A New Effort to Prepare Professionals for Careers in Acquisition and Contract Management

YPSILANTI, Mich. - Aug. 6, 2013 - PRLog -- NCMA’s GLS Chapter is launching a membership drive to prepare young professionals for a career in contract management.  Contract managers are employed by both buyers and sellers to manage customer and supplier expectations and relationships, control risk and cost, and contribute to organizational profitability and success.   According to a 2008 Grant Thornton report titled, “Acquisition in Transition” more than 50 percent of the government contracting workforce is expected to retire by 2019, taking with them institutional knowledge and skills.  Similar trends are also evident in the commercial and non-profit sectors.  NCMA provides its members with training and networking opportunities that prepare young professionals to work effectively with, and eventually take the place of their retiring, experienced co-workers.

“Young professionals with the educational background, an aptitude to understand business transactions, and who possess strong analytical and communication skills, will find diverse opportunities in procurement, contract management and supply chain management.  The GLS Chapter aims to help professionals realize this opportunity,“ said Don Kachman, public relations chair of the NCMA GLS Chapter.  The field integrates a broad set of business disciplines and involves working closely with all areas and departments within both private and public organizations.  A diverse range of disciplines are needed in order to effectively handle the wide range of business transactions requiring contracts.  This allows professionals from a wide range of backgrounds to move into the field.  Salaries for starting contract managers range from $45,000 to $55,000 with a median salary for the profession of $90,000.  

The membership drive will focus on connecting with professionals interested in or currently working in contract management within Michigan-area businesses, educational institutions, and non-profits.

If you would like more information on this topic, or to schedule a meeting to discuss what NCMA and the GLS Chapter has to offer you, please call Don Kachman at (734) 274-5178 or e-mail Don at don@kachmanconsulting.com.

About the NCMA

The National Contract Management Association (NCMA), which was founded in 1959, is the world's leading professional resource for those in the field of contract management. The organization, which has over 22,000 members, is dedicated to the professional growth and educational advancement of procurement and acquisition personnel worldwide. NCMA strives to serve and inform the profession it represents and to offer opportunities for the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. For more information on the association, please visit www.ncmahq.org.

About the GLS Chapter of NCMA

The NCMA Great Lakes State (GLS) Chapter has its roots in the Detroit Chapter established in 1979. Today, we continue to serve metropolitan Detroit, but have expanded our reach and influence throughout Michigan. Our new name conveys our broad outreach and commitment to the members, companies, and communities throughout Michigan.  The Chapter is dedicated to providing our members with relevant professional education, certification opportunities and professional networking.  For more information on the chapter, please visit ncmagreatlakes.org.