Strategic Planning Director

Job Summary

Position Summary
The Strategic Planning Director develops and executes strategic partnerships that drive business growth and strengthen CBC's position within the specialty coffee industry. This role serves as the primary liaison with key manufacturing partners, industry organizations, and strategic affiliates, identifying growth opportunities, cultivating high-value relationships, and expanding CBC's customer pipeline. Working cross-functionally with leadership and external partners, this position builds long-term partnership strategies and ensures CBC remains a preferred partner throughout the coffee supply chain.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with key coffee manufacturers, strategic partners, and industry leaders.
• Identify and manage partnership opportunities that generate qualified leads and support long-term revenue growth.
• Lead collaborative projects from opportunity identification through implementation, ensuring measurable business results.
• Serve as CBC's primary contact for Foodbuy and Tradecraft, strengthening partnerships and identifying growth opportunities.
• Partner with Tradecraft leadership to position CBC as the preferred distribution and service partner.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of strategic partnership opportunities, tracking milestones and outcomes.
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, Marketing, and Executive Leadership to align partnership strategies with business objectives.
• Represent CBC at industry events, customer meetings, and partner engagements to increase brand awareness and cultivate new business relationships.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and emerging opportunities, providing recommendations that support growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, Hospitality, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, channel management, national accounts, or related roles.
• Proven success developing partnerships that drive revenue growth and business expansion.
• Experience managing manufacturer, supplier, distributor, or strategic partner relationships.
• Strong project management, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across multiple functions and leadership levels.
• Experience in specialty coffee, beverage, foodservice, distribution, hospitality, manufacturing, or CPG industries preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and CRM tools.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Ideal Candidate
A relationship-driven business development leader with a proven ability to build strategic partnerships, influence executive stakeholders, identify growth opportunities, and deliver measurable business results within coffee, foodservice, beverage, distribution, or related industries.