If you currently work in the construction industry, you may already be familiar with contract administrators. A contract administrator oversees the planning, negotiation, and delivery of contracts on construction projects. They are responsible for ensuring that contracts are properly drafted and executed by all parties.
Contract administration is a smart career option for those already in the construction industry. It requires a certain range of skills and experiences, but is it right for you? Read on to find out what a contract administrator really does, what salary you can expect, and how you can become a contract administrator.
A contract administrator is responsible for managing and handling contracts within a construction site. They must know everything about contracts – how to create one, ensure they meet codes of practice and legal obligations, and oversee a contract to completion on a construction project.
As a contract administrator, you will need to make sure that all parties involved in the contract understand their obligations, as well as make sure they are following the rules and regulations set forth in the contract. You will also need to ensure that any changes made to the contract are communicated to all parties involved.
Contract administrators can travel too. If working with subcontractors they may travel out to each site to negotiate, oversee sites to ensure that they are meeting contract obligations, and work with a team right up until project completion.
Every day in a contract administrator’s life can be different. This can make it a challenging but worthwhile job prospect in construction. A typical day for a contract administrator may look like this:
A handful of interpersonal, professional, and ‘hands-on’ skills are required to be a contract administrator. Some of these will come from your own experience, and many can be learned through a formal qualification. To become a successful contract administrator, you must have excellent communication skills, strong organisational skills, and a good understanding of how contracts work.
You also need strong literacy skills, both written and verbal. In this role, there is a lot of reading and communicating. Having a good understanding of both the written and spoken word is essential.
As well as this, they need to have a good understanding of legal requirements, codes, and work health and safety practices. Ensuring contracts meet these is crucial, which is why contract administrators must be up to date with the legislation.
Liaising with stakeholders, management, and workers is an everyday responsibility in this role. Due to this, communication and interpersonal skills are very important. Contract administrators also need a certain level of technological skills. Knowledge of how to use computer systems to manage contracts and projects will be advantageous.
Becoming a contract administrator is a great choice if you’re already working in the construction industry and are ready to grow your career further. If you believe you have the right skillset to be a successful contract administrator, here’s how you can now become one.
Along with the hands-on and real-life experience in the construction industry, to start a career in contract administration you need a Certificate IV in Building Project Support (Contract Administrator) (CPC40320). This contract admin certificate will teach you the fundamental skills you need to become a contract administrator, including how to understand legal issues relating to contracts, how to read and interpret plans from a construction site, and preparing and administering contracts.
When studying this certificate with CAL, you get the benefit of flexible online learning, allowing you to work and develop your hands-on skills, while also gaining your formal qualification.
Upon completion of the Certificate IV in Building Project Support (Contract Administrator) (CPC40320), you will have the necessary skills to work as a contract administrator, with an average salary across this role of $115,000.
According to Seek*, contract administrators have an expected 8.8% growth in the next 5 years. This makes it an incredibly lucrative opportunity. Jobs will always be available in this field, and a certain level of job security, too.
Through both your own hands-on experience and a qualification, you will have the sought-after skills to secure a position as a contract administrator. With this, comes a competitive pay rate, and the opportunity to go on to progress your career further.
*https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/contracts-administrator
The construction industry is a strong industry constantly growing and withstanding economic and societal stresses. According to National Industry Insights, in Australia it generates over $360 billion in revenue, accounting for 9% of our Gross Domestic Product*. This makes it a strong career choice for those looking at their long-term goals.
Small and medium-sized businesses make up the majority of businesses in the construction industry. This benefits those looking for contract administrator jobs as many of these can be found in small construction businesses.
Government positions are also a common pathway within this role. This work can include working for councils and being assigned multiple contracts, all at varying stages.
*https://nationalindustryinsights.aisc.net.au/industries/construction
Contract administrators are a key component to the effective planning and implementation of construction projects, and are a smart/strong/future-proof career path for those ready to get off the tools while still utilising their skills and experience. With a competitive salary, opportunities for growth, and flexibility, becoming a contract administrator may be right for you.
If you’re ready to grow your career and become a contract administrator, the Certificate IV in Building Project Support (Contract Administrator) (CPC40320) is the perfect qualification to earn the skills you need. Enquire today to discover more.
