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.
The Contract Owner is accountable for realising the benefits/value from the contract, including managing the supplier relationship for the contract, level of risk and contract obligations.
For example, some employers may refer to a Contract Manager as either a Contract Specialist or a Contract Administrator.
Their primary duties include: Drafting and revising contracts. Ensuring that all contracts are accurate and relevant documentation is correct and updated when necessary. Building and maintaining good relationships with clients and suppliers.
Contract administration concentrates on the initial setup of contracts, laying the groundwork for clear terms and expectations. Contract management takes a comprehensive approach, overseeing the contract throughout its entire lifecycle, from creation to renewal.
Responsible for administering and managing contracts, contract managers spearhead the process by which contracts are consolidated and created. They also work with the rest of the company to ensure contracts move quickly and smoothly from creation to negotiation to execution.
The Contracts Manager will provide flexible but expert management support across the business, adapting to changing priorities, especially focused on: sub-contractor strategic performance management, technical support to customers, new contract mobilisation, customer account management and business project management.
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.
Discussing, drafting, reviewing and negotiating the terms of business contracts. Agreeing budgets and timescales with the clients. Managing construction schedules and budgets. Dealing with any unexpected costs.
The project manager is responsible for the overall management and coordination of the project, including overseeing contract administration activities. The contract administrator, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the contractual aspects of the project.