Key Takeaways: From Reactive to Resilient Panel - How AI is Redefining Contract Management

The landscape of contract management is undergoing a profound transformation. At the World CC Connect Forum in Melbourne, experts Rashmi Sharma, Data & AI Leader, Accenture, Marie Cullen, Head of Procurement Australia, Fluence, Chad de Souza, General Counsel, Asia Oceania, Accenture, Praveen Angari, Procurement Process Manager, AusNet and Adam Baker, Principal Product Manager, OneAdvanced ANZ, explored how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the function - not as a replacement for human expertise, but as a catalyst for resilience, efficiency and strategic value. 

AI as a Partner, not a Threat 

One theme that resonated across the panel was that AI should be viewed as an enabler rather than a replacement. Tasks once considered routine but time consuming - from drafting contracts and comparing clauses to enforcing compliance - are increasingly being handled by AI. Yet the critical moments in contract management, such as negotiation and strategic decision-making, remain firmly rooted in human skill. As Chad de Souza observed, “It’s not AI that will take your job, it’s the person who knows how to work with AI.” 

Building Trust Through Cultural Change 

Adopting AI is as much a cultural shift as it is a technological one. While fears of job displacement persist, the reality is that AI excels in removing the drudgery, allowing contract managers to focus on higher-value work. Building trust in AI therefore requires reframing its role: not as a threat to professional relevance, but as a partner that supports better outcomes. Rashmi Sharma mentions that, “It’s not just about trusting the technology, it’s about understanding your role alongside AI. The future won’t be about AI replacing people, but about people who can work effectively with AI.” 

The Shift Toward Agentic AI 

The discussion also highlighted the emergence of agentic AI, systems that don’t just respond to prompts but actively collaborate with users. Early applications in sourcing and obligation tracking are already proving their worth, offering organisations a strong return on investment while laying the foundation for more complex, orchestrated AI-driven workflows. This gradual, phased approach allows businesses to build confidence before scaling to multi-agent environments that could handle everything from obligation monitoring to proactive risk alerts. Praveen Angari explained that “AI brings both transformational opportunities and critical boundaries. The real value is in striking the right balance, automating repetitive tasks like drafting or clause comparison, while keeping humans in the loop for strategic decision-making and legal judgment.” 

Data, Security and Compliance at the Core 

For industries operating in heavily regulated environments, the integrity of data is paramount. Adam Baker emphasised the importance of designing AI systems “secure by design,” ensuring that sensitive commercial and legal information is kept safe and used responsibly. Data sovereignty and compliance with evolving regulations, especially in regions such as the EU, are now central considerations for any AI initiative.  

Balancing Automation and Human Oversight 

While AI can significantly reduce manual workload, Adam Baker cautioned against blind reliance. Challenges such as bias, inaccurate outputs and the so-called “hallucinations” of large language models underscore the continued need for human oversight. Explainability, the ability for AI to show how it arrived at a decision, will be critical in building confidence and accountability. 

Looking Ahead: Unlocking Strategic Value 

Ultimately, the goal of integrating AI into contract management is not simply efficiency, it’s impact. By lifting the administrative burden, AI allows professionals to focus on identifying opportunities that enhance profitability and strengthen stakeholder relationships. The future of contract management lies in this synergy - AI handling the processes behind the scenes, while people provide the empathy, judgment and strategic thinking that drive real business value. 

As Marie Cullen puts it: “You still need a negotiator in the room, someone who can draw out emotion, show empathy and resolve risks in ways AI can’t. It’s that human-to-human connection that remains critical.” 

The organisations that embrace AI as a partner, while preserving these uniquely human skills, will be the ones to move from reactive firefighting to truly resilient, future-ready operations. 

Are you ready to take the next step toward smarter, more resilient procurement? Explore how we can help your organisation streamline processes, ensure compliance and drive lasting value: Learn more here.