Risevoic
Managing Sales Vice President - Higher Education (West)
Company : Sodexo
Location : Chicago, IL
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 14 January 2026
Role Overview
Are you a bold, strategic sales leader ready to make a lasting impact in the world of higher education? Sodexo is seeking a Managing Sales Vice President – Higher Education (West) to drive transformative growth, build powerful partnerships, and shape the future of campus experiences across the Western U.S.
This is your opportunity to lead with vision, inspire with purpose, and deliver results that matter. You’ll be at the forefront of Sodexo’s thriving university segment—crafting winning strategies, guiding a high-performing sales team, and securing major contracts that elevate student life and institutional success.
This is a remote role open to candidates based in the Midwest or Western United States, with 50–70% travel required. To support efficient travel and client engagement, candidates should reside near a major metropolitan airport offering direct flight access to key regional and national markets.
Incentives
Comprehensive benefit package, uncapped variable compensation, vehicle allowance, remote home office with travel opportunities.What You'll Do
Own the sales strategy for the Western region, setting direction and driving execution across culinary and facilities services
Lead and develop a top-tier sales team, fostering a culture of performance, collaboration, and innovation
Build and nurture relationships with senior decision-makers (CEO, COO, CFO) to unlock horizontal growth opportunities
Design and deliver compelling solutions based on deep client insights, financial modeling, and strategic analysis
Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, operations, and support teams to create standout proposals and presentations
Ensure sales integrity and compliance, aligning with Sodexo’s financial, HR, and legal standards
Monitor strategic plan implementation, ensuring goals are met and profitability is maximized
What We Offer
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
What You Bring
Proven success in complex, enterprise-level sales and contract negotiations
- Sales experience in the contracted services industry
Experience leading and inspiring high-performing teams
Strong financial acumen and ability to build win-win solutions
Executive presence with C-suite relationship management skills
A digital-savvy mindset and CRM proficiency
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking abilities
A passion for excellence and a drive to exceed ambitious growth targets
Who We Are
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experienceMinimum Management Experience - 10 yearsMinimum Functional Experience - 10 years
Chicago, IL
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Frequently asked questions
In this senior sales role, strategic leadership focuses on expanding partnerships with higher education institutions. By directing sales teams and negotiating complex contracts, the VP drives revenue growth and enhances campus service offerings, ultimately fostering institutional success and elevating student experiences.
Strong executive presence paired with the ability to motivate high-performing teams is crucial. The role demands strategic thinking, advanced communication skills, and the aptitude for managing C-suite relationships, all while nurturing a collaborative culture that pushes innovative sales strategies forward.
Yes, familiarity with enterprise-level contract negotiations in contracted services and a digital-savvy approach to CRM systems set this role apart. Deep understanding of financial modeling and crafting tailored solutions for academic clients is also key to excelling in this niche.
Sodexo provides an uncapped variable compensation plan, vehicle allowance, and comprehensive medical and wellness benefits. Remote work flexibility is combined with travel opportunities, supporting a balance between autonomy and active client engagement across key metropolitan hubs.
Sodexo champions diversity, inclusion, and respect, creating an environment where sales leaders can innovate freely. The company emphasizes fair treatment and open idea exchange, enabling executives to lead with authenticity while driving growth within a values-driven framework.
Chicago's vibrant higher education sector makes it a competitive landscape for senior sales executives. Demand is strong, but candidates with a proven track record in enterprise sales and ability to manage cross-functional teams tend to stand out among many qualified applicants.
Candidates should anticipate 50–70% travel, primarily via major metropolitan airports to access regional and national markets across the western U.S. Living near key airports in Chicago or the West Coast significantly facilitates efficient client visits and strategic engagement.
Salaries for this executive sales position in Chicago typically range from $180,000 to $250,000 annually, often supplemented with uncapped bonuses and vehicle allowances. Compensation reflects experience, education, and proven success in managing complex sales within the contracted services space.
This role offers pathways into executive leadership, including regional or national sales director positions. Success here can lead to broader operational leadership opportunities within Sodexo’s integrated services, particularly in sectors focused on food service and facilities management.
Absolutely, Sodexo’s approach is highly customized, focusing on educational institutions’ unique needs. The Managing Sales VP uses data-driven insights and collaborative proposal development to offer comprehensive solutions that enhance campus life, distinguishing these efforts from general sales tactics.