The Director manages and strengthens relationships with blind entrepreneurs, state programs, and Sodexo leadership to ensure operational excellence across 46 locations. This role acts as a key liaison to drive program alignment, resolve issues, and provide coaching within a government contracting framework.
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
#IND
Qualifications
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
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