DIRECTOR OF AI STRATEGY, PARTNERSHIPS (HYBRID- CHARLOTTE, NC)

Compass Group•Charlotte, NC

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are CDAI—the data and artificial intelligence engine of Compass Group North America. We design and deliver custom, in-house solutions tailored to the unique complexities of food service and hospitality. Our work is grounded in strong data foundations, layered with AI to enhance forecasting, streamline operations, and enable better, faster decision-making across Compass Group. With deep integration into the business and a commitment to white-glove service, CDAI empowers associates, clients, and customers through innovative, future-forward technologies.Role OverviewThe Director of AI Strategy, Partnerships is a senior leadership role responsible for designing, managing, and scaling partnerships that fuel growth and strategic impact. This role is both externally and internally facing: externally leading negotiations and relationship management with key partners, and internally aligning cross-functional teams to maximize partnership value and integration. You’ll play a critical role in advancing Compass Data & AI’s market position and strategic objectives.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in strategic partnerships, business development, alliance management, or similar roles—with a track record of leading high-value deals and engagements.
Demonstrated ability to manage and influence senior internal and external stakeholders; experience navigating complex organizational structures.
Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills; comfortable structuring contracts, setting terms, and delivering mutual value.
Experience working with data, analytics, software platforms, or technical ecosystems is highly desirable.
Excellent strategic thinking, analytical skills, and ability to translate strategy into action.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; ability to present to C-suite and build trust across diverse stakeholders.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-moving environment, and to drive outcomes through ambiguity.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the AI / data analytics / SaaS ecosystem.
Experience managing a team of partnerships professionals.
International partnership experience, managing multi-region or cross-border deals.
Working knowledge of legal/contractual frameworks, partner economics, and commercial models.
MBA or equivalent advanced degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

Identify, evaluate, and pursue strategic partnership opportunities internally (across Compass Group), as well as externally. including technology alliances, 3rd party relationships, channel/integration partners, and co-innovation ventures.
Lead deal structuring, negotiations, contract development, and execution of partnership agreements.
Build and maintain senior-level relationships with partner organizations, ensuring ongoing engagement, mutual value creation, and performance alignment.
Monitor market trends and competitive landscape to identify new partner ecosystems and emerging opportunities aligned with our strategy.
Act as the liaison between partner organizations and internal stakeholders across key sectors to ensure partnership initiatives are prioritized, resourced, and integrated.
Translate partnership objectives into internal roadmaps, deliverables, responsibilities, and governance frameworks.Drive cross-functional alignment and stakeholder engagement to realize the benefits of partnerships, ensuring resources, timelines, and milestones are executed.
Provide regular reporting to senior leadership on partnership performance, strategic value, risks, and opportunities for optimization.
Define the partnership strategy in alignment with Compass Data & AI’s growth objectives, enterprise needs, and market trends.
Develop KPIs and frameworks to assess partner performance, value creation, ROI, and strategic alignment.
Collaborate with broader leadership on go-to-market initiatives, ecosystem development, and strategic innovation.