A contract manager might be identified to manage one, or several contracts, or to work as part of

a team of contract managers. On large, complex projects, involving several contracts (such as a construction

management project) a consultant might be appointed to perform the role of contract manager.

This role might include:

 Assessing the needs of the business or project.

 Assessing the market.
 Risk assessment.
 Determining procurement methods and tender assessment criteria.
 Preparing a contract management strategy.
 Preparing budgets and cost estimates.
 Preparing programmes.
 Selecting the form of contract.
 Preparing tender documents.
 Seeking tenders.
 Negotiating contract conditions.
 Contract engrossment and execution.
 Briefing project teams, contractors and suppliers.
 Being the point of contact for the parties to the contract.
 Relationship management.
 Contract administration.
 Managing variations to the works.
 Supplying information to resolve disputes.
 Preparing information for the completion of contracts.

Contract managers should:

 Be able to manage multiple projects.

 Have a good knowledge of construction activities and technologies.
 Have a good knowledge of contract law.
 Have good maths and IT skills.
 Be good at problem-solving.
 Be good at negotiating.
 Have good communication and presentation skills.

An effective contract management strategy can bring a number for benefits to this process:

 Expected business benefits and financial returns are more likely to be realised.
 Good working relations can be maintained with contract partners and subcontractors, and so there is a
reduced risk of disputes and a higher chance of repeat work.
 There are fewer unforeseen events.
 Contract partners, subcontractors and suppliers are likely to be more cooperative and responsive.

Contract management can be a complex process, which can be simplified with the use of contract
management software. This can be particularly helpful for contract managementinvolving
multiple contracts and multiple parties, creating integrated systems for; documentmanagement, change
control, relationship management, accounting, project management, contract administration, resource
allocation and so on. Specialist software is available for different types of contract management, such as
large contracts, small contracts, multiple contracts, civil engineering and so on.