Infrastructure projects are businesses that aim to build or improve an organization’s, community’s, or government’s internal framework. The project is overseen an infrastructure project manager, who is ultimately responsible for ensuring that work is completed on time and within budget. In some cases, an infrastructure project manager will work for a single employer for a long time and oversee multiple projects. Rather than hiring full-time managers, some companies hire private contractors on a project-by-project basis.
The construction of new roads, bridges, and transportation systems is frequently sanctioned national and local governments in order to improve transportation infrastructure and provide convenience for commuters, travelers, and other citizens. An infrastructure project manager must be hired the government agency that is sponsoring the enterprise. This person must collaborate closely with the project’s architects and engineers to determine the best and most cost-effective way to complete the project. Typically, the project manager negotiates with supply companies to purchase the equipment and materials required to complete the project. If budgetary constraints prevent the project from being completed as planned, the project manager may have to ask the project designers to make changes to the plans.
A project manager for infrastructure may appoint several other managers to oversee specific aspects of a large project. The manager may hire a human resources officer to handle employee recruitment as well as wage and benefit negotiations. Another person may be in charge of ensuring that the project’s various phases comply with local laws regarding structural safety and other issues. Despite delegating responsibilities to others, the project manager must maintain close contact with these junior managers to ensure that issues like budget shortfalls, contractual disputes, and safety violations are resolved quickly.
Information technology experts are frequently hired businesses and government agencies to oversee telecommunications system upgrades. To stay competitive, businesses must frequently replace computer systems, phone lines, and other devices with the latest technology. A telecommunications infrastructure project manager must figure out how to replace existing technology without disrupting the organization’s daily operations. The project manager must collaborate closely with departmental managers to determine which employees require access to specific systems and how to implement those systems around the work schedules of those employees.
A project manager may need a background in engineering, information technology (IT), or business administration, depending on the nature of the business. They are usually licensed or certified to perform the work that is required for the project. As a result, most project managers have a combination of strong academic credentials and industry experience.