Remote Manager Culinary Innovation Jobs in Illinois

Salary: $60,000 - $65,000
FoodWorks is a division of Compass Group, the global leader in foodservice management and support services.
At FoodWorks,we are finding and developing relationships with the best of the culinary talent in the local market. We are a hospitality company that partners with these local restaurants and food startups, providing them with operating space in prime locations all in the name of sharing our passion for culinary excellence.
We're seeking friendly, engaging individuals who are ambitious, organized, and creative. Do you have a strong background in the foodservice industry and have a keen ability to confidently communicate your knowledge of the market with anyone?
If so, come launch your new career with FoodWorks!
Job Summary
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.
Long Description
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.
Long Description
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.
Apply to FoodWorks today!
FoodWorks is a division of Compass Group USA
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
Associates at FoodWorks are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Personal Leave
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_Eurest.pdf
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Foodworks maintains a drug-free workplace.
Req ID:1560709
Foodworks
Katie Zingsheim