"Contract managers only focus on the contracting life cycle. Their exact duties depend on the company, but contract managers typically draft contracts, keep track of them, and negotiate terms. Project managers may be a part of the process as well, but tend to focus on a project as a whole, not just on its contract. The bigger companies I've worked for always had both contract managers and project managers to ensure everything runs smoothly."

"In my previous role, we used a lot of different software to work efficiently. We used PandaDoc to oversee the life cycle of every contract. It helped keep things organized and easy to track. We also used DocuSign to allow clients to sign contracts digitally, making the process more streamlined. I have in-depth experience with Microsoft Office, Word especially, to create contracts and edit them when necessary."

"I have a contract management certificate from Mount Royal University. The course taught me about different types of contracts, their uses, and how to work through each stage of the contract life cycle. This allowed me to complete the Canadian Construction Association's Gold Seal program three years ago and become certified to work as a contract manager anywhere in Canada. I've been working as a contract manager ever since."

"If a client didn't agree with a clause in their contract, I'd discuss it with them. I'd find out what they didn't like about the clause and see how I could adjust it. If the clause needed to stay for legal reasons, I'd explain that to the client and offer to add a clause that suits their needs."

"I worked with a large grocery store for five years where I reviewed, implemented, and enforced contracts with suppliers. We had one supplier whose contract stated he had to bring 100 units of his product every Friday. After the first few months, he started bringing product late or bringing shipments that were too small. I scheduled a meeting with him to discuss what was going on. He said he couldn't keep up with the demand but was trying his best. I offered him a new, smaller contract with my employer's permission because his product was very popular. He was never late or unable to deliver again."

"In my previous role, I used contract management software to stay organized. It helped me keep track of all my ongoing contracts to monitor, renew, and enforce them. Additionally, I had a calender and daily to-do list where I'd write my tasks and deadlines. Constantly referring to these notes helped me complete everything on time."

"I worked on a construction site for the last six years. There, I was responsible for creating, adjusting, reviewing, and enforcing all contracts with suppliers and labourers. I often acted as a liaison between the two groups and management to ensure each contract satisfied the needs of everyone involved."

"My greatest skills as a contract manager are my analytical and communication skills. My analytical mind and attention to detail helps me analyze the law and ensure every contract adheres to it. My communication skills allow me to explain the details of every contract successfully, ensuring the client will follow them."

"I always do extensive research before drafting any contract. I look into the legal clauses I need to include and look at similar contracts we've written in the past. Then, I talk to my employer to double-check what specific clauses they want me to include. This allows me to create a draft of a contract I can analyze and then ask my manager to do the same before creating a final draft."

"I'd describe my management style as persuasive. I have excellent communication and interpersonal skills which allow me to show clients why the contract I created is in their best interest to implement. I can easily persuade and negotiate with clients while maintaining full control of the decision-making process."

"There are five main steps I follow. The first is creation, where I research and write a thorough contract with input from my employer. Then, I negotiate it with our clients. Once we all agree on the terms, I get everyone involved to sign the contract and present them each with a copy. I review the contract regularly to ensure every clause is being met throughout the period. When the agreed-upon term is over, we discuss renewal and start again."

"When discussing legal or technical terminology, I try not to use industry terms. If I have to, I'll thoroughly explain them first. I go over every clause in a contract with clients to ensure they understand and can follow it. I answer questions they have on the spot and create an open line of communication to answer any more questions that may arise later on."

"I'd ask my employer for some time to analyze the client's history with our company. I'd look into how well they've been following their existing contract and perform another risk assessment to see if we should renew their contract. Then, I'd draft a report with my findings to show my employer and let them make an informed decision."

"I enjoy taking online courses whenever I can to improve my knowledge. Recently, I took an Excel skills course from Macquarie University to gain in-depth knowledge about the software. I learned about Excel tools and functions I've never heard of before which I found really helpful. I use Excel to keep track of clients and their contracts, so that course made my work more streamlined."

"I'd inform the client that we can't include the clause, explain why, and offer to explore other options. I'd then offer alternative clauses that are better for the company but still meet the client's needs."