Director of Business Strategy & Client Relations

Job Summary

Restaurant Associates seeks a dynamic candidate, who has an outstanding background in contract services hospitality management with proven ability in cultivating client Engagement and retention.   Reporting to the COO, from R/A’s  NYC Corporate office location, The Director of Business Strategy & Client Relations is responsible for driving client satisfaction, retention, and business growth.  This role combines client relations, business development, and innovative thinking to deliver exceptional service and value our Premier Clients.

Responsibilities:

This is an outstanding opportunity to take part in shaping RA’s best –in-class hospitality and culture of CARE that allows our associates to do their best for each other and in turn the very best for our premier clients.

The business Savvy candidate will be working closely with Divisional Business Leadership and teams, ensuring high standards, building strong client relationships, and identifying opportunities to enhance offerings through market insights and trends. Additionally, the Director of Business Strategy & Client Relations supports new business proposals to attract potential clients, hosts regional training sessions for operational excellence, and contributes to R&D efforts to keep services ahead of market expectations.

Key Drivers

Client Engagement: Cultivate strong client relationships through site visits, QBR’s and ongoing engagement, acting as an additional contact to address concerns and support resolutions. ; Organize and manage annual client expos, showcasing the latest trends and developments in hospitality to engage and inspire clients.

Portfolio Management: Coordinate and support in managing client relations and retention portfolios, focusing on strategies that emphasize quality, service, innovation, and value.

Retention & New Business: Support rebid, contract renewal processes and new business RFPs, ensuring proposals and proformas meet both client needs and company objectives.

Quarterly Business Reviews: Ensure regular QBRs are conducted to provide clients with performance updates, gather feedback, and explore new partnership opportunities.

Evaluation Planning: Develop and implement evaluation plans for accounts nearing contract expiration, focusing on key areas for improvement to enhance retention potential.

Strategic Collaboration: Partner with Operations, Finance, Marketing, Culinary, and Wellness teams to develop comprehensive retention plans that include operational, financial, relationship, proposal, and rebid strategies.

Research & Development: Conduct in-depth market and industry research to identify new trends and innovative service concepts. Collaborate with culinary, marketing, and wellness to stay ahead of industry trends, developing forward-thinking programs and services that anticipate client and consumer preferences

Regional Trainings: Host regular regional training sessions, guiding operators on best practices for maintaining and strengthening client relationships, and delivering exceptional service in line with company standards.

Key Competencies

Strong Communication & Listening skills, Creative Thinker & effective Problem Solver, Relationship builder, Collaborates and interacts effectively across various Stakeholders, Processes Genuine Hospitality Aptitude, Sales and Marketing Knowledge, and Familiarity with the industry and market trends is essential for providing relevant and effective solutions. 

•    BA or BS degree required
•    Previous district-level management experience required in a multi-branded food service management or retail-food service organization
•    Demonstrated success with multiple client interfaces at all levels of the organization. Strategic thinking, Proposal, and proforma experience required
•    Able to read and interpret financial data
•    Excellent verbal and written skills and the ability to negotiate contracts, and understands WITY.
•    Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite