Job Reference Number: 34097
Employment Type: Full-Time, Remote
Segment: Corrections
Brand: Summit
State: South Dakota (US-SD)
Job Title: Business Development Specialist
Position Overview
The Business Development Specialist plays a critical role in supporting Summit Food Service’s business development efforts. This position serves as a central hub for managing RFPs, FOIA requests, CRM administration, and sales support functions. The Specialist works closely with Business Development Directors (BDDs) and cross-functional departments to coordinate proposal responses, maintain systems, and streamline communication, ensuring efficient and high-quality business development operations.
Key Responsibilities
Proposal & Sales Support
Assist in drafting, formatting, and editing proposals, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and brand consistency.
Develop first drafts of proposal responses and coordinate reviews with internal stakeholders, including legal and compliance teams.
Summarize RFPs for internal distribution with clear call-outs of departmental responsibilities.
Set up and facilitate proposal-related calls, timelines, and task assignments.
Maintain and organize a proposal repository for reference and reuse.
Provide inside sales support, including scheduling appointments for BDDs and assisting in client engagement activities.
Support contracting processes by facilitating calls, coordinating feedback, and gathering required documentation (e.g., exceptions, bond requirements, contract drafts).
Extract and organize relevant sections from proposals to support contract negotiations and finalization.
Operational Support
Manage the sales email inbox, including distributing RFP notices, addenda, and general inquiries to the appropriate contacts.
Manage agency and bid service registrations, including updates, password resets, and two-step authentication support.
Direct general inquiries received from the website to the appropriate point of contact.
FOIA Management
Submit FOIA requests as directed by BDDs and other stakeholders for proactive and post-award reviews.
Coordinate payments for FOIA invoices (check or credit card).
Organize FOIA documents and distribute them to BDDs and other relevant stakeholders.
CRM Administration
Serve as a CRM super user, assisting BDDs with issues, updates, and reporting needs.
Support monthly update calls with BDDs by reviewing CRM activity.
Generate CRM reports and assist with data tracking as requested.
Maintain accurate records of FOIA updates and related activities within CRM.
Qualifications & Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field preferred.
3+ years of experience in proposal coordination, business development support, or sales operations.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, for proposal formatting and design.
Strong writing, editing, and summarization skills with attention to detail.
Excellent organizational and project management abilities; able to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
Proficiency with CRM platforms; prior experience as a system administrator or super user a plus.
Strong communication and collaboration skills; comfortable working across departments and with senior leadership.
Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and take initiative.
Any Job Assigned by the SVP of Growth, President or above
About Summit:
Focused on serving correctional institutions, Summit ensures that incarcerated people across the United States have access to delicious, healthy food at each meal. Working with Summit, you will have the opportunity to aid in this process and provide inmates with vital social interaction at mealtimes.
About Elior North America:
Elior North America is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. We take pride in supporting the development of our employees and their skills at all levels and in fostering an environment of growth.
At Elior North America, we are committed to offering growth and advancement opportunities for all of our employees. The valuable skills and experience you’ve gained with Elior will propel you further in your career, whether with our corporate office or one of our brand segments.
Disclaimer: This job description can be revised by management as needed.