How To Become A Subcontracts Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is a subcontracts manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Subcontracts managers are responsible for the procurement of materials, equipment, or services that support a company's business effort. They manage the entire lifecycle of the subcontract, including identifying their company's specific needs, researching, and negotiating with possible sources and deciding which provider to select as the subcontractor. They can find positions within manufacturing companies, wholesale trade, government, and retail.

On a daily basis, subcontracts managers confer with staff and vendors, attend bidders' conferences or seminars, and interview vendors. They develop subcontract specifications, terms and conditions, as well as modify, add, or delete portions of the subcontract to suit the company or vendors' specifications. They are responsible for hiring and supervising purchasing clerks and buyers and developing policies and procedures for purchasing and contracting agents. Subcontracts managers also ensure that the company follows all applicable laws and regulations.

Most opportunities for this occupation require several years of experience along with a bachelor's degree in administration. Certain certifications, such as Certified Professional in Supply Management designation from the Institute for Supply Management or a related field, may be advantageous over others. The median salary for the position is $86,110 annually. Moreover, the career is expected to grow further in the near future.

ScoreSubcontracts ManagerUS Average

Salary

6.5

Avg. Salary $83,758

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.1

Growth rate -6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.30%

Asian 7.46%

Black or African American 9.10%

Hispanic or Latino 12.33%

Unknown 3.82%

White 66.98%

Gender

female 30.04%

male 69.96%

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

Key steps to become a subcontracts manager

Explore subcontracts manager education requirements

Most common subcontracts manager degrees

Bachelor's

66.9 %

Master's

18.2 %

Associate

10.1 %

Start to develop specific subcontracts manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Program Management	7.93%
Price Analysis	6.83%
Project Management	5.99%
Supplier Performance	5.94%
Purchase Orders	5.31%

Complete relevant subcontracts manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New subcontracts 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 subcontracts manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real subcontracts manager resumes.

Research subcontracts manager duties and responsibilities

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Prepare your subcontracts manager resume

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

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