Construction managers hold a lot of responsibility and play a vital role in all construction projects. The work they do spans both onsite and offsite activity and often begins prior to the project’s official start date.
Throughout the project they’re working on, construction managers will complete a wide assortment of tasks including the following:
- Find and hire contractors and subcontractors
- Manage budgets and timelines
- Oversee all individuals working on the project
- Monitor project safety requirements and ensure compliance
- Coordinate necessary equipment and keep inventory
- Manage project timelines and communicate updates
- Prepare and present status reports
- Negotiate contract terms and obtain necessary permits
In order to be successful as a construction manager, there are several skills a person needs to possess including, but not limited to:
- Great communication
- The ability to unite a group of individuals toward a common goal
- Excellent organization
- Time management
- Quick decision making
- The ability to delegate tasks quickly and efficiently
Most of a construction manager’s time will be spent on a job site, though, they may have a primary office they work out of on occasion. Construction managers who are responsible for handling multiple ongoing projects may need to travel and visit various worksites throughout the week.
When it comes to education, construction managers typically have a Bachelor’s Degree in construction, construction technology, business management, or similar fields. Although a degree is preferred among most companies, it’s not a necessary requirement.
All organizations have different education preferences for their employees. Larger construction firms generally prefer to hire those with both a Bachelor’s Degree and several years of direct experience managing construction projects.
