Vice President & Senior Counsel, Consumer Operations at Marriott

Marriott International is a global lodging and hospitality company based in Bethesda, Maryland. Marriott’s Law Department provides legal advice and support to Marriott’s internal clients and business units. 

The attorney in this position will be based in Marriott’s worldwide corporate headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland and will report to the Vice President & Assistant General Counsel leading the Consumer Operations legal team.  This team is part of the larger Consumer Operations, Global Services and U.S./Canada Lodging practice group.  The Consumer Operations team handles a varied portfolio and provides practical legal solutions and negotiates complex agreements to help Marriott achieve its business objectives relating to Marriott’s consumer facing business, including Marriott’s distribution channels, the Marriott Bonvoy travel loyalty program, gift card program, strategic partnerships, co-branded credit cards, marketing, sales, revenue management, Homes and Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, and Marriott Boutiques.    

The work of the team supporting Consumer Operations which covers the Customer and Revenue disciplines principally take the form of providing commercial transactions support (such as negotiating, drafting and interpreting various types of commercial agreements) and providing legal guidance for the commerce part of Marriott’s business.   The members of this legal team tackle novel and cutting-edge issues to support the business on new opportunities and solutions for enhancing customer engagement and experience. 

The attorney in this position will primarily focus on providing legal support for the Marriott Bonvoy travel loyalty program and Marriott Bonvoy’s strategic partnerships and business arrangements that fall outside of Marriott’s core lodging business activities.  The attorney will: 

• Serve as lead attorney for Marriott Bonvoy enterprise-wide strategic initiatives and partnerships, monitor, and analyze the legal landscape for launching such initiatives in new markets, and advise the business on its expansion strategy in the area of enterprise partnerships, digital wallets, payments, gift cards and other initiatives and the impact of these initiatives on the broader Marriott ecosystem;
• Lead and manage the negotiations and drafting of, and provide strategic guidance on, relevant commercial agreements, such as Marriott Bonvoy loyalty partnership agreements, co-brand credit card agreements, distribution agreements with travel intermediaries, gift card sales agreements and related amendments;
• Provide legal support and strategic guidance for general operations for the Customer and Revenue disciplines including matters associated with the Marriott Bonvoy travel loyalty program such as program terms and conditions, program economics and their impact on the hotel ecosystem, modifications to the program and handling of member complaints;
• Partner with business stakeholders, and as needed, coordinate with outside counsel to provide guidance in complying with regulatory requirements in various jurisdictions, and establish compliance policies and best practices;
• Provide legal guidance on marketing materials relating to the launch of Marriott Bonvoy partnerships, consumer-facing T&Cs, and member communications;
• Collaborate with colleagues within the Law Department, and work effectively with internal clients and business partners across regional teams;
• Identify relevant issues and coordinate with colleagues and across the business on tax, intellectual property, data privacy and cybersecurity matters;
• Participate on projects or committees on an as needed basis.

Candidate Profile

• Excellent academic record with a law degree from a well-regarded law school;
• Minimum of 12 years legal experience in a well-regarded law firm or comparable corporate environment, including experience in providing advice and negotiating agreements in the areas of strategic partnerships, loyalty programs, payment solutions, and consumer-facing T&Cs, with a solid understanding of the role of technology, privacy and intellectual property in these areas.       
• Active Bar membership;
• Proven contract drafting and negotiating skills in a leadership role;
• Proven ability to tackle novel and emerging issues; 
• Ability to think creatively and to identify and analyze issues and provide legally sound recommendations consistent with good business practices and reason; 
• Ability to tackle novel and cutting-edge issues with an entrepreneurial approach while managing risk;
• Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to interact effectively and work diplomatically with individuals at all levels; 
• Ability to foster relationships and individual accountability across the organization;
• Ability to work collaboratively on cross-functional teams;
• Excellent judgment and ability to influence without authority;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; 
• Excellent conflict management skills, and ability to influence without coercion; 
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and to facilitate the implementation of creative solutions; and
• Ability to be agile and work independently to take ownership of and effectively resolve problems.
• Flexibility for occasional travel

Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.

Marriott International is the world’s largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed. Be where you can do your best work,​ begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global​ team, and become the best version of you.