Sales Director, Business & Industry

Sodexo; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 135,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking a Sales Director for Corporate Services to expand market presence across Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa. Based in Chicago or Minneapolis, travel >50% and strategic partnerships are essential for growth.

The role focuses on new business and cross-selling, with a consultative approach, strong financial acumen, and leadership in complex sales cycles to achieve quota attainment.

Qualifications

• Proven track record selling to large, complex organizations.
• Experience in corporate dining, food services or facilities management.
• Ability to develop and execute short- and long-term sales plans.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Comfortable working with executives and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Drive new business acquisition and cross-selling to enterprise accounts.
• Develop customized proposals addressing client needs.
• Manage full sales lifecycle, from prospecting to deal closure.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align strategies.

Skills

Enterprise sales

Consultative selling

Executive relationships

Financial acumen

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM tools

Job description

Sodexo is hiring a Sales Director for Corporate Services to expand market presence across Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa through strategic partnerships, business development, revenue growth, and innovative food and facilities solutions.

Preferred candidates will have extensive sales experience selling to large, complex organizations, be based in Chicago or Minneapolis, and be willing to travel more than 50% of the time.

About the job

The Sales Director is a high-impact, client-facing role responsible for driving profitable growth through new business acquisition, cross-selling, and account retention. The role requires a consultative, action-oriented approach to solving complex client challenges and is rooted in customer centricity, financial acumen, trust-building, and persistence. This individual plays a central role in developing long-term partnerships, navigating complex sales cycles, and achieving financial growth targets—primarily through new business and cross-selling. Success in this role is measured by quota attainment and the ability to influence client outcomes through bespoke, enterprise-level solutions.

The role of an individual contributor within the organization focuses on completing specific tasks and projects; contributing directly through their skills and expertise. Performs specialized technical tasks to support operations. Work is primarily achieved independently, however may collaborate with a team.

Pay Range

$134640 - $209110

Incentive Eligibility

Eligible to participate in Sodexo's incentive plan and earn variable compensation in addition to base salary

What’s in it for you

Competitive compensation and performance-based incentives, opportunities to secure high-value enterprise accounts, exposure to senior executives, and the ability to drive meaningful business growth.

• Take ownership of new business development and client acquisition in a fast- paced, rewarding environment.
• Craft customized proposals and solutions that directly address client needs and operational challenges.
• Collaborate with diverse teams to align sales strategies with market trends and customer objectives.
• Manage the complete sales lifecycle, gaining experience in contract negotiation and relationship building.
• Utilize data-driven insights and CRM tools to optimize sales performance and forecast growth.
• Influence market expansion efforts through strategic planning and competitor analysis.
• Be part of a mission-driven organization committed to enhancing quality of life through innovative business solutions.

What you’ll bring

Extensive enterprise sales experience, a proven track record of winning new business with large, complex organizations, and strong consultative selling, executive relationship management, financial, and negotiation skills.

Experience selling corporate dining, food services, facilities management, or other outsourced business solutions.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute both short- and long-term sales plans to capture new opportunities.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and comfortable operating independently in dynamic and sometimes ambiguous environments.
• Consultative selling skills with the skillset to clearly communicate value beyond price, focusing on cost-quality outcomes.
• Deep financial acumen and expertise in managing the full sales cycle, including territory management and deal closure.
• Excellent influencing and leadership skills to build relationships with key stakeholders and drive deals to successful completion.

Requirements

• Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Related Experience: 7 years

What we offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Who we are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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