Senior Dining Advisory Lead for Higher Ed

bdconnect; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Brailsford & Dunlavey seeks a Senior Associate to lead dining advisory engagements for higher education clients nationwide. You will guide program planning, management solutions, and long-term performance of campus dining programs, collaborating across practice areas to deliver integrated strategies.

The role emphasizes understanding procurement, contracting, and operating models—self-operated or contracted—and you will mentor junior staff while pursuing development opportunities and business

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in dining services management, foodservice operations, procurement, contract administration, or advisory fields.
• At least 4 years of direct experience in dining solicitations, procurement processes, contract negotiations, and agreement management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage dining advisory projects from planning through implementation.
• Oversee the full client contract management lifecycle, including solicitation process development, schedule development, RFP drafting, and term negotiation.
• Develop and oversee deliverables such as needs assessments, operational reviews, program/service audits, and market analyses.
• Advise clients through 3rd party contract negotiations and new operating agreements.
• Serve as the primary client relationship manager on assigned engagements.
• Translate procurement and contract complexity into clear strategic recommendations.
• Coordinate dining advisory work with firmwide planning and other practice groups.
• Develop high-quality presentations and project documentation; manage multiple engagements.

Skills

Dining services management

Foodservice operations

Procurement

Contract administration

Advisory

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Brailsford & Dunlavey seeks a Senior Associate to lead dining advisory engagements for higher education clients nationwide. You will guide program planning, management solutions, and long-term performance of campus dining programs, collaborating across practice areas to deliver integrated strategies.

The role emphasizes understanding procurement, contracting, and operating models—self-operated or contracted—and you will mentor junior staff while pursuing development opportunities and business