By effectively managing vendor contracts, you can maximize profitability and performance by getting the quality of service and efficiency from suppliers as was agreed upon in the underlying contract. You can also ensure vendor projects stay on time and within budget with regular monitoring.
Vendor management is part of your overall project management strategy, so it ties into other aspects of developing a project. You need supplies and equipment on hand before you can engage in resource management within the company, for example.
Vendor contract management is writing up, negotiating, and finalizing vendor contracts. It examines every aspect of supplier agreements, such as how the documents are stored and tracked, who can sign and verify purchases, and any key provisions that must be included.
Vendor management requires a commitment to continuous improvement, with a focus on maintaining strong relationships and ensuring that vendors continue to meet expectations. In contrast, contract management is more time-bound, with a focus on the specific duration of the contract.
The basic elements required for the agreement to be a legally enforceable contract are: mutual assent, expressed by a valid offer and acceptance; adequate consideration; capacity; and legality.
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.
Contract management concerns the 'contract execution' and 'contract termination & evaluation' phases (under the slogan: 'you can only manage a contract if it exists'). Supplier management on the other hand involves the entire contract lifecycle, from determination of needs to contract termination.
A business management agreement formalizes the working relationship between a business and its manager. The contract will include information such as budgeting, the percentage of business revenue owed to the manager, and confidentiality requirements.
Vendor managers work with suppliers with a focus on the business' relationship with them over time. They are looking to get the best outcomes for the organisation out of the relationship with the supplier. Contract managers focus on individual contracts.