ContractsCounsel Logo

What is a Contract Manager?

Updated: March 28, 2023
Clients Rate Lawyers on our Platform 4.9/5 Stars
based on 10,701 reviews
No Upfront Payment Required, Pay Only If You Hire.
Home Blog 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.

How ContractsCounsel Works
Hiring a lawyer on ContractsCounsel is easy, transparent and affordable.
1. Post a Free Project
Complete our 4-step process to provide info on what you need done.
2. Get Bids to Review
Receive flat-fee bids from lawyers in our marketplace to compare.
3. Start Your Project
Securely pay to start working with the lawyer you select.

Meet some of our Lawyers

Michael O. on ContractsCounsel
View Michael
5.0 (4)
Member Since:
February 14, 2022

Michael O.

Managing Attorney
Free Consultation
Los Angeles
17 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA, NY
University of Southern California

A corporate and commercial attorney with experience in transactional legal services including corporate and finance transactions, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, commercial contracts, bankruptcy, restructuring, international business transactions and general counsel services. Additional background skills and experience include investment banking, financial analysis, and commercial litigation. Sectors covered include technology, media, franchises, and business services providers, from start-ups to medium and large enterprises.

Daliah S. on ContractsCounsel
View Daliah
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
September 1, 2021

Daliah S.

Principal Attorney
Free Consultation
Chicago, IL
20 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
University of Illinois College of Law

Daliah Saper operates a cutting-edge internet and social media law practice that regularly leads local and national media outlets to solicit her commentary on emerging internet law issues involving cyberbullying, sexting, catfishing, revenge porn, anonymous online defamation, domain name and user-name squatting, privacy, and the latest business decisions made by social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. As a litigator Daliah represents companies bringing or defending business and intellectual property disputes. (She has argued cases in a number of jurisdictions including taking a case all the way to the Illinois Supreme Court.) As a transactional lawyer she helps clients choose the right business entity, drafts contracts and licensing agreements, advises on sweepstakes and contest rules, and ensures website terms of use and privacy policies are compliant, and provides comprehensive trademark and copyright counseling. Since founding Saper Law Offices in 2005, Daliah has been named a 40 Under 40 by Law Bulletin Publishing Co., a top Media & Advertising attorney by Super Lawyers Magazine 14 years in a row, and has been repeatedly recognized as a leading media and entertainment lawyer by Chambers and Partners. For the past eleven years, she also has taught entertainment and social media law at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Alen A. on ContractsCounsel
View Alen
5.0 (11)
Member Since:
August 26, 2021

Alen A.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Los Angeles, CA
17 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
University of West Los Angeles

Alen Aydinian is a seasoned real estate attorney with a wealth of experience in handling transactional matters, real estate transactions, and lease agreements. As a licensed real estate broker, Alen Aydinian brings a unique perspective to the table, allowing clients to benefit from both legal expertise and practical industry knowledge. He is a trusted advisor in the realm of real estate transactions and lease agreements. Whether representing buyers, sellers, landlords, or tenants, Alen Aydinian is committed to providing strategic counsel and dedicated advocacy every step of the way. Clients rely on him for sound legal guidance, proactive problem-solving, and unwavering support throughout the transaction process.

Garrett M. on ContractsCounsel
View Garrett
5.0 (7)
Member Since:
August 30, 2021

Garrett M.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Dexter, MO
8 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TX
University of Texas

I am a solo-practitioner with a practice mostly consisting of serving as a fractional general counsel to start ups and growth stage companies. With a practical business background, I aim to bring real-world, economically driven solutions to my client's legal problems and pride myself on efficient yet effective work.

Jonathan H. on ContractsCounsel
View Jonathan
Member Since:
September 19, 2021

Jonathan H.

Owner
Free Consultation
New York
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Pace Law School

I’m an attorney focusing my practice on concierge corporate and intellectual property law for startups and high-growth companies. I also serve as outside General Counsel to several businesses in various sectors. Since founding my practice I've worked with hundreds of clients across a variety of industries. My experience as a former General Counsel of a premier edtech company gives me unique insight into the challenges my clients face and how to resolve them efficiently and cost-effectively.

George F. on ContractsCounsel
View George
Member Since:
August 18, 2021

George F.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Astoria, NY
23 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Fordham University School of Law

The Law Office of George K. Fuiaxis, from the very beginning in 2002, has built a reputation with its clients as an unmatched, diligent, hands on law practice that is always on duty to find the best course of action for its clients. With a supreme pledge of exceptional service to its clients in the areas of Real Estate (Commercial & Residential), Loan Modifications, Intellectual Property, Corporate Law & Business Transactions, Wills, Trusts & Estates, the Law Office of George K. Fuiaxis creates solutions for the many faceted problems faced by its clients. The office represents several various clients, including well known lending institutions, foreign and domestic corporations, sellers and buyers of residential and commercial real estate, residential and commercial landlords and tenants, well known restaurant and business owners, automobile dealerships, airline companies, well known fashion, sports and entertainment industry individuals and corporations, information technology (IT) startups and well known IT companies.

