Construction Managers
Additional Information
Duties
The following are typical tasks performed by construction managers:
- Make estimates of costs, budgets, and project schedules.
- Translate contracts and technical documentation for the benefit of colleagues.
- Consult with construction experts such as architects and engineers.
- Coordinate the activity of subcontractors by appointing them and arranging their schedules.
- Assist the construction company and clients by keeping an eye on projects and reporting on their progress and budget.
- Respond to project delays, crises, and other issues that may arise over the course of the job.
- Legal criteria, such as construction and safety rules, must be met before the project may be completed.
A general contractor or project manager is someone who organizes and directs the construction of a wide range of structures, including public, residential, commercial, and industrial ones. While both general contractors and construction managers are responsible for managing a project's construction phase, the latter may also work with the client to improve building plans and keep costs under control throughout the design phase.
These individuals are in charge of coordinating the many aspects of a construction project to ensure that it is finished according to schedule and within budget. Some construction managers are in charge of many projects at once, such as the construction of multiple homes.
Architects, civil engineers, and tradespeople, including stonemasons, electricians, and carpenters, work closely with construction managers. Construction managers may have to deal with attorneys or government authorities depending on the nature of the project. Construction managers, for example, may consult with city inspectors to verify that municipal sidewalks are constructed in accordance with the city's material standards.
An industrial complex's construction manager may recruit other managers for various elements of the project. All phases of the project are overseen by their respective construction managers, who are each in charge of overseeing a particular aspect of construction, such as laying a structural foundation or installing electrical wiring.
Construction managers typically assume the role of a cost estimator in order to save time and money. They arrange time and resources for setting project deadlines by utilizing cost estimation and planning tools.
Education
An undergraduate degree in construction management, business, engineering, or a closely related field is common.
Project management, design, construction methods and materials, and cost estimation are popular subjects in construction-related bachelor's degree programs. Courses in economics, writing, and mathematics is also useful.
Most construction managers have an associate degree in construction management or technology. Managers of smaller projects often have an associate degree and work experience.
A high school diploma and relevant work experience may be required for construction management jobs. As a result, they may prefer to work as general contractors rather than construction supervisors.
Training
New construction managers often serve a one-year probationary period. Some companies require years of on-the-job training.
Work Experience in Related Fields
Construction experience is required for managers without a bachelor's degree. Construction managers with solely carpentry, masonry, or equivalent experience should not be accepted.
Internships and co-op programs can give college students practical experience.
Licenses and certifications
Several states require construction managers to be licensed. For further info, contact your state licensing board.
Professional certification indicates a specific level of expertise and comprehension.
The Construction Management Association of America offers a technical test to become a CCM (Certified Construction Manager) (CMAA). In this online course, you will learn about the construction manager's role, legal issues, and risk allocation.
These credentials are issued to people who meet the American Institute of Constructors’ (AIOC) requirements, which include passing construction tests.
Important traits
Thinking skills. Construction managers must create strategies, investigate cost variances, and resolve issues as they arise.
Business acumen. Construction managers are in charge of project financing, personnel hiring and management, and workforce coordination. As self-employed construction managers, they must create new business opportunities and find new clients.
Belief in your communication skills. Construction managers must be able to communicate both vocally and in writing. To execute a project on time and under budget, managers must interact with owners, clients, contractors, and other specialists, such as engineers.
Making wise decisions. Construction managers must select personnel and subcontractors for certain jobs. On-time and under-budget projects need several judgment calls.
Leadership skills. Construction managers must efficiently assign responsibilities to employees, subcontractors, and other management levels to ensure projects are completed accurately and on time.
Technical expertise. Construction managers must understand construction technology, contracts, and technical drawings.
Pay
Construction managers made an average of $97,180 per year in May 2020. It is the pay at which half of the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. The lowest tenth made less than $56,880, while the top tenth made more than $169,070 per year in wages.
Job Projections
Construction managers' jobs are expected to rise at a greater rate than the national average between 2020 and 2030.