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What is a contracts administration manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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A Contracts Administration Manager drafts proposals, negotiates, and evaluates commercial and government contracts in compliance with company policies and legal requirements. They ensure that both parties are aware of the terms of the contract and that all contracts abide by local and federal laws.

Contract Administrators are employed by different industries and often start as Contract Specialists. The administrator is responsible for the procurement, subcontracting, and installation while executing a contract.

Also, they oversee commissioning, remodeling, and handovers. The Contracts Administration Manager supports negotiations of claims, manages changes in contracts, and resolves disputes and conflicts among contractors.

A Contracts Administration Manager must have at least three years of experience in a contract administration role or a related field. They must possess negotiation, analytical, time management, problem-solving, and communication skills. The average base pay of a Contracts Administration Manager is $126,768. The range falls between $110,527 and $145,382.

ScoreContracts Administration ManagerUS Average
Salary
5.7

Avg. Salary $72,869

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.1

Growth rate -6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 7.52%

Black or African American 9.20%

Hispanic or Latino 12.49%

Unknown 3.83%

White 66.66%

Gender

female 57.13%

male 42.87%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
8.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Contracts administration manager career paths

Key steps to become a contracts administration manager

  1. Explore contracts administration manager education requirements

    Most common contracts administration manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    62.0 %

    Master's

    15.1 %

    Associate

    13.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific contracts administration manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Contract Administration16.74%
    Proposal Preparation8.33%
    Contract Management7.50%
    Delivery Schedules4.91%
    PowerPoint4.76%
  3. Complete relevant contracts administration manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New contracts administration managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a contracts administration manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real contracts administration manager resumes.
  4. Research contracts administration manager duties and responsibilities

    • Operate and manage a DOD government facility.
    • Manage all initiatives with all GSA regions such as including security clearances, and training.
    • Formulate organizational and operational plans, grants, contracts and procedures for achieving Medicaid program goals.
    • Provide proposal support in response to government and commercial RFP (s).
  5. Prepare your contracts administration manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your contracts administration manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a contracts administration manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable contracts administration manager resume templates

    Build a professional contracts administration manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your contracts administration manager resume.
    Contracts Administration Manager Resume
    Contracts Administration Manager Resume
    Contracts Administration Manager Resume
    Contracts Administration Manager Resume
    Contracts Administration Manager Resume
    Contracts Administration Manager Resume
    Contracts Administration Manager Resume
    Contracts Administration Manager Resume
    Contracts Administration Manager Resume
  6. Apply for contracts administration manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a contracts administration manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first contracts administration manager job

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Average contracts administration manager salary

The average contracts administration manager salary in the United States is $72,869 per year or $35 per hour. Contracts administration manager salaries range between $46,000 and $114,000 per year.

Average contracts administration manager salary
$72,869 Yearly
$35.03 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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