Portfolio Optimization Programs Manager

Choice Hotels International • North Bethesda, MD

1d • $99,919 - $117,552 • Onsite

About The Position

The Portfolio Optimization Programs Manager is responsible for managing the Company's Property Improvement Plan (PIP) incentive programs from incentive approval through final payout, serving as the primary negotiator and relationship manager for franchisees participating in these programs. This role is accountable for maximizing the effectiveness of the Company's incentive investments by negotiating mutually beneficial agreements that support franchisee success while advancing Choice Hotels' brand standards, retention objectives, and long-term portfolio strategy.
The Manager oversees the full lifecycle of assigned incentive opportunities, including proactive franchisee outreach, negotiation of property improvement scope and incentive terms, coordination of internal approvals, budget management, contract administration, and final incentive payouts. Working closely with Portfolio Management, Franchise Development, Brand Operations, Design, Finance, Legal, and other cross-functional stakeholders, this role ensures incentive programs are executed efficiently, consistently, and in alignment with Company objectives.
Success in this role requires a highly organized, results-oriented professional with exceptional negotiation, relationship management, financial, and project management skills. The ideal candidate is comfortable balancing multiple priorities while managing complex negotiations, administering incentive budgets, and collaborating across departments to deliver a best-in-class franchisee experience. Strong analytical abilities, sound business judgment, and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, Salesforce.com (CRM), and other corporate systems are essential.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality Management, Finance, Economics, Real Estate or a related field required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive professional experience in sales, negotiations, program management, financial analysis, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and relationship management skills.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management.
• Exceptional project and program management skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to build collaborative cross-functional relationships.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to prioritize effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Salesforce.com (CRM), and other corporate systems.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with budgets, financial incentives, or contract administration preferred.
• Hospitality, franchising, or multi-unit business experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary Company representative and negotiator for franchisees participating in PIP incentive programs.
• Negotiate PIP scope, project timelines, completion dates, and incentive amounts within approved guardrails.
• Evaluate exception requests and present recommendations requiring Director approval.
• Communicate approved terms and ensure commitments are documented.
• Partner with Franchise Development, Portfolio Management, Brand Operations, Design, Legal, and Finance.
• Identify project risks and proactively develop solutions.
• Manage the day-to-day administration of assigned Property Improvement Plan (PIP) incentive programs from incentive approval through final incentive payout.
• Conduct proactive outreach to franchisees within an assigned portfolio.
• Collaborate with Portfolio Management Directors to support retention opportunities and coordinate the handoff of eligible properties between teams Coordinate required internal approvals and documentation.
• Track assigned incentive budgets and the overall program budget.
• Partner with Design to monitor project progress.
• Coordinate final incentive payouts following third-party inspection verification.
• Maintain accurate program records within Salesforce and other corporate systems.
• Prepare and analyze reports on project status, incentive activity, budget performance, and program metrics.
• Ensure compliance with program guidelines, documentation requirements, and internal controls.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and support enhancements to program administration and reporting.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Leave and paid time-off for holidays, vacation, personal, family, volunteer, sick, jury duty, bereavement, military, and religious observance
• Financial benefits for retirement and health savings
• Employee recognition programs
• Discounts at Choice hotels worldwide

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level