Director of Strategic Partnerships - Sports, Education, and B&I

REAL Food re-fined.

Director of Strategic Partnerships - Sports, Education, and B&I | Location: Boise, ID (Hybrid or Remote Eligible — N. California, Texas, and Arizona preferred)

Compensation: $100,000/yr DOE + uncapped commission | Full-Time

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm MST

Job Summary

Reporting to executive leadership, the Director of Strategic Partnerships is responsible for developing, managing, and growing high‑impact partnerships that support Thomas Cuisine’s strategic priorities, client success, and long‑term growth across the Sports Nutrition, Education, and Business & Industry (B&I) verticals. This role serves as a cross‑functional connector, building strong relationships with external partners and internal stakeholders to drive mutually beneficial outcomes, expand opportunities, and strengthen Thomas Cuisine’s market presence.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute a strategic partnerships framework aligned with company goals, growth initiatives, and client needs across Sports Nutrition, Education, and B&I.
• Identify, evaluate, and cultivate partnership opportunities that drive business development, innovation, and operational excellence across professional and collegiate athletics, K‑12/higher education, and corporate dining.
• Serve as the primary relationship owner for key partners, ensuring alignment, clear communication, and long‑term value across each vertical.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with finance, operations, culinary, marketing, and leadership to design and deliver partnership initiatives that enhance client solutions.
• Lead partnership negotiations, including agreements, scopes of work, and performance expectations, in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Monitor partnership performance using defined metrics, reporting on outcomes, risks, and improvement opportunities across segments.
• Represent Thomas Cuisine externally at industry events, meetings, and forums within Sports Nutrition, Education, and B&I.
• Stay informed on industry trends, market dynamics, and competitive insights to guide partnership strategy and growth.
• Translate partnership outcomes into actionable operational and strategic insights for internal stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience leading strategic projects, initiatives, or business operations in a complex, service‑driven organization.
• Experience supporting Sports Nutrition, Education, B&I, or adjacent regulated environments strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross‑functionally with senior leaders, operational teams, and external partners.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing timelines.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to align stakeholders and translate strategy into execution.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% based on project and business needs.
• Comfort working in a hybrid or fully remote environment.

Who You Are

People who do well on our team are service-minded and have a helpful, humble, and hungry nature.  The ideal candidate has a can-do attitude, a spirit of curiosity, a bravery to try new things, a tendency to assume best intentions, and a hunger to learn and grow.  We actively seek out team members who care deeply about the mission, passionately search for the answers to their questions, humbly lean on partners for help, tirelessly do what it takes, and reflect on their days with gratitude. 

At Thomas Cuisine, our people are purposeful. They care about food and quality and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our healthcare community.

What We Offer!

Life/Work Integration

• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Baby Bonding Leave
• Paid Elder Care Leave
• Paid Time Off (Accrued)
• Paid Holidays

Health & Wellness

• 3 Medical Plans (Blue Cross)
• Prescription, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Reimbursed Wellness Massages (Portion of cost)
• Voluntary HSA with Company Match
• Voluntary FSA
• Free Employee Assistance Program (Behavioral Health Support)
• Access to Wellness Initiatives (Fitness Memberships, etc.)

Financial Wellness

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Company-Paid Basic Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Policy
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Employee, Spouse, and/or child(ren) Life Insurance, with AD&D

Plus

• A supportive, collaborative work environment
• Opportunities for growth

Who We Are 

Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company. We advocate the healing power of whole foods and believe in preparing scratch-made cuisine fresh each day. Our people are purposeful, they care about food and quality, and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish, but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our growing community.

Our commitment to you 

At Thomas Cuisine, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and where every individual feels a sense of belonging. We know that this commitment is an ongoing journey, and we will strive to improve and adapt as we grow. Our DEIB commitment is not just a statement but a living part of our company culture.

REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships