The contract manager function

In a major project, the activities that take place at the company's head office, with subcontractors and on the customer's site, for both construction and commissioning, require strong contractual management, both vis-à-vis the customer and its representatives, and vis-à-vis the company's suppliers and subcontractors.

This is the role of the contract manager, who advises the project director and, at the start of the project, draws up a summary of the contract for the team, setting out the company's commitments and contractual constraints; monitors compliance with the contract and any deviations on the part of customers, suppliers and subcontractors; and builds and fills in the risk and opportunities file.

The contract manager is an operational legal expert who safeguards the company's rights, is fully involved in the day-to-day running of the project and is at the service of the project team.