Risevoic
New Business Development Executive
Company : Sodexo
Location : Chicago, IL, 60007
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Role Overview
Sodexo, world leader in quality-of-life services, has an exciting new opening for a New Business Development Executive within Dining/Workplace Hospitality - Mid-West Region supporting our Corporate Services Onsite Dining segment.
This is a remote-based sales role with approximately 30% travel. The ideal candidate will preferably reside in Chicago, Indianapolis, or Minneapolis within proximity to a major airport.
What You'll Do
- Target and prospect new clients for Sodexo Corporate Food Services in the Mid-West area, by researching, identifying potential manufacturing, professional services and life science clients
- Industry knowledge: understanding food service trends, client industries and competitor positioning
- Develop new business development opportunities and progress them through the sales pipeline from first introductory calls and meetings to successful contract execution
- Established Networks: Comes with strong, relevant industry and client connections that accelerate relationship-building.
- Manage proposals and RFP’s with internal and external stakeholders
- Achieve the company’s financial goals and business development growth objectives
- Create strong relationship with clients’ key decision makers and influencers
- Contribute to the team’s effort toward developing existing accounts or retention
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
- 7-10 years of sales experience within a service industry, hospitality/food service industry a plus
- Experience employing sales strategy plans, targeting and traditional prospecting techniques (phone calls, in-person meetings)
- Experience setting complex deals, including long sales processes of up to 24 months, with the stamina to see a project through to success
- Strong contract negotiation and financial acumen
- Executive presence, approach and feel; proven relationship builder at an executive level
- Highly effective organizational and self-management skills
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 Functional Experience - 7 years
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Frequently asked questions
In Chicago's competitive dining and workplace hospitality market, excelling as a New Business Development Executive means mastering client prospecting, understanding food service trends, and negotiating complex contracts. Strong networking abilities and stamina for lengthy sales cycles are crucial to thrive in this environment.
This position drives Sodexo’s growth by identifying and securing new corporate dining clients across manufacturing and life sciences sectors. Executives utilize industry insights and strategic networking to navigate lengthy sales processes, ensuring contract success and sustained business expansion.
Professionals often progress to senior business development roles or director-level positions, leveraging their executive presence and negotiation prowess. Gaining experience in managing long sales cycles and building executive relationships can open doors to leadership within hospitality and corporate services.
Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision coverage, wellness programs, and a 401(k) with matching. Remote executives also benefit from paid time off, holidays, and tuition reimbursement, supporting both professional growth and personal well-being.
Sodexo’s emphasis on quality-of-life services means executives must blend hospitality insight with strategic sales skills, handling complex, long-term deals. The role demands adaptability to diverse client industries while building influential relationships within a socially responsible corporate culture.
In Chicago, New Business Development Executives in hospitality typically earn between $85,000 and $120,000 annually, influenced by experience and education. Sodexo’s compensation also factors in sales performance and offers equitable salary structures aligned with industry standards.
Chicago’s robust corporate dining market creates steady demand for skilled business development executives who can navigate manufacturing, professional services, and life science sectors. Candidates with strong local networks and airport accessibility often have an edge in this competitive hiring landscape.
Executives focus on sustained client engagement, clear pipeline management, and maintaining executive-level relationships. Persisting through multi-year negotiations requires resilience, strategic proposal development, and agile adaptation to evolving client needs and industry trends.
Sodexo fosters inclusivity and respect, encouraging executives to bring authentic perspectives and collaborate openly. This culture supports proactive idea-sharing and builds a supportive environment that enhances client relationship-building and business growth efforts.
Proximity to major airports is vital for this remote sales role with 30% travel, facilitating efficient client visits across the Midwest. Candidates living near Chicago or other key hubs benefit from reduced commute times and greater flexibility to meet regional business development demands.