A construction project manager is an essential part of any team looking to complete a project at a construction site. With so many different moving parts and processes, hiring a construction project manager who can effectively manage all the pieces is crucial for project success.
Unfortunately, construction project managers are in high demand, making this position difficult to hire for at times. However, with the right knowledge of what a construction project manager does and how they can contribute to your project, you’ll be able to find the right person for your company more effectively.
What Is a Construction Project Manager?
A construction project manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of the construction process. Construction project managers typically have experience coordinating with professionals from other industries to ensure that every aspect of a project is accounted for and completed. This includes everything from pre-construction planning to post-construction cleanup.
Hiring a building project manager allows tasks to be delegated more easily to construction workers and ensures the safety and completion of a project. Because construction project managers serve such a crucial role in upholding safety standards and organizing construction workflows, hiring one for your next construction project is a necessity.
Because of the nature of this role, these managers must have a skillset and understanding of multiple fields, including business, finance, resource management, contract law, and more. They must be able to consider cost, quality, and time to ensure a positive project outlook.
Overall, a job in construction project management is a very important position. Since project managers must have a wide range of skills to be up to par with the job’s expectations, it’s important to hire someone who is appropriately qualified.
What Role Does a Construction Project Manager Have on a Team?
Construction project managers must take on many roles during their day-to-day job to ensure that all aspects of a project are completed on time and within budget. To do so, construction project managers oversee multiple aspects of the project, including planning, coordination, and execution.
They may work on sites in many different construction industries, such as residential, commercial, agricultural, institutional, civil, industrial, or even environmental. When working on-site, construction project managers must be able to coordinate with engineers, architects, and other professionals to ensure that every part of the project is accounted for.
Because construction project managers are responsible for so many things, they must demonstrate that they are proficient in being organized, detail-oriented, and project execution.
Not only are they responsible for adhering to strict schedules and budgets, but they are also responsible for safety at the construction site. This is crucial, as accidents can happen quickly if proper safety protocols are not being followed. Having someone dedicated to safety can help prevent accidents and ensure that everyone working on the project is unharmed.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Construction Project Manager?
The responsibilities of a construction project manager can change depending on the project, but there are some general duties all managers tend to have while on-site, including the following:
- Planning project timelines and schedules
- Keeping project information organized
- Negotiating contracts with vendors and purchasing materials
- Managing sub-contractors and creating employee schedules
- Directing construction tasks, following blueprints, and inspecting every aspect of the project for quality and stability
- Tracking expenses based on budget
- Communicating with clients and professionals in other industries
- Reviewing documents, including designs, contract agreements, and other important files
- Cost and time management
- Quality management and communicating expectations
- Delivering permits, manuals, and warranties
- Safety management of both the project and construction site
- Team management and productivity tracking
Besides these responsibilities, it’s important for a construction project manager to have skills in communication and problem-solving, as well as exhibit a deep knowledge and understanding of building processes to ensure project success.
Why Should You Hire a Construction Project Manager?
There are many reasons why you should hire a construction project manager. Construction projects are complex, with many different moving parts. Having someone who can effectively manage all aspects of the project is essential for ensuring that the project is completed on time.
Additionally, having the best construction employees on your team gives you the peace of mind that every detail of the project is being considered. Business owners who don’t have the time or skills to manage a project on their own can put their complete confidence in a construction manager who can negotiate high-quality work for the best price.
When Should You Start the Hiring Process?
It’s best to begin the hiring process for a construction project manager before the project begins. The last thing you want is to begin a project without the appropriate management involved, since this could lead to disorganization and other potential problems.
Once you’ve compiled a list of potential candidates, the next step is to interview them. During the interview, be sure to ask about their experience managing construction projects and their education and training. You should also ask about their safety record and what they would do in various situations where an accident could potentially happen.
After you’ve interviewed all candidates, choose the candidate you feel is best qualified for the job and who you think will be the best fit for your company. With the right construction project manager on your team, you can rest assured that your project will be completed on time and within budget.
How to Find the Right Construction Project Manager
Finding the right construction project manager can be a challenge. There are many different factors to consider, such as experience, education, and personality.
To find the right construction project manager, look for certain requirements and skills such as:
- Education level
- Work experience
- Communication, negotiation, and teamwork skills
- Ability to manage and delegate
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to learn quickly and multi-task
- Organization and prioritization
You can also work with a construction recruiting firm to find the right employees for your next project. At Austin Nichols Technical Search, we place top employees in multiple industries, including construction, engineering, and manufacturing. To learn more, contact us at 816-471-5575.
