What does a Contract Manager do?
A Contract Manager ensures that every contract signed by the company contributes to its goals and objectives. They supervise and manage the contract team in an organization and negotiate contracts with suppliers and vendors. Contract Managers also draft a variety of contracts and agreements for their company. They monitor the execution, ensuring that it complies with the organisation’s procedures and the industry standards. Other duties include assigning and delegating tasks. Contract Managers advise sales and marketing teams during purchasing and sales negotiations. They also act as the point of contact between the company, its employees, vendors and contractors.
Contract Manager skills and qualifications
A successful Contract Manager candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:
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Working knowledge of local and international contract laws and corporate policies.
- Strong research skills and an in-depth understanding of financial analytics and legal agreements.
- Exceptional negotiation, persuasion and judgment skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- In-depth knowledge of the company’s core industry, policies, procedures and objectives.
- Leadership and management skills.
- Strong presentation skills.
- Attention to detail, thoroughness and mathematical abilities.
Contract Manager experience requirements
Contract Managers usually need work experience in the industry of the job. If you are recruiting for entry-level positions, you can employ candidates with a bachelor’s degree and general administration experience. Senior Contract Managers will often require several years of experience drafting, negotiating and managing contracts and agreements in your field. Some employers require Contract Managers in a specialised discipline such as pharmaceuticals and oil and gas, to have at least a bachelor’s degree in their industry.
Contract Manager education and training requirements
Contract Managers require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, administration or management or the higher national degree equivalent that includes contract law. In specialised industries, employers may require a bachelor or postgraduate degree in the field or a master’s degree in business administration. Employers also recruit Contract Managers with relevant higher or degree apprenticeship with a strong contract management component. Depending on the industry, Contract Managers may also need certifications, courses and licenses to work on contracts.
Contract Manager salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for Contract Managers in the UK, is £47,090 per year. Actual pay may depend on experience, qualification, industry, the employer, the location and the exact job duties and responsibilities.
Job description samples for similar positions
Here are job description samples for similar positions if you are not looking to hire a Contract Manager: