Remote Associate Culinary Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Partner Advocate 
Location: Remote (United States)

Travel: Approximately 25% travel, based on business needs, market launches, partner activations, and client opportunities

Reports To: Sr. Director of Partner Engagement & QA

Position Summary:
The Foodworks Partner Advocate is responsible for the strategic sourcing, recruitment, onboarding, and activation of restaurant partners across the United States. This role focuses on identifying and developing relationships with iconic & independent restaurants, food trucks, caterers, bakeries, ghost kitchens, specialty food providers, and emerging culinary concepts that align with the Foodworks brand and client experience objectives.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven professional with strong business development, hospitality, and operational skills who can successfully build and maintain a pipeline of qualified partners while supporting new market launches, account mobilizations, and ongoing partner growth initiatives.

This position plays a critical role in expanding Foodworks' national network of local culinary partners and ensuring a seamless onboarding experience from initial recruitment through operational launch and long-term success.

Key Responsibilities
Partner Recruitment & Business Development
   Identify, source, and recruit new restaurant, catering, food truck, bakery, ghost kitchen, and specialty food partners across the United States.
   Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective partners to support existing business needs and future growth opportunities.
   Conduct market research to identify high-quality local dining concepts and emerging culinary brands.
   Build strong relationships with restaurant owners, operators, chefs, and decision-makers.
   Present the Foodworks value proposition and partnership opportunities to prospective partners.
   Support strategic initiatives focused on expanding the Foodworks partner network and "iconic partner" recruitment efforts. 
Partner Onboarding & Activation
   Manage the onboarding process from initial commitment through operational launch.
   Coordinate collection and verification of all required onboarding documentation.
   Collaborate with Foodworks, Foodbuy, Operations, Finance, and Implementation teams to ensure successful partner setup.
   Track onboarding progress and proactively resolve issues that could delay activation.
   Ensure all partners understand Foodworks operational standards, expectations, and program requirements.
   Support training and onboarding calls as needed.
Documentation & Compliance Management
   Collect, organize, and maintain all onboarding assets and compliance documentation, including: 
o    Contracts and agreements
o    W-9 forms
o    Certificates of Insurance
o    Business licenses
o    Health permits
o    Food safety certifications
o    Menus, logos, and marketing assets
o    Required local permits and certifications
   Maintain accurate onboarding records and partner files. 
Market Launch & New Business Support
   Support Foodworks market launches, grand openings, mobilizations, and ramp-ups for new client accounts.
   Work closely with Operations and Business Development teams to ensure sufficient partner coverage in new markets.
   Conduct local market visits and partner meetings prior to launch.
   Assist with partner scheduling, activation planning, and launch support activities.
   Travel to key markets to support customer openings and partner activation when required.
Relationship Management
   Serve as the primary point of contact for newly recruited partners during onboarding.
   Foster long-term partnerships that drive retention and growth.
   Monitor partner engagement and identify opportunities for increased participation across Foodworks programs through Foodworks Cares.
   Support issue resolution and partner communication to ensure positive experiences.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
   Partner with Operations, Culinary, Sales, Finance, Marketing, and Implementation teams to support growth initiatives.
   Participate in client presentations, market reviews, and strategic growth discussions when appropriate.
   Support Foodworks initiatives designed to enhance partner experiences and expand service offerings.

Qualifications:
Required
   Associates degree or equivalent work experience.
   3-7+ years of experience in hospitality, restaurant operations, foodservice business development, vendor management, recruiting, franchise development, catering sales, or related fields.
   Strong relationship-building and networking skills.
   Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
   Excellent communication and presentation skills.
   Ability to work independently in a remote environment.
   Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM/database management.
Preferred
   Experience working with restaurants, food trucks, catering companies, or hospitality operators.
   Understanding of vendor onboarding, food safety requirements, and compliance documentation.
   Experience supporting new market launches or operational mobilizations.
   Knowledge of Compass Group, Foodworks, Foodbuy, or contract foodservice operations.
Success Measures
   New partner recruitment and activation volume.
   Speed and completion rate of onboarding.
   Quality and compliance of onboarding documentation.
   Partner retention and engagement.
   Support of successful market launches and new account mobilizations.
   Growth of Foodworks partner network across targeted markets.
Physical Requirements
   Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and or as needed.
   Ability to attend industry events, client meetings, partner visits, and market activations as required.