Senior Dining Advisory & Procurement Lead

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. is seeking a strategic, client-facing Associate to lead dining advisory projects for colleges and universities, guiding procurement and dining program decisions.

This remote role within the continental United States requires travel and collaboration with campuses, vendors, and internal teams. You will manage projects from planning through implementation, negotiate contracts, analyze terms, and develop clear recommendations for clients.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in dining services, 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.
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• Advanced degree preferred (MBA, J.D., or paralegal or other professional legal training).
• Higher education dining experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of contract structures, business terms, performance metrics, and procurement strategy.
• Excellent writing skills, verbal communication, facilitation, and presentation abilities.
• Willingness to travel two or more times per month.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage dining advisory projects from planning through implementation.
• Manage the full procurement lifecycle, including schedule development, RFP drafting, and evaluation.
• Advise clients through contract negotiations and implementation of new operating agreements.
• Serve as the primary client relationship manager on assigned engagements.
• Translate procurement and contract complexity into clear client recommendations.
• Coordinate dining advisory work with broader firmwide planning efforts across multiple practice areas.
• Develop high‑quality presentations, reports, and project documentation.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff across project teams.
• Contribute to business development through proposal development and thought leadership.

Skills

Client relationship management

Negotiation

Procurement processes

Contract administration

Project leadership

Strategic thinking

Travel readiness

Education sector experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Higher Education Administration, or related field

MBA or J.D. or equivalent advanced degree preferred

Job description

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. is seeking a strategic, client-facing Associate to lead dining advisory projects for colleges and universities, guiding procurement and dining program decisions.

This remote role within the continental United States requires travel and collaboration with campuses, vendors, and internal teams. You will manage projects from planning through implementation, negotiate contracts, analyze terms, and develop clear recommendations for clients.