What is a construction project manager?
Construction project managers oversee all phases of the building process, making sure the project is completed on time and within scope and budget. They are responsible for the success of a construction project, seeing the project through from the start to the end.
How to become a construction project manager?
You’ll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree accredited by The Chartered Institute of Building in a subject like:
- building studies or building engineering
- surveying or civil engineering
- construction engineering
- construction site management
- estimating
Courses are likely to include project management, economics, IT and accounts.
You could also move into this job if you’re working as an estimator, building technician, surveyor or site supervisor and have several years’ experience in the building industry.
Construction project manager duties
Construction project manager duties are diverse and depend on the employer and specialty, but some responsibilities are common to most:
- Plan all construction operations and schedule intermediate phases to ensure deadlines will be met
- Acquire equipment and material and monitor stocks to timely handle inadequacies
- Keep track of inventory, tools and equipment
- Ensure supplies and equipment are ordered and delivered according to schedule
- Prepare reports regarding job status
- Resolve any problems that may arise
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations and building codes
- Evaluate risks
- Collaborate with engineers, architects etc. to determine the specifications of the project
- Negotiate contracts with external vendors to reach profitable agreements
- Train and mentor construction workers and construction laborers depending on the size of the project
Construction project manager skills
To be an effective construction project manager, you’ll need certain skills and competencies. The following are often cited in job vacancies:
- Ability to plan and see the “big picture”
- Ability to multitask
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Critical-thinker and problem-solver
- Highly organized
- Excellent time management ability
How to find a construction project manager job
These jobs are advertised online, in local newspapers and at your local jobcentre. To find all the construction project manager jobs near you, you need to:
- Search for construction project manager jobs on popular job websites such as; Indeed, Total Jobs and CV Library
- Use the DWP’s Find A Job Service
- Check local newspapers and local Facebook groups, especially groups dedicated to local jobs
What does a construction project manager do?
The job of a construction project manager varies depending on the job role and the company you’re working for. Check the duties and responsibilities of construction project manager job advertisements to find jobs that best suit your skills and experience.
The day-to-day tasks of a construction project manager include;
- review plans with architects, surveyors and engineers
- hire staff and make sure the site has the materials it needs
- organise work schedules
- monitor building progress and costs
- check quality
- report progress to clients, partners and local communities
- maintain and promote health and safety