Supervising staff, project management, working with clients, and acting as a resource are all responsibilities of a construction project manager. On the job site, construction managers work on both new construction and large renovation projects. The construction manager’s primary responsibility is to ensure that the project is completed on time, on budget, and according to the original specifications.
Most employers require a university or college degree and at least five years of experience working on a construction site to become a construction project manager. A bachelor’s degree in business, civil engineering, or management is common. A university program typically lasts four to five years, while a college program lasts two to three.
High school courses in business math, technology, and English are required for admission to these programs. Although both degrees are valued equally at the construction manager level, the candidate with the university degree may have more career advancement opportunities. Workplace performance, on the other hand, is valued more than academic credentials. Prepare to go above and beyond in order to be considered for more senior positions.
This type of position is rewarding for people who enjoy interacting with others, are natural leaders, and have excellent interpersonal skills. This position requires some instruction or guidance, which is a new skill for most managers. In this position, oral communication, conflict resolution, and team building skills are highly valued.
Construction project managers are responsible for supervising or managing teams of skilled and unskilled laborers. The number of people involved and the scope of their responsibilities varies depending on the job. On a large building construction project, for example, a construction project manager may be in charge of the foundation pouring and framing teams, as well as liaising with building inspectors and architects. On a renovation project, the same type of manager may be in charge of material sourcing and delivery, as well as site management.
The construction manager’s day revolves around project management. He or she is in charge of project planning, timeline creation, regular meeting organization, working with outside contractors, and keeping the team on track in this position. The majority of construction projects have tight deadlines and little room for error. To keep this schedule on track, skilled management is required.
Interacting with clients is a crucial part of the construction project manager’s job. He or she is usually involved in conflict resolution, providing guidance on standard construction practices, explaining building code requirements, and attending all building inspection meetings. Important skills include the ability to work well with a diverse group of people, solve problems quickly, and share information and experience with colleagues. Additional training in team building, effective communication, and mentoring can be very beneficial to many construction project managers.