Typical tasks of contract administrators include: preparing contracts: as a contract administrator, you draft the content of contracts. Aside from putting together the standard clauses available in most legal agreements, you develop customised clauses that specify the unique business conditions of projects. Your job is to ensure the contract satisfies business requirements and complies with the relevant industry regulations and standards. managing internal processes: company contracts go through a lengthy review and approval process. As a contract administrator, you facilitate the review process and adjust the contract based on the suggestions of industry professionals. For instance, if a contract is legally sensitive, you send it to the legal team for review to manage risks and reduce liabilities. As the contract moves from one department to another, you communicate the updates to the stakeholders. You also ensure the legal contract is approved internally before presenting it to the client. negotiating contract terms: as a contract administrator, you act as a liaison for your employer. That means you can negotiate contract terms with outside parties. Your job is to negotiate the terms of contracts, communicate the wishes and priorities of your employer, and listen to the other parties. When all parties agree to the terms, you ensure they sign the contracts. If there are unresolved issues in the legal agreement, you relay feedback to the executives for clarification. implementing contracts: you monitor and uphold contracts and legal agreements with various parties. You ensure all parties execute their roles according to the contractual terms. You also communicate with the relevant stakeholders for a prompt resolution if you identify errors. In case of disputes, you ensure the company's leadership has accurate information relating to the contract and suggest ways to settle the disagreements.

Contract administrators work for diverse industries from finance to construction, mining and manufacturing. Hence, the work environment can vary based on the industry sector. For instance, you regularly inspect work sites in construction and mining and ensure contractors or suppliers comply with the contract terms. As a contract administrator, you work in an office environment. You oversee and interact with people, from contractors to stakeholders and clients in boardrooms. You also conduct face-to-face meetings and speak to clients over the phone to discuss the terms of contracts. The role may involve travelling to meet third parties at their business premises. However, it is possible to work from home since you can draft contracts and negotiate with clients over the phone.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include project managers , accountants , contract managers, and legal secretaries . You might also be working close to architects and quantity surveyors , as well as other specialists that could include, but are not limited to, operations managers, procurement managers, factory managers and cost estimators .

As a contract administrator, you work regular business hours. Your work schedule is 40 hours a week, sometimes you meet clients outside business hours to discuss the contracts or negotiate legal agreements. That means you could work evenings and weekends to suit clients' needs. Most contract administrators work in full-time positions, but part-time opportunities are available. Short-term roles are also available if a client requires your skills for a single project.

Becoming a contract administrator is a promising career. The complex legislation associated with agreements increases the demand for contract administrators. Career progression options depend on the industry. For instance, in construction, contract administrators move to contract manager roles or explore other supervisory roles like construction manager or quantity surveyor. Some contract administrators become procurement managers or project managers.

advantages of finding a contract administrator job through randstad

Finding your contract administrator job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a contract administrator is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

what are the roles of a contract administrator?

A contract administrator creates and reviews contracts on behalf of a company. You develop and negotiate legal agreements on behalf of both parties and ensure favourable contract terms. As a contract administrator, you check that parties are conversant with the legal agreements and abide by the laws.

how do I become a contract administrator?

A contract administrator usually has general qualifications like a diploma in project management or contract management. In construction, you need a bachelor's degree in construction management or civil engineering . If you don't have a bachelor's, you should complete a certificate in building and construction (contract administration).

is a contract administrator a good career?

Contracts are important in all industries, making contract administration a rapidly growing career path with attractive remuneration prospects. Contract administrator duties prepare you for executive positions if you want to explore other management roles.

what makes a good contract administrator?

As a contract administrator, you require negotiation skills to bring all parties together and steer them towards signing the contract. Good problem-solving skills are essential in case the contract runs into problems. The ability to think quickly and make decisions also comes in handy in high-pressure situations.

is there a distinction between a contract administrator and a contract manager?

As a contract administrator, you focus on contracts from preparation to signing and execution. Contract managers don't participate in creating contracts but implement the legal agreement on completion.

how do I apply for a contract administrator vacancy?

Applying for a contract administrator job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our contract administrator job offers . Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

Working as a contract administrator

what is a contract administrator?

As a contract administrator, you oversee the creation and negotiation of contracts. You also assist with ensuring that third parties uphold the contracts. Your expertise in legal agreements is helpful for organisations that deal with several third parties. Aside from creating new contracts, you track and update business agreements to prevent conflicts. You ensure third parties fulfil their obligations.

Contract administrators need financial and business acumen to get the best deal for their company. Your expertise ensures that the responsibilities of stakeholders and payment terms are clearly outlined. Since you work as a liaison between the company and its stakeholders, you provide the compliance and efficiency of contracts. In case of a dispute, you defend the company's interest and avoid wasting time and resources when resolving the issue. As a contractor, your work is the backbone of a productive and seamless partnership with suppliers and clients.

where do contract administrators work?

As a contract administrator, you work with companies that deal with multiple suppliers, vendors and contractors. Most contract administrators are employed in the construction industry. You can also work in mining and manufacturing companies to assist with preparing legal agreements for contractors and suppliers.

contract administrator jobs

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average contract administrator salary

The average salary of a contract administrator is $75,000 per year. Qualifications and work experience usually determine the remuneration package. That's why entry-level contract administrators earn a salary of $60,000 annually while experienced professionals take home over $90,000 per year.

what factors influence the salary of a contract administrator?

A contract administrator's salary depends on individual experience and qualifications. The industry sector and complexity of the role may also influence remuneration. Most employers look for contract administrators with diploma qualifications, so having additional qualifications like a bachelor's degree improves your remuneration package. Combining your qualifications with work experience is also a great way to increase your earnings. Contract administrators with over five years of work experience can negotiate higher pay due to the skills they bring to the role.

The sector you work in also impacts your earnings. Most contract administrators work in the construction industry, earning more than those in manufacturing. Depending on your position, working for the government may also pay less or more than the private sector.

Want to know what you will earn as a contract administrator? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

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types of contract administrators

The types of contract administrators depend on your industry sector. Some include:

construction contract administrators: you act as the intermediary between the construction company and its stakeholders. You double-check the terms and efficiency of the contracts to ensure the company gets favourable terms. Your job improves the performance of suppliers and vendors and promotes good relationships with clients. You also ensure the parties fulfil their obligations and adhere to the state laws.
procurement contract administrators: you oversee legal agreements with suppliers and ensure they deliver goods on time and in the quantities stipulated in the terms. You will likely work for a manufacturing company that deals with multiple vendors and suppliers.

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