Procurement acquires the resources your organization needs, while contract management builds and sustains a healthy and collaborative relationship with your supplier throughout the term of your contract.
Contract management is the process of managing legally-binding agreements from initiation through to execution. Contract management activities include creation and negotiation, execution, compliance monitoring and renewal or close out.
Role summary Provides specialist advice and oversees the development and management of complex, high-risk contracts. Leads the development and implementation of innovative procurement and contract management strategies to achieve agency objectives and strategic vision.
In any Engineering and Construction project, the roles of both the project manager and the contracts manager are crucial. While the project manager focuses on overseeing the actual construction process, the contracts manager plays a pivotal role in managing the legal and financial aspects of the project.
Contract management develops several key business skills. As Arguile points out, “early grounding in contract management exposes entrants to the most important functions of a business and typically produces a very rounded, commercially savvy professional whose skills add value across the business.”
For example, some employers may refer to a Contract Manager as either a Contract Specialist or a Contract Administrator.
Practical experience is crucial in understanding the nuances of contract management. Seek entry-level positions or internships in procurement, project management, or legal departments. Experience in these areas can provide a practical understanding of the contract lifecycle, from creation to closure.
Your contracts manager cover letter must immediately highlight your adeptness in contract negotiation and risk management. Demonstrate with clear examples how your skills have benefited past projects or employers. Be sure to underscore your proficiency in contract law and regulations.
How to draft a contract between two parties: A step-by-step checklist Know your parties. Agree on the terms. Set clear boundaries. Spell out the consequences. Specify how you will resolve disputes. Cover confidentiality. Check the legality of the contract. Open it up to negotiation.
Write the contract in six steps Start with a contract template. Open with the basic information. Describe in detail what you have agreed to. Include a description of how the contract will be ended. Write into the contract which laws apply and how disputes will be resolved. Include space for signatures.