Contract Administrators: Oversee and Administer Legal Contracts

Contract administrators supervise the provisions, inspections, mediations, and re-examinations of contracts in relationship to a purchase or sale. The type of contract depends on the business. For instance: a government contract might be for the purchase of equipment or a contract for work materials. Corporations will have contracts for supplies, merchandise, or labor. Another task some contract administrators perform is the distribution of supplies and other administrators systematically discard unused property and even unclaimed holdings.

Contract Administrators are usually required to have a 4 year bachelor degree in business or finance. These degrees require courses in contract and business law which is very helpful in managing contracts. There are now 4 year degrees in procurement and contract administration and even a Masters Certificate in Commercial Contract Administration. This type of education and training is sure to put you at the top of the list. Higher salaries are based on experience requested by the employer.

Most contract administrators working for small businesses advance by taking other contract management jobs in the same firm or in a larger company. Getting a Certified Manager (CM) designation through the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), or through your education, experience, and successful completion of examinations for certification, can give you the extra edge needed for top managerial positions. In addition, completion of a Master Degree in business or another related contract manager field will open opportunities to advance to higher contract administrative positions.

There are many fields of business that use Contract Administrators. Take a look at the current fields now advertising for jobs available in Contract Administration:
 

• Data Management
• Paralegal/Contract Administrator
• Health Care
• Professional Services Firm
• Transportation Company
• HBO
• Oil spill containment Companies
• Dept. of the Army
• Engineering

These are only a few to mention so please be advised there are many fields, including a branch for paralegals who studied or worked in contracts. The job outlook for Contract Administrators in upper management will be competitive while jobs will be more available in lower management positions and this demand will stay strong. The changes in economy from year to year will cause fluctuation in job availability. Currently, there seems to be a healthy demand in the market for this occupation and it is predicted there is stability for a Contract Administrator once hired.

In conclusion, Contract Administrators have great potential for earning good salaries and working in multiple business fields, including the government. The work is pretty much a regular work week with the occasional overtime. The environment is usually a pleasant business office that demands time at the computer, reading, preparing and analyzing contracts. There will also be a demand for detailed oriented candidates as well as good negotiators. As mentioned, the job outlook for entry level positions is great but there is more competition for higher level jobs. There is much that a candidate can do to advance his/her skills as a Contract Administrator. Obtaining more education or certifications is a plus in top level Contract Administration. May many opportunities reveal themselves to you while pursuing your career in Contracts.