Director of Contract Management

Job Description: Director of Contract Management

Position Title: Director of Contract Management

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Position Overview

The Director of Contract Management will oversee the full lifecycle of contracts across the hospitality portfolio, including management agreements, vendor contracts, service provider agreements, and brand/franchise agreements. This role ensures that all contracts support property performance, mitigate financial and legal risk, and align with ownership and brand standards. The Director will partner closely with hotel leadership, operations, procurement, legal, and finance teams to safeguard the company’s interests while enabling operational efficiency and guest service excellence. The Director will also provide quarterly updates to the DK HRIH Holdings Board regarding contracts, leases, amendments, and letters of intent on behalf of the entity.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the review, negotiation, and execution of contracts related to hotel operations, including management agreements, vendor and supplier agreements, franchise/brand agreements, service contracts (IT, F&B, housekeeping, etc.), and project/construction management contracts.
• Develop and standardize contract policies, processes, and templates to ensure consistency and efficiency across the portfolio.
• Partner with hotel GMs, Directors of Operations, and ownership to evaluate contractual needs and ensure agreements align with financial and operational goals.
• Negotiate business terms with vendors and service providers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and service standards.
• Ensure compliance with corporate, brand, and regulatory requirements, including ADA, OSHA, food safety laws, and other applicable regulations.
• Maintain a centralized contract management database, monitoring key dates (renewals, expirations, terminations) and ensuring timely follow-up.
• Manage non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), particularly related to transactions, ensuring proper execution and compliance.
• Provide guidance and training to property leaders and regional teams on contract obligations and best practices.
• Evaluate vendor and contractor performance and enforce compliance with service-level agreements and construction/project management standards.
• Prepare and present regular reporting to executive leadership on contract portfolio performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Provide quarterly updates to the DK HRIH Holdings Board regarding contracts, leases, amendments, and letters of intent on behalf of the entity.
• Mentor and oversee contract administrators or specialists (if applicable).
• Participate in risk management activities up to and including:
• Coordinating and administering discovery requests associated with insurance claims and lawsuits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Legal Studies, or related field.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in contract management, legal, procurement, or related roles, preferably within the hospitality industry.
• Strong knowledge of hospitality operations, vendor relationships, and brand/franchise contracts.
• Proven experience negotiating high-value and complex agreements, including construction/project management contracts.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with contract management systems/software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to build cross-functional relationships.

Key Competencies

• Strong negotiation skills with a hospitality service mindset.
• Ability to balance operational needs with risk management.
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to manage a high volume of contracts simultaneously.
• Collaborative, solutions-focused approach.
• High integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Knowledgeable in regulatory compliance and able to ensure adherence across multiple properties and projects.
• Ability to draft revisions to contract terms and riders proposed by potential contractors in line with the best interest of HRIH.