Home Blog What is a Contract Manager?

What is a Contract Manager?

Jump to Section

What Is a Contract Manager?

A contract manager supervises the creation of contracts for an organization. When a company does business with a vendor, partner, employee, or customer, the company's contract manager is tasked with preparing, analyzing, and negotiating contracts.

ContractsCounsel Contract Manager

Image via Flickr by Rawpixel Ltd

Contract Manager Job Description

A contract manager creates and amends contracts for an employer. Contract managers write up contracts related to the purchase or sale of goods and services and then track those contracts through their lifecycles. While job responsibilities vary based on company size and which types of goods and services are bought and sold, a contract manager's focus will always be on optimizing contracts with their employer's best interests in mind.

Contract Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Contract managers oversee contracts that their employers are involved with, so they must have in-depth knowledge of contract features. A contract manager needs to understand the advantages and pitfalls of contracts and be familiar with a plethora of contract details. Here are some of their typical duties and responsibilities:

  • Create, analyze, negotiate, and execute an array of contracts for various transactions
  • Build and maintain relationships with vendors, clients, and other business connections
  • Maintain contract-related documents and correspondence
  • Present contract information to relevant parties, such as stakeholders
  • Troubleshoot contract-related problems, such as breach of contract
  • Keep track of contracts and extend, renew, or close them out
  • Assist with the employer's compliance with mandatory standards
  • Stay informed about changes to relevant rules and regulations

Contract Managers vs. Project Managers

A contract manager works on a project for an employer, just like a project manager does, but the contract manager's focus lies solely on contracts. In contrast, a project manager oversees an array of project aspects, including but not limited to contracts. Both types of employees are essential, but their duties and responsibilities are not the same — though there may be some overlap at times.

Contract managers understand the intricacies of contracts, while project managers may not have the same level of knowledge about sales contracts and other forms of agreements. Firms need contract managers to ensure that their contracts are carefully created and as beneficial to their interests as possible.

Without a contract manager, contract creation may result in contracts that cost a company more money than they should or in contract disputes that may be expensive and time-consuming to resolve. If a contract manager has sufficient experience, they will create contracts that:

  • Are a win-win for both parties, in terms of being fair and offering advantages to both sides
  • Minimize or eliminate risk factors related to the contractual relationship
  • Nurture positive long-term relationships with vendors and customers

In comparison, a project manager may not have the skills needed to create contracts that are beneficial to their employer and all other involved parties. Unlike a contract manager, however, a project manager has to wear many different hats to do their job successfully. For example, a project manager may:

  • Supervise product or service development
  • Oversee the launch of a product or service
  • Put together a detailed product budget
  • Source out necessary supplies
  • Make a timeline for the project that includes a range of project milestones

Contract managers and project managers may work together as part of a project management team. The contract manager has a more focused area of expertise than the project manager, who oversees many different elements of a project from start to finish. Contract managers and project managers work in an assortment of industry sectors, including government agencies, health care, and construction.

Contract Manager Education and Experience

A contract manager needs the right education and experience to excel in their field. They will generally have some or all of the following education and experience:

  • Bachelor of Business Administration degree
  • Master of Business Administration degree
  • CCCM certification (Certified Commercial Contracts Manager) awarded by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA)
  • CPCM certification (Certified Professional Contracts Manager) awarded by the NCMA
  • CFCM certification (Certified Federal Contracts Manager) from the NCMA
  • Relevant work experience preparing and monitoring contracts

Read this guide to get an idea of what type of contract management certification you should pursue and how to earn it.

Skills and Abilities of a Great Contract Manager

Contract managers who excel in their field succeed thanks to an ideal blend of interpersonal and technical skills.

Interpersonal skills are social skills that are utilized in the workplace to communicate information and work effectively as a team. Contract managers must liaise with a host of people to create contracts that serve the needs of their companies. Although aspects of contract creation are very technical, many contract details need to be shared with others, and this is why good communication and collaboration skills are essential. They also need to have strong negotiation skills.

Whether a contract manager is presenting contract details to shareholders or connecting with a vendor or client, the contract manager must be:

  • Polite
  • Professional
  • Committed to building and maintaining strong and positive relationships

Technical skills are also essential. Contract managers need an in-depth understanding of how to create contracts and how to add the right elements to support the employer's best interests. These technical skills are applied to creating contracts that ensure the timely and affordable delivery of items or services. A contract manager must also understand the risk factors inherent in contracts and use technical skills to mitigate those risks. Some risks may be financial, while other risks may relate to a company's operations.

To mitigate risks, contract managers need to understand:

  • Practices and internal policies of the companies they work for
  • External regulations and laws

A contract manager also needs to be tech savvy in terms of using hardware and software to create and manage contracts. These days, there are automated platforms for contract creation and management, and contract managers may need to know how to use one or more of these platforms.

Contract Managers Benefit From Continuing Education

This education doesn't need to happen in a classroom or online learning environment, although it might. It may happen by staying abreast of developments in the contract management industry, especially in the contract manager's specific niche. For instance, a contract manager who works in the health care field may want to monitor developments in this industry that could impact contracts or relationships with vendors. The trend toward the delivery of virtual health care is one example.

