Senior Associate (Procurement & Contracts)

Company: Brailsford and Dunlavey
Location: Costa Mesa
Posted on: February 15, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Remote Senior Associate Opening for our Dining Advisory Practice Group Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D) is seeking a Senior Associate to join our Dining Advisory Practice Group. This is a role for a professional who thrives at the intersection of strategy, procurement, and client advisory work, and who is energized by shaping high-impact outcomes for colleges and universities nationwide. The Opportunity At B&D, we lead the planning, development, and management of the places that shape and strengthen communities. Our Dining Advisory Practice Group advises higher education clients across the country on the planning, procurement, and long-term success of campus dining services and food service operating partnerships. This role is uniquely positioned within the firm and plays a critical role in advancing B&D’s management advisory work. Dining advisory assignments often integrate with broader firmwide planning efforts. In this role, the Senior Associate works closely with colleagues across B&D to develop coordinated strategies and comprehensive deliverables that align dining services with each institution’s long-term mission and vision. We are seeking a confident, highly client-facing professional who has spent time in contract-heavy environments —such as foodservice operations, consulting, procurement, or legal-adjacent roles—and is seeking more meaningful client engagement, broader strategic influence, and a healthier balance without sacrificing complexity or impact. This is a remote position within the continental United States, with the expectation that candidates reside near a major airport due to regular business travel. Preference will be given to applicants located near one of B&D’s regional offices: Washington, DC; New York City, NY; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Austin, TX; Costa Mesa or San Jose, CA. Responsibilities As a Senior Associate, you will lead and manage dining advisory engagements while serving as a trusted advisor to higher education clients. Typical responsibilities include: Lead and manage dining advisory projects, developing and overseeing key deliverables such as dining master plans, needs assessments, operational and service audits, contractor solicitation processes, financial reviews and modeling, business plans, and market analyses. Serve as the firm’s subject matter expert for dining procurement and solicitation efforts, managing the full lifecycle of contractor solicitation processes including schedule development, RFP drafting and evaluation, operating agreement and contract development, and client advising on business terms. Advise clients through planning, negotiation, and implementation of dining operating agreements, working closely with institutional leadership, legal counsel, and prospective service partners. Act as a primary client relationship manager on assigned engagements, ensuring clear communication, timely follow-through, and high-quality outcomes. Coordinate and integrate dining advisory work with broader B&D planning efforts across other practice areas to support comprehensive institutional strategies. Develop and deliver high-quality client presentations, reports, and project documentation that translate complex information into clear, actionable recommendations. Manage multiple concurrent projects, ensuring schedules, scopes, budgets, and quality expectations are met. Supervise and mentor analysts, associates, and consultants assigned to dining project teams, providing guidance, feedback, and coaching. Participate actively in B&D’s business development efforts, including proposal development, conference participation, article writing, and cultivation of new and existing client relationships. Contribute to the continued evolution of B&D’s dining advisory capabilities by improving tools, templates, methodologies, and best practices. Support firmwide research and development initiatives and participate in professional development and internal training opportunities. Requirements 7 years of professional experience in dining services consulting, foodservice operations, management consulting, procurement, or contract administration, with at least 4 years of direct experience in dining solicitations, procurement, or contract management. Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, or a related field required; legal education or training (J.D., MBA, paralegal, or similar) strongly preferred. Experience working with college or university dining operations is strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to manage complex, contract-driven advisory engagements with confidence and sound judgment. Strong understanding of legal, operational, and business terms related to dining operating agreements and procurement processes. Excellent analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills. Outstanding written, verbal, facilitation, and presentation skills. Ability to work independently while leading teams in a fast-paced, multi-project environment. Willingness to travel two or more times per month. Clear alignment with B&D’s mission, values, and collaborative approach. Demonstrated sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of individuals from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, disability, and ethnic backgrounds. What Makes B&D Different Impactful Mission Work that aligns strategy, mission, and long-term institutional impact—supporting colleges and universities as they shape meaningful campus experiences. Growth & Leadership Culture We invest deeply in our people through mentorship, coaching, and structured learning. B&D has been recognized as a Champion of Learning by the Association for Talent Development for four consecutive years. Robust Benefits 100% company-paid health, dental, and prescription coverage for employees and children, cell phone reimbursement, generous PTO, 401(k) employer contributions, paid parental leave, and more. Values-Driven Culture Entrepreneurship, collaboration, curiosity, inclusion, and an unrelenting drive for excellence guide how we work and grow together. Apply Today Our application process includes a resume, a cover letter (optional), and a few values-based questions. We’re excited to learn more about you—beyond just your resume. This role's target base annual salary range is currently $125,000-140,000. Pay scales are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, relevant education, experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate, and pay relative to other team members. The company benefits listed above are a summary of the benefits. Specific details, availability, and eligibility requirements apply in accordance with company policies. Brailsford & Dunlavey is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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