Contracts Manager

Roles and responsibilities

• Source and evaluate hotel properties to identify potential partners that meet company standards and client requirements.
• Negotiate terms and conditions with hotels to secure competitive rates, special offers, and value-added services.
• Conduct market research to stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and changes in the hospitality sector.
• Analyze market data to identify opportunities for cost savings and enhanced value for the company.
• Monitor hotel performance and client satisfaction to ensure contracted services meet expectations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with hotel partners, acting as the primary point of contact for contract-related matters.
• Collaborate with hotels to address and resolve any operational or service issues.
• Work closely with the Sales and Marketing teams to understand client needs and tailor hotel offerings accordingly.
• Handle hotel-related inquiries and create ad-hoc quotations for FIT and group series.
• Prepare and maintain detailed records of all contracts, agreements, and communications with hotel partners.
• Generate regular reports on contract performance, supplier activities, and market trends for senior management.
• Provide insights and recommendations based on data analysis to support strategic decision-making.
• Ensure all hotel contracts comply with legal, ethical, and company standards.
• Address and resolve any discrepancies or issues related to contract fulfillment.

To be considered for this role, you will need:

• Degree in tourism, hospitality management, or something similar.

+5 years of work experience in a similar role.

• Understanding hotel contracting, pricing strategies for different markets, and supplier relationship management.
• Deep knowledge of the hotel ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and the surrounding region.
• Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of securing favorable terms and conditions.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to interpret market data.
• Proactive, self-motivated, highly organized, and flexible.
• Customer-centric.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ethics, compliance, and governance standards.
• Experience with global hotel chains and independent properties.
• Familiarity with legal and regulatory requirements related to hotel contracts.

Desired candidate profile

1. Contract Negotiation Skills

• Negotiation Tactics: Effectively negotiating terms and conditions that align with organizational goals while maintaining good relationships with contractors, vendors, and clients.
• Understanding of Legal Terms: Knowledge of contract language, clauses, and conditions to ensure agreements are legally sound and enforceable.
• Conflict Resolution: Addressing disagreements or disputes related to contract terms, working to find mutually beneficial solutions.

2. Legal Knowledge & Compliance

• Contract Law: In-depth understanding of contract law and legal principles that apply to the specific industry (e.g., construction law, procurement law).
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all contracts comply with local, state, and federal regulations as well as industry standards.
• Risk Management: Identifying potential legal and financial risks within contracts and mitigating those risks through appropriate clauses or amendments.

3. Project Management & Coordination

• Scheduling & Planning: Coordinating contract timelines and ensuring that the terms of the contract align with project deadlines and resource availability.
• Milestone Tracking: Monitoring the performance and delivery of contracted services or goods against set milestones and ensuring compliance with deadlines.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Working closely with various departments (legal, procurement, finance, operations) to ensure smooth contract implementation.

4. Financial Acumen

• Cost Analysis: Analyzing the financial aspects of contracts, ensuring they are cost-effective and within budget.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Managing financial obligations related to contracts, including payments, invoicing, and cost control.
• Payment Terms: Understanding payment schedules, deliverables linked to payments, and handling invoicing disputes or delays.