Strategic Higher-Ed Business Development Director

Elior Group; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

UNUM coverage (Accident, Critical Illn

Hospital Indemnity

Employee Discount Program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

401(k)

Paid Sick Time

9 Paid Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Elior Collegiate Dining is seeking a Director of Business Development to drive new client partnerships in the Midwest, spanning Chicago and Minneapolis. This hunter role focuses on building pipeline from scratch, prospecting, and winning new Higher Education contracts.

You will train and lead opportunities through a consultative sales cycle, engaging senior university leaders and executives, with travel typical at 60–75% to meet prospects and attend industry events.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of successful new business development in hunter sales.
• Ability to cold call, network, research prospects, and create opportunities.
• Experience managing complex, consultative sales cycles from outreach to close.
• Experience selling contract services or other B2B solutions.
• Experience with RFPs, proposals, and competitive bid processes.
• Ability to present to senior-level decision-makers and executives.
• Strong pipeline management, forecasting, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Proficient with CRM platforms and Microsoft Office tools.
• Ability to travel 60–75% as required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic sales plan to win Higher Education business.
• Build and maintain your own pipeline through prospecting and networking.
• Identify prospective clients and develop relationships with key decision-makers.
• Own opportunities through full sales cycle from qualification to close.
• Navigate long sales cycles and maintain momentum with prospects.
• Lead and coordinate RFP and proposal processes.
• Collaborate with Operations, Finance, and other stakeholders to craft client solutions.
• Represent Elior Collegiate Dining at industry events and with potential clients.
• Maintain accurate CRM data and monitor market trends.

Skills

Hunter sales

Prospecting

Cold calling

Relationship building

Forecasting

CRM proficiency

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM software

Outlook

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Elior Collegiate Dining is seeking a Director of Business Development to drive new client partnerships in the Midwest, spanning Chicago and Minneapolis. This hunter role focuses on building pipeline from scratch, prospecting, and winning new Higher Education contracts.

You will train and lead opportunities through a consultative sales cycle, engaging senior university leaders and executives, with travel typical at 60–75% to meet prospects and attend industry events.