How to Become a Construction Manager?

Introduction of Construction Manager

Many jobs need you to work in the same place every day, whereas Construction Managers adapt to the nature of each project they work on and go wherever it takes them. You will work with a new customer, a new design team, and possibly even in a different industry each time you start a new project. Construction management is rewarding and challenging; not everyone gets to create with more than just the wooden blocks they played with as youngsters.

Similar Job Titles

• General Contractors
• Construction Superintendent
• Construction Project Manager
• Construction Foreman
• Construction Supervisor
• Site Manager
• Project Managers

Typical Job Responsibilities

What do Construction Managers do?

A Construction Manager would typically need to:

• Planned, organized, directed, and oversaw construction projects from beginning to end while adhering to the schedule, specs, and budget; managed the construction site by coordinating resources, activities, and staff.
• Estimate and negotiate construction costs; provide and agree on budget ideas; manage the budget, allocate resources; and track progress towards financial goals.
• Establish construction schedules and timetables; define milestones and deadlines; and track work against established schedules to ensure timely project completion.
• Contracts are prepared, and revisions, amendments, and extra-contractual agreements are negotiated with stakeholders such as architects, consultants, clients, vendors, and subcontractors. Contract administration and management
• Oversee health and safety procedures on the job site; conduct site inspections to ensure suitable work methods are used; and ensure compliance with all legal requirements, such as safety rules and environmental legislation.
• Hire, manage, train, and deploy project staff and subcontractors
• Communicate with building experts, subcontractors, supervisors, planners, consultants, and other team members; coordinate design documents with architects, surveyors, and engineers.
• Communicate project advancements to clients and top management via progress reports; attend stakeholder meetings.
• Establish and maintain relations with vendors.
• Plan and allocate resources; coordinate land acquisitions and purchasing building materials and equipment; inspect and manage goods and equipment.
• Represent your company on matters such as business services and union contract negotiation.
• Implement quality inspections and provide quality assurance
• Represent your company on matters such as business services and union contracts negotiation
• Implement quality inspections and provide quality assurance
• Handle and address unexpected problems that may arise during project planning or implementation.
• Keep current with industry best practices and innovations in building methods, materials, and procedures.

Standard Work Environment

Construction managers monitor projects and make construction-related decisions, either indoors in an office or outside on the construction site. They routinely shift between construction sites because many of them work on multiple projects at the same time. They could work on an apartment complex one day and a five-star hotel the next.

Several viable projects are not in the construction manager’s hometown, therefore, travel away from home is possible. The position frequently requires a brief migration to another city, region, or nation.

Work Schedule

Most Construction Managers work full-time, and some work more than 40 hours weekly. They are continuously on call and may work late at night, extremely early in the morning, or on weekends to respond to emergencies or fulfil deadlines because they supervise building projects from start to completion.

Employers

Seeking a new job may appear challenging. Construction Managers can improve their job search by soliciting referrals from their network, contacting firms directly, using job search platforms, attending job fairs, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Possibilities may be more significant in the private sector than the public sector, with the latter working in the infrastructure, energy, and transportation industries.

Construction Managers are generally employed by:

• Construction Companies
• Property Development Companies
• Residential Building Companies
• Non-residential Building Companies
• Specialty Trade Contractors
• Consultancies
• Infrastructure Companies
• Transport Providers
• Contractors & Subcontractors
• Heavy Engineering Companies
• Civil Engineering Companies
• Multinational Corporations
• Local SMEs (Small & Medium-Sized Enterprises)

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional organizations and groups, such as the International Construction Project Management Association (ICPMA), are essential for Construction Managers who want to further their professional growth or interact with other professionals in their industry or trade. Participation in one or more of these organizations adds value to your resume while strengthening your credentials and qualifications.

Workplace Challenges

• Identifying potential safety risks when working on construction sites
• Struggling with a lack of clearly defined goals regarding the construction project
• Working with unachievable goals and unrealistic expectations in terms of time and cost may hinder productivity
• Scheduling conflicts and missed deadlines can result in delays and higher costs to be paid to complete the project
• Working with individuals lacking the necessary skills to complete the construction project
• The lack of communication, well-defined goals, and clear guidelines when delegating the roles of various parties can hinder detecting and solving issues proactively and on time, mainly if a skills gap builds up within the team
• The need for risk management and to identify and prevent any safety issues

Suggested Work Experience

While studying, you can explore sponsorships, summer jobs, and placement year chances at large and small construction companies. Obtaining internship experience on construction sites and in buildings and being acquainted with industry trends is essential for future job applications for the role of Construction Manager.

