Planning, Negotiating and Managing Performance-Based Contracts

Performance contracts are increasingly used to ensure that suppliers, service providers, departments and project teams are accountable for measurable results rather than only activities or inputs. Effective performance contracting requires clear planning, well-defined outcomes, realistic KPIs, balanced risk allocation, strong negotiation skills and disciplined contract management.

This course provides a practical approach to designing and managing performance contracts from planning to negotiation, implementation, monitoring and review. Participants will learn how to define contract objectives, develop service levels, establish performance indicators, negotiate commercial and operational clauses, manage contract risks, review performance data and handle underperformance.

The course reflects current practices in outcome-based contracting, service-level agreements, supplier performance management, data-driven contract monitoring, digital dashboards, ESG-related performance requirements, agile contract governance and the responsible use of technology and AI tools in contract administration.

Who Should Attend

Contract managers and contract administrators

Procurement and supply chain professionals

Commercial managers and finance professionals

Project managers and program managers

Performance management specialists

Legal and compliance professionals involved in contracts

Vendor and supplier management professionals

Department heads and service managers

Government and public-sector contracting professionals

Professionals responsible for drafting, negotiating or managing performance-based contracts

Objectives

Plan performance contracts based on clear outcomes, service levels and business requirements

Design measurable KPIs, SLAs and reporting mechanisms for contract performance

Negotiate key financial, operational and performance-related contract clauses

Allocate risks, responsibilities, incentives and penalties in a balanced and practical manner

Manage supplier, contractor or internal performance through structured monitoring and governance

Address underperformance, disputes, variations and corrective actions effectively

Use performance data, dashboards and digital tools to support contract decisions and continuous improvement

Course Outline

Performance Contracting Fundamentals and Planning

Concept of performance contracts and outcome-based agreements
Difference between input-based, output-based and outcome-based contracts
Identifying business needs, service expectations and performance objectives
Defining contract scope, deliverables, responsibilities and success criteria
Aligning performance contracts with strategy, budget, risk and service quality expectations

Designing KPIs, SLAs and Performance Measurement Frameworks

Developing meaningful KPIs linked to contract objectives and service outcomes
Designing service-level agreements with measurable standards and thresholds
Differentiating leading indicators, lagging indicators, outputs, outcomes and compliance measures
Setting baselines, targets, tolerances, data sources and reporting frequency
Avoiding weak indicators, measurement overload and unrealistic performance commitments

Negotiating Performance Contract Terms and Commercial Clauses

Preparing for negotiation through objectives, priorities and fallback positions
Negotiating scope, service levels, pricing, payment terms and performance obligations
Structuring incentives, deductions, penalties, bonuses and gain-sharing mechanisms
Negotiating risk allocation, liability, change control, escalation and termination clauses
Managing negotiation dynamics, stakeholder interests and documentation of agreed terms

Managing Contract Performance and Supplier Relationships

Establishing contract governance, communication channels and review meetings
Monitoring performance through reports, dashboards, site checks and evidence-based reviews
Managing supplier relationships while maintaining accountability and contractual discipline
Handling underperformance through corrective actions, improvement plans and escalation
Managing variations, claims, disputes and lessons learned during the contract lifecycle

Digital Tools, Risk Control and Continuous Improvement

Using contract management systems, dashboards and digital trackers
Applying data analytics and AI-supported tools for monitoring, summarizing and identifying trends
Integrating ESG, sustainability, safety, quality and compliance requirements into performance contracts
Managing contract risks, audit trails, documentation and decision records
Developing a performance contract improvement plan for future agreements

Competencies

Performance contract planning

Outcome-based contracting

KPI and SLA development

Contract negotiation

Commercial clause review

Risk allocation

Supplier performance management

Contract governance

Performance monitoring

Corrective action management

Dispute avoidance

Data-driven decision-making

Dubai

Elite Academy can deliver its complete portfolio of professional training programs in Dubai. With a global business, aviation and services hub with excellent international accessibility, the destination suits both scheduled learning and tailored arrangements for organizations or individual professionals. As an Elite Academy training destination, Dubai provides access to our full portfolio rather than a city-specific set of specializations. The city is a global business, aviation and services hub with excellent international accessibility, creating a suitable environment for organizations developing their teams and for professionals attending independently. Upcoming scheduled courses are listed on this page, while any other Elite Academy program can also be requested for delivery in Dubai, subject to scheduling and delivery requirements. Explore the schedule or browse our training areas to find the right option.