Contracts Director

Job Description Salute Hospitality delivers dining solutions for the military. American owned and mission ready, we support service members, families, and base communities each day, with wellness built into everything we do: menus designed for strength, energy, and endurance, from chefs who treat every meal as part of the job. Capability Built. Mission Ready. Here for the Full Journey. The Director, Contracts is responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of federal government contracts across Aramark?s Salute program ? our military and defense food service brand operating across U.S. military installations nationwide. From initial proposal through final closeout, this role ensures compliance with federal regulations, Aramark policies, and contract terms while managing performance, mitigating risk, and resolving issues as they arise. This position serves as the internal go-to expert on federal contracting, providing in-depth guidance and support across multiple accounts and divisions within Aramark. The Director works closely with Legal, Finance, Operations, and Business Development teams to protect Aramark?s contractual interests and drive operational alignment across the Salute portfolio. Job Responsibilities Contract Lifecycle Management Manage federal contracts from proposal through closeout Track key dates, deliverables, modifications, and reporting using Smartsheet. Review, negotiate and execute contract terms with Legal and Finance. Develop budgets, manage funding changes, prepare REAs, and submit documentation to contracting offices. Collaboration & Communication Serve as the primary internal resource for federal contracts and AbilityOne subcontracts. Partner with SourceAmerica to management AbilityOne requirements and resolve issues Maintain oversight of contract performance, compliance, and financial reconciliation Communicate contract changes to leadership and maintain organized documentation Identify and mitigate risks across the portfolio Financial Oversight Oversee invoicing, payments, and cost reporting; prepare financial reports for internal and federal stakeholders. Validate and submit monthly invoices and track payments, cash flow, and outstanding items using Smartsheet. Operational Excellence & Reporting Develop standardized procedures for contract and operational management. Track capital spends, project, and performance metrics Support Quarterly Business Reviews and provide ad-hoc reporting and data insights. Training & Process Guidance Train Aramark teams on federal contracting, FAR, SCA compliance and best practices. Provide guidance across lines of business to ensure consistent adherence to regulatory standards. Proposal & RFP Support Guide Business Development Directors through SAM.gov processes. Review federal opportunities (RFPs, RFIs, Sources Sought) and support proposal development. Attend site visits, provide proposal content, and engage with contracting personnel to support growth. Project Management Lead project management for new Salute location launches and facility refreshes, including micro market design and installation. Coordinate with capital equipment vendors on specifications, estimates, and installation. Use Smartsheet to support client initiatives and broader business projects. Federal Payment Administration Oversee federal payment platforms and ensure accurate, timely processing across accounts. Qualifications Required Minimum 7?10 years of experience in federal contract management, government contracting, or a closely related field. Military experience required ? active duty, reserve, or direct professional experience working with or within a military installation environment. Familiarity with federal government contracting processes, DoD contract structures, and military operational culture is essential. Strong working knowledge of federal acquisition regulations (FAR), Service Contract Act (SCA) compliance, and AbilityOne program requirements. Demonstrated experience managing multi-site or multi-contract federal portfolios. Proficiency in Smartsheet or equivalent project management and contract tracking tools. Bachelor?s degree in Business, Contract Management, Finance, or a related field; equivalent professional experience considered. Preferred Experience with Department of Defense (DoD) food service contracts or Government Food Service (GFS) programs. Familiarity with SAM.gov, federal RFP/RFI processes, and government procurement platforms. Prior experience with Aramark or a large managed services or food service company operating under federal contracts. Experience with Requests for Equitable Adjustments (REA) and federal contract modification processes. Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) or equivalent professional certification a plus. Education About Aramark Our Mission Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law. About Aramark The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .aa415a4b-8b21-40fc-a65c-70d2b25ca29a