Senior Associate (Procurement & Contract Advisory)

7+ years of professional experience in: Dining services Foodservice operations Procurement Contract administration Advisory or related fields

Dining services

Foodservice operations

Procurement

Contract administration

Advisory or related fields

At least 4 years of direct experience in: Dining solicitations Procurement processes Contract negotiations Agreement management

Dining solicitations

Procurement processes

Contract negotiations

Agreement management

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Higher Education Administration, or related field required.

An advanced degree is strongly preferred, including an MBA, J.D., or paralegal or other professional legal training.

Higher education dining experience strongly preferred

Strong understanding of contract structures, business terms, operational performance metrics, and procurement strategy

Excellent writing skills, verbal communication, facilitation skills, and presentation abilities

Strong analytical and organizational capabilities

Ability to work independently while leading multiple projects

Willingness to travel two or more times per month

Alignment with B&D’s mission, values, and collaborative culture What Sets You Apart The ideal candidate will bring:

Experience leading procurement or solicitation processes from strategy through implementation

Confidence in managing direct contract negotiations

Strong stakeholder and executive-level client communication

The ability to translate technical procurement language into clear client recommendations

Strategic thinking that extends beyond contract administration into long-term partnership planning

Experience developing negotiation strategies, service models, performance metrics and implementation approaches

This may be an ideal opportunity for someone from foodservice operations, hospitality, procurement, legal-adjacent work, or advisory environments who wants broader influence, more meaningful client engagement, and the opportunity to shape institutional strategy—not just support it.

Our application process includes a resume, a cover letter (optional, but highly encouraged), and a few important questions. We’re excited to learn more about you!

This role's target base annual salary range is currently $125,000-140,000. Pay scales are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, relevant education, experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate, and pay relative to other team members.

The company benefits listed above are a summary of the benefits. Specific details, availability, and eligibility requirements apply in accordance with company policies.

Brailsford & Dunlavey is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.