Freelance Project Manager Contract Template (UK 2025)

When You Need This Contract

Freelance project manager contracts must clearly define the PM's authority to make decisions, commit resources, and approve expenditure on behalf of the client. The contract should specify the project scope being managed, reporting structures and stakeholder communication responsibilities, the tools and methodologies to be used, and the PM's accountability for project outcomes including budget, timeline, and quality targets.

Key Clauses

• Decision-making authority and expenditure approval limits
• Project scope, timeline, and budget accountability
• Stakeholder communication and reporting obligations
• Tools, methodologies, and documentation standards
• Risk management and escalation procedures

What to Watch Out For

• Not defining the PM's decision-making authority, leaving them unable to make timely project decisions
• Failing to specify the PM's relationship with existing team members and their authority over project resources

Sample Clauses

• Sample authority clause: 'The Project Manager is authorised to: approve expenditure up to [amount] per item, make technical decisions within the agreed project scope, assign tasks to project team members, and approve minor scope adjustments that do not affect budget or timeline. Decisions exceeding these limits require written approval from the Project Sponsor.'
• Sample reporting clause: 'The PM shall provide: weekly status reports covering progress, risks, and issues; monthly budget reports comparing actual spend to forecast; and milestone completion reports at each project gate. A project closure report shall be delivered within [2] weeks of project completion.'