Signing a management contract means that someone else will look after a specific business function in return for a fee. These are advantages and disadvantages to this approach, and they turn...

The management contractor is generally appointed by the client early in the design process so that their experience can be used to improve the cost and buildability of proposals as they develop, as well as to advise on packaging and the risks of interfaces.

Management contracting typically lends itself for use on more time-critical, larger-scale and technically complex projects, which require (and benefit from) early contractor involvement, and the letting of works packages on a piecemeal basis - such that construction can commence before design is complete.

In this guide, we’ll explain what these agreements are all about and the functions they entail. You can read a bit about the different types of management contracts in use, as well as download a template to use as part of your deal. We’ll also look at the benefits and possible downsides to signing a management contract.

Jill Hamilton looks into what management contracting is, how it's structured, and the advantages and disadvantages it can present to an employer.