Apprenticeships provide hands-on training in technological advancements in equipment and materials science that aid in constructing long-lasting, sturdy, and environmentally friendly structures.

While large organizations may promote official graduate schemes or specific positions, you can approach smaller businesses with speculative applications.

Reading as much as possible about the field and interviewing others working in the construction sector are valuable approaches to exploring your interest.

Recommended Qualifications

The building and construction sector’s expanding complexity and technicality need a bachelor’s degree to enter the field. Construction Managers with a bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, architecture, civil engineering, or a related discipline, such as military technologies, are preferred by employers. Project control and management, design, construction methods and materials, construction law, construction accounting, green building, and blueprint reading are typical courses in a four-year bachelor’s degree program in a construction-related subject. Hazard management, cost estimation, contract administration, business, communications, mathematics, and statistics are other valuable courses.

An associate degree in construction management or construction technology is another option. Certificate programs are available at community colleges and vocational schools, often as part of a two-year associate degree program. Construction Managers with an associate degree and relevant experience can supervise smaller projects.

A master’s degree in construction management is available to construction managers. You will increase your earning potential in higher jobs by enhancing your understanding of innovations in construction management and learning about business practices through this program.

Remember that while Construction Managers with a high school graduation and several years of work experience may qualify for this position, they are more likely to operate as self-employed general contractors than hired by a company.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registration

Although Construction Managers are not required to be certified, they may receive one to demonstrate that they have the necessary abilities, knowledge, and experience to supervise significant construction projects. Successful certification programs defend the public welfare by including a Code of Ethics.

Some businesses may require construction managers to earn a construction management license. It comprises enrolling in a course that teaches Construction Managers about contract administration, project safety, and construction operations. Candidates must pass the licensure exam after completing the course.

Because license issuance varies by location, contact your local licensing organization to confirm the requirements.

Projected Career Map

Career advancement is driven by performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional certifications. Construction Managers’ advancement chances are determined by their education, work experience, and ability to perform more sophisticated duties.

Being geographically mobile and able to switch employers or build projects can help you develop in your profession. Working for a massive global firm may open doors to opportunities to work abroad, particularly if you have expertise in a subject where your skills are in great demand, such as transportation infrastructure.

You can improve by increasing your level of responsibility and expertise in a specific area, such as house construction, or by diversifying your experience on numerous types and sizes of projects. Complex construction projects typically require a Construction Manager with at least ten years of experience.

With sufficient construction management expertise, you could rise to the positions of Project Manager, Contracts Manager, or Senior Manager/Department Head at your company. With additional training, you might then specialize in areas such as building inspection or health and safety.

Job Prospects

Construction Managers with a bachelor’s degree in construction science, management, or civil engineering, as well as construction experience, should have the best work prospects. Geographic mobility is an extra benefit.

Beneficial Professional Development

CPD will assist an active Construction Manager in developing personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It enables you to continually improve your skills, regardless of your age, employment, or degree of expertise.

Construction Managers should keep current on relevant regulations and technological changes, especially when transferring between projects or employment in different industries. It is strongly advised that you become chartered with a relevant professional body since this will expand your job options by providing you with various training and networking opportunities. Numerous professional organizations provide a variety of programs for graduates who wish to get chartered. The curriculum lasts two to three years and includes completing a portfolio of work to demonstrate that you meet the stipulated criteria and skills.

In addition to becoming certified or pursuing project management certificate courses. Construction managers can learn from podcasts, books, seminars, or webinars.

Participating in social events and initiatives benefits the project management community and informs Construction Managers of all essential topics and changes. It enables them to interact and learn from one another’s experiences and access vast knowledge and resources.

Conclusion of Construction Manager

Construction Managers’ days are never the same. Projects may provide comparable or distinct challenges, but nothing surpasses seeing a project take shape and come to life. You are responsible for connecting the many people involved in a building project while coordinating its operations. Despite its ups and downs, the career is intriguing and fulfilling.

Advice from the Wise

Because every day is spent persuading people that your proposed course of action is the best, you must be able to negotiate and persuade clients, suppliers, subcontractors, and their teams. It could be negotiating a new project or a variant with a client.

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