- Energy careers
- Business and operations support
- Contract Manager and Negotiation Specialist
Contract Manager and Negotiation Specialist
NOC #12102
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Average salary $89,000 to $109,000
Career profile
Contract managers and negotiation specialists are professionals who focus on contract management in order to meet the companies’ corporate values, business needs and strategic objectives. The energy sector is a complex, integrated business environment and companies often need have dozens or even hundreds and thousands of contracts at any one time to manage their interactions with various partners and suppliers. These professionals work closely with various business units within a company, including project teams such as supply chain and logistics, and business units involved in major projects.
Contract managers are responsible for ensuring that the contracts entered into by the company align with its needs, business priorities, and corporate values. They are experts in contract execution and ensure that the contractual agreements meet the company’s strategic goals. Contract negotiation specialists focus on negotiating the specific terms of contracts. Depending on the company’s size, these two roles may be combined into a single contract manager position.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Coordinating with other departments or within project teams to develop contracting strategies and the format and scope of contracts
- Drafting RFP/RFQ packages starting with standard templates and tailoring as required to execute the approved strategies and contracting plans
- Leading negotiations with potential suppliers and contractors
- Providing expert input in the preparation of contract documents and ensuring that the engineering, commercial, legal and other requirements are properly and accurately described in the contract documents
- Reviewing and managing contractual obligations of the parties and providing continual review to ensure that all terms and conditions are met
Education
- A minimum of a four-year university degree in supply chain management, economics, commerce, finance or business administration is generally required. Specialists in unique or specialized areas may also require education in that specialization, such as engineering for major engineering or construction projects. Employers often prefer extensive knowledge of contract law and experience in contract negotiation and administration. An MBA may be required.
Certifications
- Some employers indicate a preference for Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP), Project Management Professional (PMP) or National Contract Management Association (NCMA) certifications.
Additional Requirements
- Often a minimum of ten years experience in the industry is requested as a deep knowledge of the company’s requirements forms the basis of contracts
- Specific health and safety certifications may be required, determined by location of work and company requirements
- Minimal or no travel
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
You have extensive knowledge of legal compliance and contract law. You are also a good negotiator with strong interpersonal skills. On top of all of this, you are organized and able to keep track of all of the various contracts.
Business can run smoothly in an energy company because you are overseeing every agreement, every term and every commitment.
- Information and Document Management
- Laws and Regulations
- Understanding Risk
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Cost Benefit Analysis
- Managing Conflict
- Negotiation
- Persuasion
- Attention to Detail
- Administrative
