DIRECTOR OF SALES & RETENTION

Job Summary

As a key driver of CulinArt Group’s organic growth strategy, the Director of Sales & Retention plays a critical leadership role in strengthening client relationships, protecting and furthering existing business, and securing new opportunities across all CulinArt vertical markets. These include, but are not limited to, Higher Education, Independent Schools, Corporate Dining, Recreation & Leisure, and Community Living.

This role is responsible for year-round client retention, proactive client engagement, and leadership of rebid and RFP efforts during proposal periods. Additionally, the Director of Sales & Retention will support new business development where and when CulinArt self-represents, serving as a strategic sales leader and trusted advisor to both clients and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Client Retention & Relationship Strategy

· Lead enterprise-wide retention efforts by working closely with clients and operating teams to objectively assess current operations and identify opportunities for improvement, innovation, and renewal.

· Serve as a senior-level ambassador to key accounts, proactively strengthening relationships and reinforcing CulinArt’s strategic value throughout the year—not just at rebid.

· Identify and align internal resources to bring continuous innovation, program enhancements, and service differentiation to existing clients.

Sales, Rebids & Proposal Leadership

· Own and lead rebid and renewal strategies across all vertical markets, including facilitation of cross-functional strategy sessions.

· Partner with creative, marketing, culinary, and subject matter experts to develop compelling, customized proposals and/or vision plans that meet RFP or other requirements and resonate with client priorities.

· Provide both visionary direction and tactical execution for complex proposal responses.

New Business Development

· Support new business opportunities where CulinArt self-represents, including prospect engagement, sales strategy development, and proposal presentation.

· Execute the CulinArt/Compass sales process with discipline, consistency, and a focus on long-term relationship value.

Internal Leadership & Communication

· Communicate effectively and influence across the organization—vertically and horizontally—to align strategy, messaging, and execution.

· Act as a connector between sales, marketing, operations, and leadership to ensure seamless delivery of client-focused solutions.

· Represent CulinArt at industry and select non-industry events, conferences, and client forums across the country.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required.

· Minimum 5+ years of experience in sales, retention, rebids, or senior-level account management, preferably within food service, hospitality, facilities, or a related service-driven industry.

· Demonstrated track record of successfully retaining major accounts and/or winning complex new business.

· Proven experience leading high-impact proposals and responding to complex RFPs.

· Strong working knowledge of CRM systems and proposal development tools.

· Exceptional communication, presentation, and executive-level relationship management skills.

· Highly organized, self-directed, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

· Willingness and ability to travel extensively (minimum 50% nationwide travel).

· Collaborative, high-energy team player who thrives in a performance-driven, relationship-focused culture.