Director of Joint Ventures-Chicago Metro Area

Overview

MUST LIVE IN OR NEAR CHICAGO METRO AREA

The Director of Joint Ventures (DJV) supports multiple accounts in partnership with Compass Group, serving as a key liaison between the organization, clients, and customers. Reporting to the Sr. Vice President of Joint Ventures, this role plays a highly visible, client-facing position requiring strong presentation skills and executive-level communication.

This position partners closely with senior leadership, clients, and operational teams to strengthen relationships, support contract retention, and identify growth opportunities. The DJV leverages operational expertise to support training initiatives, enhance client satisfaction, and advance key programs, including diversity and inclusion strategies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison between clients, customers, and internal teams to drive satisfaction and retention
• Deliver impactful presentations to clients and senior leadership, including business reviews (QBRs) and strategic updates
• Support contract retention, client relations, and diversity initiatives
• Identify new business opportunities and contribute to sales and growth strategies
• Monitor operational performance and maintain P&L accountability, presenting insights and recommendations
• Support budgeting, cost management, and financial planning
• Assist with new account openings and large-scale catering/events execution
• Partner with leadership to align business strategies and improve performance
• Manage multiple priorities independently while traveling as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in hospitality, food service, or operations management
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to confidently engage and influence clients, customers, and senior leadership
• Excellent communication skills, including executive-level oral presentation and professional business writing
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships, with a focus on customer satisfaction and retention
• Experience collaborating with senior management to align business strategies and deliver solutions
• Financial acumen, including knowledge of basic economic and accounting principles and P&L management
• Experience in operations and food service management preferred
• Knowledge of dietary and nutritional standards is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, travel as needed, and effectively prioritize multiple responsibilities

Benefits

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k), matched up to 4%
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Pet Insurance
• Discounts: Hotels, Travel, Tickets, Restaurants
• Employees and their relatives are eligible for a discounted meal plan at any of our HBCU client locations while they are attending school

Who We Are

Thompson Hospitality is one of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by over 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more:

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

#J-18808-Ljbffr