CLIENT EXPERIENCE MANAGER - CHICAGO, IL - REMOTE

Client Experience Manager

We are seeking a relationship-driven Client Experience Manager to oversee and grow strategic partnerships within the Chicago, IL market. This role is responsible for identifying, recruiting, onboarding, and managing local restaurant partners, food trucks, caterers, bakers, chocolatiers, hot sauce vendors, and other minority-owned and specialty food businesses.

The Client Experience Manager serves as the primary liaison between vendor partners, site managers, and clients, ensuring a seamless experience from partner recruitment through event execution. This individual will be responsible for building long-term relationships, expanding local vendor networks, coordinating special events, and driving exceptional client satisfaction.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys networking and business development, and has a passion for supporting local businesses while delivering outstanding customer service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and manage the vendor partnership strategy within the assigned local market.
• Identify, recruit, and onboard new restaurant, food truck, retail, and specialty food partners.
• Establish strong relationships with local minority-owned and emerging businesses to diversify vendor offerings.
• Manage the full onboarding process, including contracts, compliance documentation, insurance requirements, and partner setup.
• Coordinate scheduling and programming between restaurant partners and client locations.
• Plan and execute special events, pop-ups, activations, and promotional opportunities with vendor partners.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with site managers and operational teams to ensure successful partner integration.
• Provide a high level of customer service and communication to clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Evaluate existing accounts and identify opportunities to enhance food and retail offerings.
• Maintain accurate records, reporting, and data entry related to partner activities, contracts, and events.
• Analyze market trends, vendor performance, and client feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Conduct business reviews and present recommendations to clients and leadership teams.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and coordinate internal resources to ensure timely resolution.
• Serve as the primary liaison between clients, vendors, and company leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associate's degree preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in client management, account management, hospitality, food service, vendor relations, business development, event management, or a related field.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships with clients and business partners.
• Experience recruiting, managing, or supporting vendor partnerships is highly preferred.
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to analyze and communicate business performance data.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment while maintaining strong collaboration with internal teams.
• Willingness to travel 25%+, including local market visits and occasional domestic travel.

Preferred Background:

• Hospitality, food service, catering, restaurant operations, retail partnerships, vendor management, community engagement, or event planning experience.
• Experience working with local businesses, food entrepreneurs, and diverse supplier networks.
• Passion for supporting local communities and building mutually beneficial business partnerships.