Director - Business Development, Southeast, Collegiate

Job Description

The Director of Business Development – Collegiate, South is responsible for identifying, securing, and cultivating new business opportunities within a designated market or region. This position will lead the strategy and execution of new client acquisition, targeting both prospective clients and verticals aligned with our strategic growth goals. They will work closely with internal teams—including marketing, operations, and finance—to design and deliver tailored solutions that meet the needs of prospective clients, while ensuring alignment with the company's broader business objectives.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated and results-driven business development leader with a proven track record of generating new business, closing high-value deals, and building long-term relationships with key decision-makers at target organizations. Success in this role requires a combination of strategic thinking, strong negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the market landscape.

Job Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• New Business Acquisition: Lead the identification, qualification, and development of new business opportunities. Build and manage a pipeline of potential clients across multiple verticals, ensuring sustained business growth.
• Market Research & Strategy: Conduct in-depth market research to identify trends, emerging opportunities, and gaps in the marketplace. Develop targeted outreach and marketing strategies to position the company as a solution provider.
• Client Relationship Development: Establish and cultivate relationships with senior executives and key decision-makers within prospect campuses. Present customized solutions and clearly communicate the value proposition to prospective clients.
• Sales Strategy & Execution: Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy to meet or exceed revenue and growth targets. Lead the sales process from lead generation to proposal development, negotiation, and final contract execution.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with operations, marketing, legal, and finance teams to ensure smooth transitions from business development to account management and service delivery.
• Proposal & Contract Negotiation: Lead the development of proposals, RFP responses, and presentations to prospective clients. Negotiate contracts and terms to maximize value for the company while addressing client needs.
• Pipeline Management & Reporting: Maintain accurate forecasting and reporting of sales activities, opportunities, and outcomes. Utilize CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce) to track prospects and sales progress, providing senior leadership with regular updates on pipeline health and revenue forecasts.
• Networking & Brand Building: Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and networking functions to build brand awareness, create partnerships, and identify new business opportunities.
• Client Feedback & Continuous Improvement: Gather feedback from prospects and clients to inform product development, service offerings, and sales strategies. Continuously improve the sales approach based on market feedback and performance analysis.

Key Competencies

• Strong Sales Acumen: Proven ability to drive revenue growth through new client acquisition and sales strategy development.
• Market & Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of industry trends, competitors, and the needs of prospective clients.
• Negotiation & Closing Skills: Exceptional ability to negotiate and close complex deals that result in long-term partnerships.
• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with C-level executives and key stakeholders.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and creatively to identify business opportunities and develop tailored solutions.
• Results-Oriented: Demonstrated success in achieving and exceeding sales targets and driving business growth.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Ability to lead cross-functional teams and work collaboratively to achieve business goals.
• Tech-Savvy: Proficiency with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce), Microsoft Office Suite, and other business development technologies.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in business, marketing, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in business development, sales, or a related field with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of driving new business growth in a competitive environment.
• Strong understanding of sales processes, account management, and client relationship development.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Experience managing long sales cycles and complex deals.

Education

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.