To become a contract coordinator, you will generally need to hold a college degree and spend some years working in a purchasing department of one or more companies. In addition to educational and job experience, you will want to work on honing your negotiating skills before you become a contract coordinator. It will typically be to your advantage if you can learn a great deal about the industry in which you work and develop good business relationships with suppliers. Finally, strong software and administrative skills can help you effectively manage your employer’s contracts.
A contract coordinator, sometimes called a contract specialist, is a purchasing agent job. Many businesses have contractual relationships with suppliers of the goods and services necessary to running their business. Contract specialists work to secure contracts that benefit their employers and then manage the contractual relationship by evaluating the performance of the suppliers and, when necessary, renewing or terminating a contract.
The qualifications to become a contract coordinator will typically vary by business. In most cases, however, you will need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration. When possible, try and secure an internship in the purchasing department of a business so that you can see whether this is the kind of work you would like to do. An internship can also give you valuable experience that may enable you to become a contract coordinator more quickly after you enter the workforce full-time. After graduation, apply for jobs within purchasing departments.
Most businesses will want you to have several years of experience working as an assistant purchaser before you can become a contract coordinator. During this time, it is a good idea to focus on learning your industry and getting to know your company’s suppliers. In addition, you should take the time to learn about industry suppliers with whom your company does not have a relationship in case you wish to work with them in the future or need to reassess your current contractual relationships.
As you progress in your career, you may wish to take additional coursework in the areas of negotiation or purchasing strategies. Many industry conventions and events offer classes and workshops that will help you develop your skills in and knowledge of these areas. Some employers will also expect you to eventually earn a postgraduate degree in business or in a field related to the industry in which you work, and you may find that holding such a degree expands your job opportunities dramatically.
