Contracts & Procurement
Why does procurement and the contract matter ?
Procurement in a project and programme environment involves breaking the project down into work packages, deciding how to select a provider for each work package and choosing a sensible allocation of risk and reward which will be reflected in the contract. Decisions made here can have long term ramifications on your project's success.
You then need to implement these decisions by writing a clear selection process and precise contract. Good procurement leads to good contracts which, if properly managed, lead to successful delivery.
Why Jon ?
Jon's particular expertise is in the development of the contract strategy - the sensible allocation of risk and reward - on major and complex projects or programmes of work.
His experience goes back to 1998 when he started his post-doctorate research into collaborative procurement routes which resulted in the publication of his second book in 2002 - 'Procurement Routes for Partnering: A Practical Guide' - which is still often referenced today as the 'go-to' book on contract strategy for projects. For 12 years, he was chair of the Association for Project Management’s (APM) Contract & Procurement SIG, (now 'Interest Network') staying abreast of best practice across sectors and writing the early chapters and co-editing 'The APM's Guide to Contracts and Procurement'. He also spent 5 years on the editorial panel of the Journal of 'Management, Procurement & Law' published by the Institution of Civil Engineers. More recently, due to his consultancy experiences, Jon was asked to contribute to a new book on Early Contractor Involvement.
As a practitioner, he has a unique breadth and depth of knowledge combined with experience that benefits clients, having helped develop contract strategies for projects and programmes ranging in value from £10m to £16.5bn and for clients who spend £3.5bn annually. As he works for clients, contractors and consultants, he offers a balanced perspective advising clients how they can establish a commercial and contractual framework to set their projects up for success. He is not just a ‘detailed’ contractual person, but views the ‘bigger picture’ understanding the organisational and cultural drivers of the client and their programme and projects, examining the contract strategy and the management of the entire project over its life time.
Whether an NEC contract is chosen or not, Jon can then draft and/or review and improve contract conditions and detailed requirements to ensure the chosen contract strategy is properly implemented.
Please go to the relevant resources page for articles and videos related to contract strategy.
Contact Jon, either by email on jon@leadingedgeprojects.co.uk or on +44(0)7970 428 929 for free discussion on how he can help your organisation develop 'fit for purpose' contractual arrangements to help deliver better projects & programmes.