Today, the role of contract manager is constantly evolving. Contract managers at the federal level are responsible for interpreting and implementing the myriad regulations and laws needed for inclusion; developing and managing contract vehicles between both parties; providing apt business advice in the implementation of pre- and post-award events; developing and/or reviewing complicated price settings; assisting in the purchase of specialized or standard services, construction, and/or commodities within a contracting office; utilizing different common contract types and contracting methods; conducting meetings with contractors on acquisition and/or sensitive issues when warranted as an authoritative contractual representative; executing and tracking deliverables until the closeout of the contract; etc. This conventional role of contract managers is evolving at the local and state procurement levels too.

Some government organizations view the role of contract managers as process and compliance enforcement, while others view more to it.

Certainly, the responsibility of those carrying out these functions greatly varies within the diverse public and private agencies and firms involved in procurement.  The differences can range from clear to subtle, and terminologies can widely differ.

Apart from the new roles of contract managers in the public and private sectors, technology’s role is also evolving their responsibilities. It is freeing up them of task-oriented activities like price or cost analysis, spend analytics, market research and analysis, data collection and reporting, solicitation and contract preparation, etc. So they get more time for more subjective activities, values and soft skills such as relationship building, interpersonal, communications, judging, negotiating, trade-offs analysis, project management, leadership, risk management, communication, mastery of technology tools, integrity, time management, self-motivation, general business, and teamwork.

These changes may seem to make today’s diverse job positions like contract, supply chain, buyer, procurement, purchasing, manager/specialist/ administrator, etc. to look synonymous. May be, the varied “contract management” profession of today could merge, leading to similar set of soft competencies, with diverse technical skills based on particular employers.

Certainly, the culture and mission of every firm or agency differs. However, limited candidates are qualified for working in specific and unique job requirements.

Taking up certificate training programs in the specific areas of contract management field will incorporate uniform competencies and trends in candidates to meet the requirements of such jobs. Blue Ocean Academy offers several globally recognized educational programs including Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM), Certified International Supply Chain Manager (CISCM), Certified International Commercial Contracts Manager (CICCM), etc. We encourage aspiring contract managers to take up one of these certification courses and get benefitted.

Register today for Contract Management certification and  training visit : https://www.blueoceanacademy.com/courses/international-commercial-contracts-manager.html