Government laws and regulations that impact contract management may also change periodically, and contract managers need to track and understand those changes. Ongoing learning will help a contract manager adapt to changes promptly and effectively.

Companies put a lot of their money into contracts with vendors and customers, so contract managers who learn how to minimize or eliminate risk through continuing education can better serve the needs of their employers. Ongoing learning also helps contract managers assist their employers with compliance with mandatory standards.

The contract management industry is growing, and many company visionaries are increasingly aware of the value of having competent and dedicated contract managers on their teams. These skilled contract managers may outsource some aspects of contract creation to experts, such as contract lawyers who can offer valuable legal guidance. Outsourcing in this manner may speed up the pace of contract management in order to save time and money.


ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


Meet some of our Lawyers

Danielle G. on ContractsCounsel
View Danielle
5.0 (3)
Member Since:
July 12, 2022

Danielle G.

Attorney and Founder at Danielle D. Giovannone Law Office
Free Consultation
Schenectady, NY
19 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Fordham University School of Law

Danielle Giovannone is the principal of Danielle D. Giovannone Law Office. In her experience, Danielle has found that many business do not require in-house legal counsel, but still need outside counsel that knows their business just as well as in-house counsel. This need inspired Danielle to start her firm. Before starting her firm, Danielle served as Contracts Counsel at Siena College and as an attorney at the New York City Department of Education, Office of the General Counsel. At the NYCDOE, she served as lead counsel negotiating and drafting large-scale commercial agreements, including contracts with major technology firms on behalf of the school district. Prior to the NYCDOE, Danielle worked as an associate at a small corporate and securities law firm, where she gained hands-on experience right out of law school. Danielle has provided legal and policy advice on intellectual property and data privacy matters, as well as corporate law, formation and compliance, employer liability, insurance, regulatory matters, general municipal matters and non-profit issues. Danielle holds a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and a B.S. from Cornell University. She is active in her Capital District community providing pro bono services to the Legal Project, and has served as Co-Chair to the Niskayuna Co-op Nursery School and Vice President of Services to the Craig Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization. Danielle is a member of the New York State Bar Association.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Danielle is easy to work with, professional and knowledgeable."

Michael J. on ContractsCounsel
View Michael
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
July 14, 2022

Michael J.

Partner
Free Consultation
Warren, New Jersey
18 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NJ, NY
New York Law School

Combining extensive experience in litigation and as general counsel for a real estate and private equity company, I provide ongoing guidance and support to clients on a variety of transactional matters, including business formation, partnership agreements, corporate agreements, commercial and residential leasing, and employment issues.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Michael did an excellent job. I will hire him again. Thank you!"

Anand A. on ContractsCounsel
View Anand
5.0 (39)
Member Since:
July 17, 2022

Anand A.

Counsel
Free Consultation
Philadelphia, PA
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NJ, PA
Rutgers University School of Law

Anand is an entrepreneur and attorney with a wide-ranging background. In his legal capacity, Anand has represented parties in (i) commercial finance, (ii) corporate, and (iii) real estate matters throughout the country, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Arizona, and Georgia. He is well-versed in business formation and management, reviewing and negotiating contracts, advising clients on financing strategy, and various other arenas in which individuals and businesses commonly find themselves. As an entrepreneur, Anand is involved in the hospitality industry and commercial real estate. His approach to the legal practice is to treat clients fairly and provide the highest quality representation possible. Anand received his law degree from Rutgers University School of Law in 2013 and his Bachelor of Business Administration from Pace University, Lubin School of Business in 2007.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Anand was a pleasure to work with! He was very thorough and professional."

Howard B. on ContractsCounsel
View Howard
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
July 29, 2022

Howard B.

Managing Member
Free Consultation
Tulsa, Ok
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in OK
University of Tulsa

Berkson is a dedicated, practical, and detail-oriented attorney licensed to practice in every state court of Oklahoma and the United States Northern and Eastern District Courts. He graduated from the University of Tulsa College of Law with Honors. While there, he received awards for highest grade in trial practice, legal research, and civil procedure. He was also the Executive Notes and Comments Editor for the Energy Law Journal, the official journal of the Energy Bar Association in Washington, D.C. The Energy Law Journal is one of the few peer-reviewed journals in the legal profession. Prior to becoming an attorney, Howard Berkson held executive positions involving a wide range of business and human resources management functions. He has in-depth knowledge of both business and HR practices. During his business career, Berkson negotiated, wrote, red-lined, and disputed contracts. He has answered charges, handled inspections, and supervised audits involving numerous agencies including the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and various state agencies. Berkson honed his analytical and writing skills while earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Washington. He went on to obtain a Master of Arts in Labor and Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois. Berkson’s work can be found in such publications as The Energy Law Journal, Human Resource Management Review and Personnel Psychology. He is a member of Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity and of Phi Kappa Phi honor society.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Very easy and effective to work with. Howard knows what he is doing."

