Manager, Contracts Administration (Hybrid)

RLJ Lodging Trust; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 115,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

RLJ Lodging Trust seeks a Manager of Contracts Administration to oversee contract life cycles for capital projects and collaboration with Design & Construction and RLJ stakeholders. The role requires 5+ years in real estate, 3+ years in contract administration, and proficiency in enterprise systems. Onsite in Bethesda, four days a week with one remote day.

The position offers a base salary of $115,000–$125,000 and eligibility for a performance-based bonus. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5+ years in real estate industry preferred; 3+ years in contract administration in real estate, construction, or procurement.
• REIT experience preferred; onsite Bethesda role four days a week with one remote day.

Responsibilities

• Oversee contract administration for capital projects from preparation to execution with D&C and RLJ reps.
• Identify contractual risk and propose mitigation to reduce company exposure.
• Ensure contract compliance and coordinate reviews with legal counsel.
• Review change orders and invoices; ensure data integrity in systems.
• Lead training for internal/external stakeholders on capital expenditure processes.

Skills

Contract compliance

MS Excel

MS Word

MS PowerPoint

MS Project

Data analysis

Interpersonal skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

e-Builder

Yardi Voyager

Budgeting software

Job description

The Manager of Contracts Administration is responsible for overseeing the life cycle of contracts that support the Design and Construction department and other internal and external stakeholders for a real estate investment trust with an investment portfolio of more than 95 hotel assets. Core functions include contract management, processes management, corporate compliance, and enterprise information systems administration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the contract administration for all capital projects including preparation oversite, contract review and negotiation, and contract execution with collaboration with D&C team members and RLJ representatives.
• Identify contractual risk and recommend solutions to mitigate company exposure.
• Ensure contract compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and risk management standards.
• Coordinate contract review with internal legal counsel and outside counsel as needed.
• Oversee the review and processing of contract change orders and invoices with collaboration of internal and external parties.
• Review invoices in accordance with procedures and the approval policy.
• Be a Trimble and Yardi system “Super User,” which includes inputting data, troubleshooting, and maintaining data integrity.
• Continuously improve contract management process and internal procedures for efficiency.
• Assist with enterprise capital expenditure budget monitoring with contract and change order execution.
• Lead in process training of internal and external stakeholders to include 3rd party project managers and property management entities in relation to renovation and maintenance capital expenditure processes.

Skills and Requirements:

• Proficiency in managing corporate and contract compliance. Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project and other industry related software systems.
• Proficiency with e-Builder and Yardi Voyager Software or other enterprise accounting/project management systems.
• Proficiency in developing budgets and financial modeling tools.
• Excellent analytical abilities.
• Experience leading project teams on complex projects.
• Proficiency in enterprise content management strategies.
• Good judgment and the business acumen to make well-reasoned decisions with respect to matters arising on a day-to-day basis.
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and results driven.
• Skilled professional with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as either a team player or independently, in a fast-paced environment while prioritizing projects to ensure timely deliverables.
• Ability to interface with legal, finance, hotel management, and construction and development professionals at all levels.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• 5+ years of real estate industry experience preferred
• 4+ years of lodging industry experience a plus
• 3+ years of contract administration experience in a real estate, construction or procurement environment a must
• REIT experience preferred
• Position is based in Bethesda, MD
• Onsite in the office four days a week, with one designated remote workday

Compensation:

• Base Salary Range: $115,000 - $125,000
• Eligible for a performance-based bonus

Actual compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

RLJ Lodging Trust is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.