Extension Rate Increase: Ask the manager or the agent?

[LondonManc]

I'm a PM on my current contract, but thinking of switching to technical architect at next renewal. Anyone see a problem with this?

Why?

[northernladuk]

OK. Not sure that is even a PM role as such so I'd definitely question the increase in responsibilities line.

D&C isn't really about following predefined project processes to be honest so I wouldn't worry about that. I was thinking more along the lines of being asked to do bits of work here and there inbetween what you've got a schedule of work for. If the client intend to do this regularly and see you just as a resource even the best schedules aren't going to save you. It will be come very clear the contract is just paperwork covering up an employment style engagement. Just be very aware.

[kaiser78]

Speak to both works most effectively in my experience, but start off with the agent. The agent can negotiate, the client ultimately signs off - you can reason more clearly by speaking to the client directly without any yarn that the agent may spin on top.

[TheBA]

OK. Not sure that is even a PM role as such so I'd definitely question the increase in responsibilities line.

Fair enough, I see where you're coming from. They described it as a PM role with additional responsibilities so from that perspective I think I'm good.

All that being said I am a little concerned about the whole part and parcel element, I'm running a workshop tomorrow and I've just been told the big boss is taking us all for lunch. (perms + 2 contractors)

[northernladuk]

Maybe stop referring to them as boss and big boss would be a good idea. You are making yourself sound like an employee. They are your clients now, not your bosses.

[TheBA]

They're not my bosses, I never said they were.

[northernladuk]

They're not my bosses, I never said they were.

Actually, I'll take a cup of tea with my humble pie... You never did actually state that. I made an assumption as you've mentioned manager and big boss but never directly related to you. Still, might be worth throwing the word client in from time to time

[TheBA]

Maybe stop referring to them as boss and big boss would be a good idea. You are making yourself sound like an employee. They are your clients now, not your bosses.

I've never used boss so can only assume manager is inappropriate. What else should I be using?

[TheBA]

Actually, I'll take a cup of tea with my humble pie... You never did actually state that. I made an assumption as you've mentioned manager and big boss but never directly related to you. Still, might be worth throwing the word client in from time to time

Ignore my last post, slow app. And thank you, haven't seem much humble pie on here

[northernladuk]

I've never used boss so can only assume manager is inappropriate. What else should I be using?

It's just me being pedantic. They are a client manager, not your manager but that's a moot point. It's not the fact you are using the wrong term, it could be you are using it because you still haven't got it right that they are now your client and you are a supplier. I get slated for being a pedant here but IMO it's crucial you know this. If you did certain decisions about rate increases and other aspects of what we do will be clearer. Another example is you don't ask your manager if you can go on holiday, you inform your client you won't be available for certain days.

Get the basics of your engagement right it will become second nature, don't get it right and you are making yourself IR35 fodder.

One possibility to use your example would be the D&C.. If you can make it clear to your client that you are a supplier and you can only do X&Y but could do Z with a new schedule you can possibly avoid falling in to part and parcel. You can try educate them to get them on side. If you just say yes boss, no boss you are screwed.