Director, Strategic Client & Vendor Partnerships

Director, Strategic Client & Vendor Partnerships
Location: Remote
Travel: Approximately 50% (field-based)
Salary Range: $150- $175k
Reporting To: Chief Operating Officer

Position Overview

The Director, Strategic Client & Vendor Partnerships is responsible for managing and strengthening relationships across Blind entrepreneurs, state programs and Sodexo leadership. This role ensures consistent implementation, operational excellence, and alignment of program standards across approximately 46 entrepreneur locations.

Serving as the key liaison, this individual will proactively support Blind entrepreneurs, drive collaboration, resolve issues, and ensure any program enhancements or changes are thoughtfully coordinated across all stakeholders in a government contracting environment governed in part by the Randolph-Sheppard Act.

Key Responsibilities

• Relationship Management & Stakeholder Engagement
• Serve as the primary liaison between blind entrepreneurs, Sodexo Leadership , state partners (including the State of Colorado)
• Build trusted, collaborative relationships with approximately 22 blind entrepreneurs within the assigned east and west region
• Partner closely with Sodexo operational leaders to ensure alignment, communication, and program success
• Represent the field perspective in discussions with the prime vendor and state leadership
• Navigate stakeholder relationships within the framework of federal contracting and Randolph-Sheppard program requirements

Program Oversight & Consistency

• Ensure consistent execution of program standards, policies, and operational expectations across all entrepreneur locations
• Monitor program performance and identify opportunities to improve operational effectiveness and client satisfaction
• Drive alignment across all entrepreneurs to ensure a unified approach to service delivery
• Ensure program adherence to applicable government contracting requirements and Randolph-Sheppard Act provisions

Entrepreneur Support & Development

• Train, coach, and support blind entrepreneurs in program execution, operations, compliance, and best practices
• Provide ongoing guidance to help entrepreneurs optimize performance and navigate operational challenges
• Ensure entrepreneurs understand and adhere to contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, and program standards
• Issue Resolution & Change Management
• Act as the central point for identifying, assessing, and resolving entrepreneur-related issues
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration by bringing together all relevant stakeholders before implementing changes
• Evaluate entrepreneur-proposed changes and coordinate discussions with Sodexo and other partners prior to execution
• Ensure thoughtful, structured implementation of any approved changes

Field Presence

• Maintain a strong and visible presence in the field through regular site visits
• Conduct assessments, provide hands-on support, and build in-person relationships
• Ensure real-time awareness of operational conditions and entrepreneur needs

Qualifications

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience, ideally in multi-unit operations, client relationship management, or contract services
• Experience working with government contracts and large-scale service programs required
• Working knowledge of the Randolph-Sheppard Act and its application within federal and military contracting environments strongly preferred
• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders across different organizations and geographies
• Experience working with or supporting blind entrepreneur programs or similar initiatives is a plus

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence without direct authority
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Strategic thinking combined with strong operational execution
• Proven ability to manage conflict, drive alignment, and resolve complex issues
• High level of organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently in a highly field-based role
• Strong understanding of regulatory environments and compliance requirements within government contracting

Additional Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 50% of the time
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, multi-state, multi-stakeholder environment