Responsibilities of a Construction Manager - Published by Telegraph
The construction manager will have many responsibilities and these include - the following:
Planning - From the outset, it is the responsibility of the Construction PM to plan the build process, this means producing a critical path and understanding the timing of each stage. Following each phase of the project is essential to ensuring that the project is completed on time.
Resource Allocation - Any building project will need resources from bricks and mortar to tools and basic amenities. It is the responsibility of the Project Manager to have an understanding of what these are and ensure they are available.
Staff Management - The Project Manager will be responsible for recruiting a team and allocating tasks to relevant managers. It may mean identifying suitable contractors who can complete the work. The important thing for the Construction Project Manager is understanding at which stage of the process each trade will need to be recruited.
Setting Benchmarks - An integral aspect of the ongoing monitoring of a project is setting benchmarks to monitor progress, this allows the project manager to identify whether or not the project is on target to finish on time and within budget.
Budget Management – The Project Manager is responsible for the financial planning and monitoring of the project. To avoid going over budget a PM should consider continually forecasting, keeping the team informed of forecasts and changes and managing the scope meticulously, so knowing the costs for unplanned construction work or resources and keeping that set-aside.
What Skills Do You Need To Be A Construction Project Manager?
General skills for project management are used in a construction project manager role. This include:
Planning and Time Management – to ensure that projects are completed within set timeframes.
Resource Management – ensuring that equipment is available throughout the building project.
Financial and Budget Management – making sure that the project is completed within a financial budget.
Communication – arranging meetings and ensuring that all stakeholders are aware of the project’s progress.
Delegation and Motivation – the Project Manager, will be responsible for ensuring that tasks are delegated effectively and staffs remain motivated to complete the project to a high standard.
General Construction – at times of uncertainty the project manager may be relied upon for his superior knowledge of the industry and specific problems.
What Is The Workload Of A Construction Project Manager?
The role of a Construction Project Manager may involve a variety of tasks including:
- Daily email checks for correspondence from many stakeholders
- Preparing regular progress reports for project sponsors
- Making daily tasks lists and delegating responsibility
- Arranging and leading on regular team meetings
- Keeping up to date with any policy and legislation changes
- Undertaking site checks to monitor progress
- Dealing with matters arising from stakeholders such as environmental and local community issues
- Monitoring budget reports
What Are The Key Benefits And Challenges Of A Construction Project Manager Role?
Benefits – A Project Manager in construction can benefit from a varied career, working on building projects that have a significant contribution to local and national communities. Furthermore, the role allows the project manager the opportunity to see very clearly the fruits of their labor. Project Management also means that candidates have a varied career, working on multiple projects and there are many opportunities to travel the world with work.
Challenges – The role of a Construction Project Manager can be very consuming with long days which can impact work-life balance, particularly as deadlines loom. Furthermore, as a senior person on the project, the Project Manager may be required to handle stressful situations with stakeholders, particularly those who question the environmental impact of the project build. Therefore, the Project Manager will need strong media relation skills.
What Are The Salary Expectations Of A Construction Project Manager?
Depending on the size and scale of projects Construction Project Managers in the UK can expect salaries from £50,000 per annum upwards. As well as a standard pay these managers often receive a competitive package that may include a company work van and commission bonuses.
What Is Career Progression Like For A Construction Project Manager?
Typical career progression route for Project Managers in construction may include an undergraduate degree in Engineering, Construction or Project Management followed by several years of working as an assistant in a construction environment. A route may also exist outside of degree study with Apprenticeships in construction and project management and significant on-site experience.