📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: STRATEGIST, STRATEGIC GROWTH & BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS (HYBRID-CHICAGO, IL)
🔹 Company: Compass Group
🔹 Location: Chicago, IL
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Business Development
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-09
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2-3 days on-site per week)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving net new sales through strategic proposal management
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver compelling proposals
- Streamlining project execution and driving process improvements
- Providing data-driven insights to support new business development
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. The ideal candidate will have experience in project management, sales operations, or business development support.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage proposal timelines, workflows, and approvals to ensure all deliverables meet client requirements and deadlines
✅ Develop and maintain detailed project plans, ensuring deadlines are met through proactive coordination and communication with stakeholders
✅ Communicate project progress, key milestones, risks, and outcomes to relevant stakeholders, providing actionable insights and recommendations
✅ Facilitate project coordination across teams, ensuring seamless execution of creative deliverables
✅ Identify process improvement opportunities and contribute to the continuous evolution of our strategic growth approach
✅ Maintain and optimize content libraries, ensuring quick access to key materials and best practices
✅ Support on-site presentations and sales meetings as needed
ASSUMPTION: This role involves managing multiple projects simultaneously, often under tight deadlines. Strong time management and organizational skills are crucial for success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: 3+ years of experience in project management, sales operations, or business development support
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects with cross-functional teams
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and project management tools; experience with Adobe InDesign is a plus
- Strong communicator with a team-first attitude and ability to collaborate across multiple departments
- A background in consulting, hospitality, or sports and entertainment is highly desirable
Preferred Skills:
- Certifications such as PMP, Lean Six Sigma, SCRUM, or Agile
- Experience with RFP processes and an understanding of sales strategy development
ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a related field is preferred, relevant experience and a strong skillset may be considered in lieu of formal education.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000 per year
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life Insurance/AD
- Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- Holiday Time Off
- Personal Leave
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Compass Group is a leading foodservice and support services company, operating in various industries including hospitality, healthcare, and education
Company Size: Compass Group USA has over 284,000 associates across the United States, making it a large employer with a significant presence in the market
Founded: Compass Group was founded in 1995 and has since grown to become a global leader in its industry
Company Description:
- Compass Group is known for its great people, great service, and great results, with a focus on delivering exceptional foodservice and support services to clients across various industries
- The company operates in over 50 states and has a reach that is constantly expanding, shaping the industry and creating new opportunities for innovation
- Compass Group is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, with a focus on attracting and developing expertise that differentiates the company as a leader in its field
Company Specialties:
- Foodservice and support services
- Hospitality, healthcare, and education sectors
- Global presence with operations in over 50 countries
Company Website: http://www.compass-usa.com/
ASSUMPTION: Compass Group's large size and extensive reach provide ample opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-level career stage, requiring several years of relevant experience but still offering opportunities for growth and advancement
Reporting Structure: The Strategist reports directly to the Director of Strategic Growth and works closely with cross-functional teams, including sales directors and subject matter experts
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with 2-3 days on-site per week, offering a balance between remote work and in-person collaboration
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to senior roles within the strategic growth and business partnerships team
- Expansion into other areas of the business, such as operations or sales management
- Career progression within the broader Compass Group organization, given its extensive reach and diverse range of services
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear path for career progression, with opportunities for growth both within the strategic growth team and across the broader organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The Chicago office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate team interaction and creativity
Office Location(s): 111 W. Monroe St., Suite 3500, Chicago, IL 60601
Geographic Context:
- Chicago is a major metropolitan area with a diverse range of industries and a strong job market
- The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and music venues
- Chicago has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters
Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and modern office space provide a balance between remote flexibility and in-person collaboration, fostering a productive work environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the strategic growth team
- Final interview with the director of strategic growth
Key Assessment Areas:
- Project management skills and experience
- Communication and collaboration abilities
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Compass Group's values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant project management experience and successes in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
- Prepare examples of your project management skills and experiences to discuss during the interview
ATS Keywords: Project Management, Sales Operations, Business Development, Proposal Management, Cross-functional Teams, Stakeholder Communication, Process Improvement, Strategic Growth
ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best candidate for the role and the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Adobe InDesign (optional)
ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies are industry-standard and widely used, with opportunities for training and support provided by the company.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Great People: Compass Group values its associates and fosters a culture of growth and development
- Great Service: The company is committed to delivering exceptional service to its clients
- Great Results: Compass Group strives for excellence in all aspects of its operations
Work Style:
- Collaborative: The role requires strong communication and teamwork skills to manage cross-functional projects
- Adaptable: The work environment may change based on project demands and client needs
- Results-driven: The role focuses on delivering high-quality proposals and driving new business development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Are you comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting tight deadlines?
- Do you have a proven track record of driving results through strategic proposal management?
ASSUMPTION: Compass Group's culture values great people, great service, and great results, with a focus on fostering a collaborative and adaptable work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require working on weekends or evenings to meet project deadlines
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously can be challenging and stressful at times
- The hybrid work arrangement may present communication and collaboration challenges
- Working in a large organization may involve navigating complex hierarchies and politics
ASSUMPTION: While this role offers many opportunities, it also presents challenges that require strong time management, communication, and adaptability skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other project management roles, this position focuses more on driving new business development through strategic proposal management
- In the hospitality industry, this role is unique in its focus on strategic growth and business partnerships
- Career progression in this role may follow a different path than in more traditional project management or business development roles
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on strategic growth and business partnerships within the hospitality industry, offering a distinct career path compared to more traditional project management or business development roles.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing a high-stakes proposal for a major sports venue, requiring coordination with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines
- Streamlining the proposal process to improve efficiency and reduce turnaround times
- Developing a strategic growth plan for a new business segment, involving market research and competitive analysis
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and challenges faced by the Strategist, Strategic Growth & Business Partnerships role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the strategic growth team?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments, such as sales and operations?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does Compass Group support the professional development and growth of its associates?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the work environment and company culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant project management experience and skills
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
- Prepare examples of your project management skills and experiences to discuss during the interview
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
