Contracting Manager Onboarding Checklist

Contracting Manager Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Contracting Manager starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Procurement onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Contracting Manager, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Contracting Manager onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Contracting Manager Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company policies and procedures: The contracting manager should receive a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies and procedures related to procurement. This includes understanding the company’s code of conduct, ethical guidelines, and any specific procurement policies that need to be followed. The HR department or a designated representative would typically perform this task.

2. Familiarization with the procurement team: The contracting manager should be introduced to the procurement team members, including their roles and responsibilities. This helps in building relationships, understanding the team dynamics, and knowing who to approach for different procurement-related tasks. The team lead or a senior member of the procurement team would typically perform this task.

3. Review of existing contracts: The contracting manager should be provided with an opportunity to review existing contracts within the company. This includes understanding the terms and conditions, contract scope, and any ongoing obligations. This task helps the contracting manager gain insights into the company’s existing contractual commitments and potential areas for improvement. The legal department or a designated contract specialist would typically perform this task.

4. Training on procurement software and tools: The contracting manager should receive training on the procurement software and tools used by the company. This includes understanding how to create purchase orders, track supplier performance, manage contracts, and generate reports. The IT department or a designated procurement systems specialist would typically perform this task.

5. Introduction to key suppliers: The contracting manager should be introduced to the company’s key suppliers. This includes understanding the nature of the relationship, supplier performance expectations, and any ongoing contracts or negotiations. This task helps the contracting manager establish communication channels with suppliers and ensures a smooth transition in managing existing supplier relationships. The procurement team lead or a designated supplier relationship manager would typically perform this task.

6. Review of procurement strategies and goals: The contracting manager should be provided with an overview of the company’s procurement strategies and goals. This includes understanding the company’s approach to sourcing, cost management, supplier diversity, and sustainability. This task helps align the contracting manager’s objectives with the company’s overall procurement objectives. The procurement director or a designated procurement strategy specialist would typically perform this task.

7. Introduction to legal and compliance requirements: The contracting manager should receive training on legal and compliance requirements related to procurement. This includes understanding relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards that impact procurement activities. The legal department or a designated compliance officer would typically perform this task.

8. Shadowing experienced contracting managers: The contracting manager should have the opportunity to shadow experienced contracting managers to gain practical insights into the role. This includes observing contract negotiations, supplier meetings, and contract management activities. Shadowing helps the new contracting manager understand best practices, learn from experienced professionals, and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. The procurement team lead or a designated mentor would typically perform this task.

9. Introduction to internal stakeholders: The contracting manager should be introduced to key internal stakeholders who are involved in the procurement process. This includes understanding the roles of finance, operations, legal, and other departments that collaborate with procurement. This task helps the contracting manager establish effective communication channels and build relationships with internal stakeholders. The procurement team lead or a designated stakeholder manager would typically perform this task.

10. Performance expectations and goal setting: The contracting manager should have a clear understanding of performance expectations and goals. This includes discussing key performance indicators (KPIs), targets, and timelines for achieving procurement objectives. Setting performance expectations helps the contracting manager align their efforts with the company’s expectations and ensures clarity in evaluating performance. The procurement director or a designated performance manager would typically perform this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Contracting Manager checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Contracting Manager up to speed and working well in your Procurement team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.