Senior Director, Legal Development | London or Eschborn

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Job Description

Position Description

The Marriott International Law Department services the Company's lodging business. The Europe, Middle East and Africa offices of the Law Department provide legal services to support the development and lodging operations of all Marriott-branded lodging products in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

This position will be located in Marriott International's office in London, United Kingdom or Eschborn, Germany and will report to a Vice President & Senior Counsel.

The role will provide legal services to support the development and operation of all Marriott-branded lodging products in Europe, including full-service, luxury, and select-service brands. Initially, the focus will be on franchised select-service hotel development, with additional responsibilities in development asset management and, at times, asset management matters.

The position will support franchised, managed, and-occasionally-residential and mixed-use development projects predominantly in Europe, including drafting and negotiating franchise and management agreements, residential licensing and management agreements, leases, purchase and sales contracts, and guaranties. The work involves commercial transactional support and legal guidance on development matters requiring knowledge of the hotel industry, Marriott's strategic objectives, and relevant legal disciplines.

Topics covered include real estate development, financing, guaranties, joint ventures, residential licensing, M&A, risk management, employment, and tax. Familiarity with acquisitions, mixed-use developments, and development techniques is preferred.

The role will manage, structure, negotiate, draft, and execute complex transactions; supervise outside counsel; resolve local law issues; manage project budgets; and coordinate with stakeholders across varied cultures and legal environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate, and advise on franchise and management agreements, residential licenses, tri-party lender agreements, guaranties, and other contracts.
• Represent Marriott in franchise and management agreement matters including restructurings, workouts, hotel sales, financings, amendments, conversions, and terminations.
• Conduct legal due diligence, coordinate conversions, monitor local law compliance, draft closing documents, oversee closings, and manage post-closing matters.
• Provide preliminary advice on confidentiality agreements, transaction structuring, letters of intent, and trade area restrictions.
• Advise development, hotel operations, and franchising teams on day-to-day legal matters.
• Ensure compliance with franchise regulatory, disclosure, and relationship laws, including antitrust and agency.
• Supervise outside counsel and manage legal budgets.

Candidate Profile

Education & Experience

• Excellent academic record and minimum four years in a reputable law firm or corporate legal environment.
• Active US Bar membership (if licensed in the US) or practicing certificate from an appropriate jurisdiction.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong transactional contract drafting and negotiation skills in English.
• Strategic thinker with sound judgment and analytical ability.
• Problem-solver with business acumen and common sense.
• Ability to manage multiple matters independently and effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work across cultures.
• High ethical standards and integrity.
• Fluency in an additional European language advantageous; Turkish contract drafting preferred.
• Flexibility to travel.

Why Join Marriott International?
At Marriott International, you'll be part of a global legal team that plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of hospitality. Our culture is rooted in collaboration, integrity, and excellence. As a Legal Counsel in our Development EMEA team, you'll work on high-impact projects across diverse markets, gaining exposure to complex transactions and strategic initiatives that drive growth across our iconic brands.

We offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment where your expertise will be valued, your voice heard, and your career supported. With access to global resources, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to ethical leadership, you'll be empowered to make a meaningful difference.

At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.

About the Team

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.