A key aspect of the contract management process will be the identification of a dedicated contract manager within the municipality, appointed to supervise implementation on behalf of the municipality. Ensuring that this individual has been involved throughout the process helps to ensure the ownership and understanding of partnership objectives and the required form of contract management. While it is important that the municipality works towards being a partner, it is important for contract managers to ensure that they do not micro-manage. The municipal team's role in contract management is one of monitoring the progress and performance specifications agreed at the outset. Procedures should be established to ensure that the municipal team does not interfere in details: it can undermine performance goals and create confusion about accountability.

Disputes are inevitable, but can be alleviated more easily if a collaborative approach, and procedures for addressing disputes, are agreed at the outset. In the event of a breakdown in partnering, the contract should provide for mechanisms to avoid disputes, methods (such as conciliation, mediation and arbitration) aimed at minimising litigation, and procedures to be followed which ensure that services are not disrupted.