Introduction of Construction Project Manager

Just as a structure is supported by its foundation, the effective completion of a construction project is supported by its Construction Project Manager. These managers are in charge of managing all project phases and ensuring that time and cost estimates are met. But, Construction Project Managers must also be able to weather the ups and downs of any project and see it through to completion by effectively altering plans as needed while adhering to legal and safety limits.

Similar Job Titles

• Construction Project Manager
• Construction Superintendent
• Construction Project Superintendent
• Construction Site Manager
• Construction Project Coordinator
• General Contractor

Typical Job Responsibilities

What do Construction Project Managers do?

A Construction Project Manager would typically need to:

• Manage project timelines, budget, people, supplies, equipment, logistics, and communication with other specialists; oversee the different parts and processes of the building process from planning to delivery.
• Meet onsite with clients, engineers, architects, and contractors regularly to ensure project practicality, discuss goals and review progress

• Oversee and motivate site foremen and teams; organize the labor schedule and tally talents with tasks

• Set out and discuss project estimates with clients; prepare cost estimates, budgets, and work timetables and ensure that work abides by them

• Approve purchase requests; negotiate with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors

• Ensure the availability of equipment onsite, the timely beginning of the construction process, and the fulfillment of daily and weekly deadlines
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, building, and other legal requirements

• Understand and convey contract content and technical information to other  professionals

• Monitor projects; report progress and budget matters to the construction firm and clients

• Conduct quality checks; tackle work delays, emergencies, and other issues
• Facilitate mediation for the client; ask and resolve questions as per requirements

• Supervise details regarding obtaining permits and design evaluations; process change orders

Standard Work Environment

The majority of Construction Project Managers work from either the main office or a field office on the construction site. Being on-site allows you to supervise work and make day-to-day choices more easily.
You may need to travel frequently if you manage numerous projects at the same time.

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, most Construction Project Managers work 40 hours each week. You may be required to work on evenings and weekends depending on your deadlines.

Employers

Seeking a new job may appear difficult. Construction Project Managers can improve their job search by soliciting referrals from their network, contacting firms directly, using job search platforms, attending job fairs, leveraging social media, and contacting staffing agencies.

Construction Project Managers are generally employed by:

• Speciality Trade Contractors
• Non-residential Building Construction Firms
• Residential Building Construction Firms
• Heavy & Civil Engineering Construction Firms
• Contractors & Specialist Sub-Contractors
• Property Development Companies

Unions / Professional Organizations

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

Workplace Challenges

• The need to be on call 24 hours a day to respond to project emergencies
• Staying away from home overnight
• Working outdoors in all kinds of weather
• Working indoors in loud, hot, dirty, and dangerous conditions
• Working overtime to meet deadlines and respond to emergencies
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as strippers or sealers

Suggested Work Experience

Any academic degree that a prospective Construction Project Manager pursues usually includes a term of supervised experiences, such as an internship.

Internship programs may fulfill program credit requirements while also providing you with a better understanding of on-the-job responsibilities. It will also offer you insight into the management side of the job and may help you find work after graduation.

Those who do not have a bachelor’s degree must have construction experience. Try to find weekend or vacation jobs, apprenticeships, or work with a relative who is a project manager. A good background in carpentry, masonry, or other construction specialties is required.

To demonstrate your devotion to course providers and future employers, read about the profession and interview or job shadow specialists in construction project management.

Recommended Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in construction, engineering, construction management, building management, building studies, project management, engineering, surveying, or a related discipline is normally required for a Construction Manager. Coursework includes project management and control, design, construction procedures, and material and cost estimation. You can also take business, communications, and mathematics courses to hone your business skills, or you can major in business management or information technology.

A master’s degree in a construction-related discipline, while not required at entry levels, may considerably boost your prospects of advancement.

Small project supervisors may have an associate degree or higher national diploma (HND) in construction technology or management, as well as job experience. You may be qualified to work as a construction manager if you can augment your high school graduation with significant on-the-job experience.

Prepare for a future as a Construction Project Manager by taking high school classes in physics, chemistry, mathematics, information technology, and business.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registration

A Construction Project Manager’s proficiency in a skill set is demonstrated through work experience, training, and passing an examination. When obtained from an impartial and reputable organization, certification can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a large wage premium of up to 18%, boost your prospects of progression, and allow you to become an independent consultant. By including a Code of Ethics, successful certification programs defend the public welfare.

The International Code Council (ICC) provides inspection certificates such as the Commercial Building Inspector (CBI), which qualifies people to inspect commercial properties. Project administration, plan reading, building materials, fire resistance ratings, safety, accessibility, and other regulatory concerns are all covered.

Construction Project Managers must be licensed in some areas. For further information, contact your state licensing board. The licensing process is handled by individual government agencies. It usually necessitates passing an exam in addition to meeting eligibility requirements such as a certain degree of education, job experience, training, or completion of an internship, residency, or apprenticeship.

Projected Career Map

Career advancement is driven by performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional certifications. Workers who consistently deliver above-average results may be eligible for advancement every two to three years.

A Construction Project Manager begins his or her career as a craftsman in a certain trade. You can study part-time and become qualified in project management if you have expertise in managing small projects. This can gain you a job in a construction project support team.

You will be given more significant and broader work responsibilities after finishing a two-year graduate training scheme. The nature of advancement is determined by the employer. You can develop in this industry by honing your skill and accountability in a certain field, like home construction, or by widening your experience on a variety of projects.

Construction Project Managers with at least ten years of experience may work on large and difficult projects.

Geographic mobility and the opportunity to change jobs or projects may be advantageous in terms of career progression. If you are an expert in a skill that is in high demand, such as transportation infrastructure expertise, you will also have opportunities to work for huge multinational corporations situated overseas.

With further experience, you can advance to the positions of Project Manager, Contracts Manager, Senior Manager/Department Head, or Corporate Director.

Self-employment in specialized fields is also an option. You can also look into academics and research, as well as support services like health and safety.

Job Prospects

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a construction-related field, as well as relevant skills and experience, will have the best work opportunities.

Beneficial Professional Development

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

If you lack the necessary qualifications in construction management, your employer may sponsor you to obtain them. Ongoing professional development is vital for staying current with appropriate legislation and technical information, especially when transitioning between projects or employment in different industries.

Construction Project Managers can continue their education after earning a bachelor’s degree by enrolling in courses in building code compliance, cost estimating, accident prevention, civil construction, and plumbing codes.

Depending on the firm, newly hired construction managers may work for up to a year or longer under the mentoring of an experienced manager. Typically, you will begin your career with an incubation phase during which you will be exposed to key employees as well as the systems and procedures unique to your organization. You would also learn about relevant legislation, such as health and safety, as well as the compliance and reporting standards for your project. The majority of the training is done on the job, with some external short courses thrown in for good measure.

Conclusion of Construction Project Manager

Whether a building project’s intended goal is a shopping mall or a single home, the complications of coordinating the different components and individuals involved are vast. Construction Project Managers expertly connect work and workers from many disciplines, such as architecture, engineering, public works, and city planning, to provide the desired result while adhering to schedule estimates and cost constraints.

Advice from the Wise

Be aware of the hazards and have a comprehensive plan in place to deal with anything that goes wrong. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of construction methods. To reach common goals, you must also develop teamwork among a multidisciplinary group of specialists while retaining an analytical attitude and practicing good time management and organizational abilities.

Read Also: How to Become a Construction Manager?