How to Become a Contract Administrator

A contract administrator or contract manager is a professional who develops, negotiates, reviews and evaluates a contract for a business or organization. You can work for a variety of companies, including educational institutions, engineering companies, and insurance companies. Contract administrators become familiar with the details of a project contract and subcontracting documents. Contract management is an essential part of many companies and organizations that deal with contract management between a variety of employees, customers, partners, and suppliers. Contract managers are trained professionals who oversee the preparation, evaluation, negotiation and review of a wide range of contracts. As with all professions in the construction industry, safety is a top priority. During construction or other construction sites, contract managers must be aware of and comply with all relevant safety policies and procedures. • Able to understand an organization`s needs with respect to different contracts Since most entry-level contract administrators have at least five years of experience in contracting practices or contract management, it is useful to gain experience as soon as possible. Consider becoming a paralegal to develop the skills needed to become a contract administrator and gain in-house legal experience. • Must be able to pay close attention to detail when drafting and reviewing contracts Contract administrators typically require at least a bachelor`s degree in contract management, business administration, human resources, or another related field. Contract administrators typically take courses in contract management, contract valuation, economics, statistics, accounting, business law, and human resources.

Contract managers must have sufficient work experience, and many begin their careers in entry-level positions such as cost analysts or contract specialists and move into higher positions as they gain essential skills and experience. Most employers offer on-the-job training to new contract administrators to learn the company`s or organization`s procedures and policies. Many contract managers are certified by the International Association for Contract and Commercial Management. Certification requirements typically include a minimum level of education and experience, as well as passing an exam. Contract managers must renew their certification every two years. Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM): A certification for commercial contract managers with at least two years of professional experience and 80 hours of professional development based on the Unified Commercial Code. Contract management requires a working knowledge of contract and business law, but also an understanding of how Corporate America works. Most students who successfully complete positions in contract management have earned a bachelor`s degree in business administration with a concentration in business law or a minor in law. This combined program is a great way to gain the basic skills required in a contract administrator position. Other options available to students include degrees in finance, economics, law, or a pure major in business law.

In any case, basic courses in law must be taken during your studies. • Analyze the impact of contract changes and the liability risks that the change could cause Contract administrators who take such a path are often trained in the workplace or formally trained by their employer to improve their skills to help them perform their new tasks competently. Learn about the nine steps in the contract management process to help you in your future role as a contract administrator. Steps include: Salaries may vary depending on location, employer, certification, skills, and experience. The national average salary for contract managers is $68,905 per year. Some contract directors` salaries are covered by a collective agreement, which often sets out their wages and the hours of work required. The most common tasks assigned to a contract administrator are: For most companies, a contract administrator should also do the following: Contract administrators help create, negotiate, and evaluate the terms of contracts between a company or organization and customers or suppliers. They ensure that all parties understand and respect the contract. They work with a variety of contracts such as the sale or purchase of products, services, equipment, materials and supplies. They understand the structure of many different contracts and analyze potential risks. Contract administrators also document any changes to contracts. Sometimes contract administrators draft contract terms and organize activities using contracts and software.

To succeed as a contract administrator, you usually need these skills: professionals who want to be more qualified for a contract administrator position should not stop their educational activities after a four-year degree. .