Employer's Agent

On construction projects where design and build contracts are preferred, the 'employer's agent' is usually a party who acts on behalf of the client. It is a similar role to the contract administrator, but often without the backing of a design team on the client's side during construction!

The employer's agent is likely to be either an architect or a quantity surveyor and would be equipped to monitor and follow the contractual process. They may also be the lead consultant for the pre-construction phase in activities such as coordinating the tender process, coordinating the novation of consultants and collating contract documents for execution.

After the contract has been awarded the employer's agent's role would likely include:

• Issuing instructions and managing change control procedures.
• Coordinating the review of information prepared by the contractor.
• Considering items submitted by the contractor for 'approval', as required by the employer's requirements..
• Reviewing the progress of the works and preparing payment recommendations for the client.
• Considering claims.
• Monitoring commissioning and inspections.
• Arranging handover at practical completion.
• Bringing defects to the attention of the contractor.