Strategic Planning Director

Canteen North America; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Canteen is seeking a Strategic Planning Director to develop and execute strategic partnerships that drive growth within the specialty coffee industry. This role serves as the primary liaison with manufacturing partners, industry organizations, and strategic affiliates, identifying growth opportunities and expanding CBC's customer pipeline across the coffee supply chain.

In this role you will collaborate with leadership to build long-term partnership strategies, lead cross-functional teams, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field preferred.
• 5+ years in business development or partnerships.
• Experience managing manufacturer/supplier/partner relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with key coffee manufacturers and strategic partners.
• Identify and manage partnership opportunities that generate leads and revenue growth.
• Lead cross-functional projects from opportunity identification through implementation.
• Serve as CBC's primary contact for Foodbuy and Tradecraft.
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, Marketing, and Leadership to align partnership strategies.
• Represent CBC at industry events to increase brand awareness.

Skills

Partnership development

Project management

Communication

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

CRM tools

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Sales/Hospitality/Supply Chain or related field

Tools

CRM software (e.g., Salesforce)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available

Canteen

• Pay Range: 130,000.00- 170,000.00
• Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available

Canteen brings break time to everyone. We combine food, service, and experience backed by industry-leading technology to help companies create a better workplace and connect their employees. Canteen’s solutions include markets, office coffee and snacks, unattended retail, and culinary.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their dedication, collaboration, and passion fuel our growth. Interested in joining our team? You bring the enthusiasm, customer service, and commitment; we’ll supply the opportunity and innovation. Together, we’ll continue to transform our industry.

Come for the job, stay for the career. We are Canteen.

Job Summary

Position Summary

The Strategic Planning Director develops and executes strategic partnerships that drive business growth and strengthen CBC's position within the specialty coffee industry. This role serves as the primary liaison with key manufacturing partners, industry organizations, and strategic affiliates, identifying growth opportunities, cultivating high-value relationships, and expanding CBC's customer pipeline. Working cross-functionally with leadership and external partners, this position builds long-term partnership strategies and ensures CBC remains a preferred partner throughout the coffee supply chain.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with key coffee manufacturers, strategic partners, and industry leaders.
• Identify and manage partnership opportunities that generate qualified leads and support long-term revenue growth.
• Lead collaborative projects from opportunity identification through implementation, ensuring measurable business results.
• Serve as CBC's primary contact for Foodbuy and Tradecraft, strengthening partnerships and identifying growth opportunities.
• Partner with Tradecraft leadership to position CBC as the preferred distribution and service partner.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of strategic partnership opportunities, tracking milestones and outcomes.
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, Marketing, and Executive Leadership to align partnership strategies with business objectives.
• Represent CBC at industry events, customer meetings, and partner engagements to increase brand awareness and cultivate new business relationships.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and emerging opportunities, providing recommendations that support growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, Hospitality, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, channel management, national accounts, or related roles.
• Proven success developing partnerships that drive revenue growth and business expansion.
• Experience managing manufacturer, supplier, distributor, or strategic partner relationships.
• Strong project management, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across multiple functions and leadership levels.
• Experience in specialty coffee, beverage, foodservice, distribution, hospitality, manufacturing, or CPG industries preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and CRM tools.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Ideal Candidate

A relationship-driven business development leader with a proven ability to build strategic partnerships, influence executive stakeholders, identify growth opportunities, and deliver measurable business results within coffee, foodservice, beverage, distribution, or related industries.

Associates At Canteen Are Offered Many Fantastic Benefits.

• Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_Canteen.pdf

About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Canteen maintains a drug-free workplace.

Canteen