Gill D. on ContractsCounsel
View Gill
5.0 (69)
Member Since:
July 31, 2022

Gill D.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Tampa
17 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL
Stetson University College of Law

Erik has been a practicing attorney in Florida for over a decade. He specializes in employment and real estate contracts. He has represented clients big and small and can assist with any contract issue.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Gil was very responsive, quick turnaround and answered all of my questions."

Travis D. on ContractsCounsel
View Travis
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
August 8, 2022

Travis D.

Partner
Free Consultation
Norman, OK
6 Yrs Experience
Licensed in OK
University of Oklahoma

Travis counsels individuals and businesses on a broad range of complex topics. His practice centers on producing efficient, client-driven results. He concentrates his practice on real estate, construction, and general business matters with an emphasis on assisting clients both before and after problems occur by drafting contracts designed to best position clients to avoid disputes and litigating matters to a final resolution if problems emerge. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Travis is a triple graduate of the University of Oklahoma, having obtained his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Business Administration, and Juris Doctor degrees from OU. Prior to practicing law, Travis managed the finances and business operations of a successful construction supply company for several years. This insight into sophisticated business dealings, contractual issues, and strategic planning makes him uniquely qualified to handle a wide range of legal matters. Travis lives in Norman with his wife, Haley, dogs, Walter and Poppy, and cat, Ernest. Outside of the office, Travis enjoys playing golf and reading.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"What a great service! Will definitely recommend to family and friends!"

Christopher M. on ContractsCounsel
View Christopher
4.9 (8)
Member Since:
August 16, 2022
AHAJI A. on ContractsCounsel
View AHAJI
Member Since:
July 8, 2022
Gayle G. on ContractsCounsel
View Gayle
Member Since:
April 18, 2024

Gayle G.

Chief Legal Officer/Fractional GC
Free Consultation
Atlanta, GA
27 Yrs Experience
Licensed in GA, NY
Northwestern University School of Law

Fractional General Counsel and Board Advisor with over 26 years of experience advising companies and their management in the US, EMEA and APAC. I use my legal and finance background to understand the client's business and bring the most practical, efficient legal solutions to grow the business while reducing risk. Focus includes: Compliance | Governance (including AI) | Tech Transactions | Licenses | SaaS | Cross Border | Equity Investments | JVs | International Expansion | Fractional GC https://www.linkedin.com/in/ggorvettesq

Deborah W. on ContractsCounsel
View Deborah
Member Since:
September 4, 2022

Deborah W.

Managing Partner
Free Consultation
Michigan
29 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MI
Michigan State University College of Law

Williamson Health Law is an established and trusted law firm focused on representing hospitals, health plans, physician groups, physicians, physical therapy businesses, psychologists and other health care providers, professionals, and businesses in all aspects of health law. including the Stark law, the Anti-Kickback Statute (“AKS”), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”), regulatory compliance, Medicare and Blue Cross audits and overpayment appeals, payer departicipation and disaffiliation appeals, payer and provider disputes, reimbursement and billing, compliance plans, health care industry contracts and professional licensure. We represent clients throughout Michigan and the U.S. with certain federal matters such as federal regulatory analysis and Medicare audits.

Bolaji O. on ContractsCounsel
View Bolaji
Member Since:
August 9, 2022

Bolaji O.

Princial Attorney
Free Consultation
New York
7 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Texas Souther University - Thurgood Marshall School of Law

Bolaji O. Okunnu is an entertainment lawyer and founder of the Okunnu Law Group, PLLC based in New York, New York. His practice includes work in the area of copyright, trademark, contract, intellectual property and business law. As an entertainment attorney, Bolaji represents a diverse roster of celebrities, record labels, music publishers, artists, bands, entrepreneurs, authors, songwriters, artist managers, record producers and entertainment executives concerning their intellectual property, business affairs and creative assets. He is an expert at solving complex and sophisticated legal and business issues relating to contracts, copyrights and trademarks. With his background in both the law and the music business, he brings a broad perspective to problem-solving and business plan strategies. He also has an extraordinary ability to speak to the hearts of creatives while helping them discover their voice and clarify their creative dreams and assignments.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a legal contract?

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

CONTRACT LAWYERS BY TOP CITIES
See All Business Lawyers
CONTRACT MANAGER LAWYERS BY CITY
See All Contract Manager Lawyers

Contracts Counsel was incredibly helpful and easy to use. I submitted a project for a lawyer's help within a day I had received over 6 proposals from qualified lawyers. I submitted a bid that works best for my business and we went forward with the project.

View Trustpilot Review

I never knew how difficult it was to obtain representation or a lawyer, and ContractsCounsel was EXACTLY the type of service I was hoping for when I was in a pinch. Working with their service was efficient, effective and made me feel in control. Thank you so much and should I ever need attorney services down the road, I'll certainly be a repeat customer.

View Trustpilot Review

I got 5 bids within 24h of posting my project. I choose the person who provided the most detailed and relevant intro letter, highlighting their experience relevant to my project. I am very satisfied with the outcome and quality of the two agreements that were produced, they actually far exceed my expectations.

View Trustpilot Review

How It Works

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city