Contract Administrator: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Contract Administrator
Practice Interviews Online - Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Contract Administrator mock interview, under 10 minutes
Practice Now »What is a Contract Administrator?
As a contract administrator in the field of quantity surveying, you will help manage the financial aspects and contracts for construction projects in the UK. This includes preparing cost estimates, securing necessary materials, and ensuring all agreements are fulfilled efficiently.
Skills
- Strong analytical and mathematical skills for accurate cost estimation and budgeting
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills to liaise with clients, contractors, and suppliers
- Proficiency in project management software and tools to manage contracts and timelines
- Attention to detail and ability to identify potential risks and opportunities in contracts
- Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements related to contracts and procurement
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Strong organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Teamwork and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams
- Continuous learning and development mindset to keep up with industry trends and best practices
Qualifications & Education
- Professional training and membership of an appropriate professional organisation is required for entry into the field of Cost Estimators in the UK
- To be eligible for professional examinations, candidates must have GCSEs/S grades and A levels/H grades, a BTEC/SQA award, a degree or equivalent qualification
- Candidates typically undergo a period of probationary training and professional assessment
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a contract administrator is not a project manager.
A contract administrator in the UK is responsible for maintaining documentation related to contracts, regulating change control, monitoring budgets and costs, checking invoices and authorizing payment, reviewing reports and requesting information, managing asset management, and managing contract variations on a day-to-day basis.
A contracts administrator manages business contracts, including purchasing, sales, and employment contracts. They act as a liaison between internal business parties and external vendors and suppliers, ensuring that conditions are correctly documented and followed through.
Verbal and written communication skills, negotiation skills, administrative or secretarial skills, evaluation skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines are required for a contract administrator in the UK.
Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Contract Administrator mock interview, under 10 minutes
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