Course overview
Subcontractor performance often determines whether a project meets its cost, schedule, quality and safety commitments. Main contractors and project owners must translate scope into clear subcontract packages, select capable firms, administer obligations consistently and intervene before disputes become claims. Weak scope definition, unmanaged interfaces, late notices, poor payment controls and informal site instructions can create delay, rework, cost growth and damaged supplier relationships.
This course develops the practical controls required to manage subcontractors from package strategy through close-out. Participants examine work package planning, procurement routes, prequalification, bid evaluation, contract formation, mobilisation, programme control, payment certification, variations, quality assurance, safety coordination, claims avoidance and dispute escalation. They apply recognised approaches including NEC4, FIDIC, ISO 31000 risk management and earned value analysis, while distinguishing contractual rights from operational management actions.
Teaching combines short instructor briefings with construction, infrastructure, energy and facilities-management cases. Participants work through tender documents, subcontract clauses, programme updates, payment records, change notices and performance data in small groups. They progressively build a subcontract management pack for a realistic package, then test it against delay, quality failure, scope change and payment scenarios. Each participant leaves with a structured set of reusable templates and a completed subcontract management plan adapted to their own project context.
The course is suited to professionals who already work with suppliers, contractors or project delivery teams and need stronger control of subcontracted work. It is relevant to capital projects, public works, maintenance contracts, technology implementation, outsourced operations and major service agreements.
