of growth.

At Elior North America, we are committed to offering growth and advancement opportunities for all of our employees. The valuable skills and experience you’ve gained with Elior will propel you further in your career, whether with our corporate office or one of our brand segments.

Disclaimer: This job description can be revised by management as needed.