Chris J. on ContractsCounsel
View Chris
Member Since:
August 22, 2021

Chris J.

Outside Counsel
Free Consultation
Irvine, CA
29 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
Loyola Law School, Los Angeles

I'm a business law generalist with over 24 years of experience, including as in-house General Counsel, as outside counsel through my own firm and as an attorney in an Am Law 100 law firm. My employers and clients uniformly appreciate my ability to (i) negotiate and close transactions quickly and effectively, and (ii) to make the complex simple. Among other things, I can efficiently assist you on entity formation, governance, and structure; HR issues; mergers and acquisitions; and the negotiation and drafting of all types of commercial contracts. I'm the proud recipient of multiple Martindale-Hubbell Client Distinction Awards given only to the top 5% of attorneys for quality of service.

Gregory W. on ContractsCounsel
View Gregory
Member Since:
August 23, 2021

Gregory W.

Business Attorney
Free Consultation
Los Angeles
17 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
University of West Los Angeles

Strategic thinking business minded Outside General Counsel here to help you with your company. I have been able to help guide business owners from startup through series A, B, & C funding and ultimately IPO's. Regardless of your plans I am here to help you succeed as you grow your business.

Alex M. on ContractsCounsel
View Alex
Member Since:
August 26, 2021

Alex M.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Los Angeles, California
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
Southwestern Law School

Mr. Mehdipour attended the University of California San Diego where he received his degree in political science. After graduating from UCSD, Mr. Mehdipour attended Southwestern University School of Law where he received his JD. Upon passing the bar, Mr. Mehdipour gained invaluable experience both in a law firm and business setting. Mr. Mehdipour uses his prior business and legal experiences to negotiate the most advantageous results for his clients.

Nicholas A. on ContractsCounsel
View Nicholas
Member Since:
August 28, 2021

Nicholas A.

Founder, Victrix Legal LLC
Free Consultation
Buffalo, NY
3 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Liberty University School of Law

I help small business owners build and protect their dreams. I always thought that I would just be a litigator. Then I joined an intellectual property clinic in law school. We were helping nonprofits and small businesses reach their goals. I fell in love with the work and decided to open my own firm so I could keep helping them. When I decided to start Victrix Legal, I decided that it would be a modern law firm designed to serve professionals. It would be different from every other law firm. In my experience, my law firms are designed to promote inefficiency and reactionary lawyering. Because in most firms, you make more money when you spend more time on a project. And you lose money if your client doesn't get sued. In my opinion, that's a built-in conflict of interest. My firm is different. I use flat fees for most basic projects to keep costs predictable for you and incentivize efficiency. I offer long-term advisory plans and legal audits to prevent issues from happening. I want my clients to see me as their business partner, not just the guy they call when they are in trouble. If any of that interests you, please reach out to me. I offer free consultations. Let's set aside some time and talk about what your legal needs are.

Gerald W. on ContractsCounsel
View Gerald
Member Since:
August 28, 2021

Gerald W.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Round Rock, Texas
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL, TX
Valparaiso University School of Law

My clients know me as more than just an attorney. First and foremost, my background is much broader than that. Prior to attending the Valparaiso University School of Law, I earned a Master of Business Administration and ran a small business as a certified public accountant. Thanks to this experience, I possess unique insight which in turn allows me to better assist my clients with a wide range of business and tax matters today. In total, I have over 20 years of experience in financial management, tax law, and business consulting, and I’m proud to say that I’m utilizing the knowledge I’ve gained to assist the community of Round Rock in a variety of ways. In my current practice, I provide counsel to small to medium-sized businesses, nonprofit organizations, and everyday individuals. Though my primary areas of practice are estate planning, elder law, business consulting, and tax planning, I pride myself on assisting my clients in a comprehensive manner. Whenever I take on a new client, I make an effort to get to know them on a personal level. This, of course, begins with listening. It is important that I fully understand their vision so I can help them successfully translate it into a concrete plan of action that meets their goals and expectations. I appreciate the individual attributes of each client and know firsthand that thoughtful, creative, and customized planning can maximize both financial security and personal happiness. During my time as a certified public accountant, I cultivated an invaluable skill set. After all, while my legal education has given me a deep understanding of tax law, I would not be the tax attorney I am today without my background in accounting. Due to my far-reaching experience, I am competent in unraveling even the most complex tax mysteries and disputes. My CPA training benefits my estate planning practice, too. In the process of drafting comprehensive wills and trusts, I carefully account for every asset and plan for any tax burdens that may arise, often facilitating a much smoother inheritance for the heirs of my clients. Prior to becoming certified as a CPA, I made sure to establish a solid foundation in business both in and out of the classroom, and the acumen I’ve attained has served me well. Not only am I better able to run my own practice than I otherwise would be; I am able to help other small business owners fulfill their dreams, as well.

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 What is a 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