Career

Contracts Administrator

Business

Manages the paperwork that makes every relationship on a project legally enforceable, the prime contract, every subcontract, and every change to either.

What is a Contracts Administrator?

A Contracts Administrator drafts, reviews, and manages the contracts that govern a construction project, the prime contract between the owner and general contractor, and every subcontract between the GC and its subcontractors. They make sure contract terms are consistent, insurance and bonding requirements are met, and changes to scope or price are documented in a way that holds up if a dispute ever ends up in front of a lawyer.

What they do

Draft and issue subcontracts based on the terms of the prime contract
Track subcontractor insurance certificates, bonds, and lien waivers for compliance
Review change orders for proper contractual documentation before they're executed
Flag contract clauses that create outsized risk (liquidated damages, indemnification terms) for leadership review
Maintain the contract files that get pulled if a dispute or claim arises
Coordinate with legal counsel on contract language for complex or high-risk projects

A typical day

8:00 AMReview a batch of incoming subcontractor insurance certificates for compliance
9:30 AMDraft a subcontract for a newly awarded scope of work
11:00 AMReview a change order for proper documentation before it's sent for signature
1:30 PMFlag a liquidated damages clause in a new prime contract for the operations team to review
3:30 PMUpdate the contract tracking log ahead of a weekly compliance review

Skills

Contract drafting and reviewAttention to detailRisk assessmentOrganization and document managementCommunication with legal counsel, subcontractors, and project teams

Software

ProcoreContract management software (varies by company)

Education

Required:: High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred:: Bachelor's degree in construction management, business, or paralegal studies
Helpful:: A paralegal certificate or background in construction law
Not necessary:: A law degree; this role manages contract administration, not legal representation, though some administrators do go on to construction-focused law

Career progression

1.Contract Coordinator
2.Contracts Administrator
3.Senior Contracts Administrator
4.Director of Contracts or Risk Management

Who hires for this role

General ContractorsConstruction Management FirmsOwners with in-house construction teams

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