Contracts DirectorSalute 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 ResponsibilitiesContract Lifecycle ManagementManage federal contracts from proposal through closeoutTrack key dates, deliverables, modifications, and reporting using SmartsheetReview, negotiate and execute contract terms with Legal and FinanceDevelop budgets, manage funding changes, prepare REAs, and submit documentation to contracting officesCollaboration & CommunicationServe as the primary internal resource for federal contracts and AbilityOne subcontractsPartner with SourceAmerica to management AbilityOne requirements and resolve issuesMaintain oversight of contract performance, compliance, and financial reconciliationCommunicate contract changes to leadership and maintain organized documentationFinancial OversightOversee invoicing, payments, and cost reporting; prepare financial reports for internal and federal stakeholdersValidate and submit monthly invoices and track payments, cash flow, and outstanding items using SmartsheetOperational Excellence & ReportingDevelop standardized procedures for contract and operational managementTrack capital spends, project, and performance metricsSupport Quarterly Business Reviews and provide ad-hoc reporting and data insightsTraining & Process GuidanceTrain Aramark teams on federal contracting, FAR, SCA compliance and best practicesProvide guidance across lines of business to ensure consistent adherence to regulatory standardsProposal & RFP SupportGuide Business Development Directors through SAM.gov processesReview federal opportunities (RFPs, RFIs, Sources Sought) and support proposal developmentAttend site visits, provide proposal content, and engage with contracting personnel to support growthProject ManagementLead project management for new Salute location launches and facility refreshes, including micro market design and installationCoordinate with capital equipment vendors on specifications, estimates, and installationUse Smartsheet to support client initiatives and broader business projectsFederal Payment AdministrationOversee federal payment platforms and ensure accurate, timely processing across accountsQualificationsRequired 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.