Why hire a construction project manager?

An experienced and competent construction project manager is the reason for success for any construction project. Their project understanding and in-depth process knowledge help in the implementation of any project.

A qualified construction project manager can:

• Work closely with site planners, project architects and engineers to finalize the project specification
• Carefully plan the staging of construction activities and schedule completion per the prescribed timeline
• Negotiate and coordinate with suppliers and other external vendors to ensure profitability

Deciding between a full-time vs freelance construction project manager

For companies with large construction projects and construction companies that handle consistent construction, it may be best to hire a full-time construction project manager. Full-time employees typically have lower hourly costs than freelancers and can be held to a higher level of accountability for the quality of their work. 

If your company has a short construction project, hiring a freelancer may be the better choice. Freelancers already have experience in their field and, depending on the time it takes to complete the project, may cost less than a full-time employee. 

What are the ranks of construction project managers?

Construction projects have a clearly defined hierarchy. Each position has its own responsibilities and duties to perform. These jobs include:

• Construction project manager: A construction project manager oversees the entire project from beginning to end. They may be responsible for hiring the construction manager, planning a budget and finding an architect.
• Construction manager: While the project manager is with the project from the beginning, the construction manager only oversees the construction aspect. 
• Construction supervisor: The construction supervisor acts as an intermediary between the manager and the workers. They tend to focus more on the day-to-day aspects of the project.
• Estimator: The estimator estimates the cost of all the building materials and labor used on the project.
• Architect: The architect is responsible for designing the building to fit the owner’s vision.
• Construction worker: Construction workers handle the bulk of the labor for the project, including lifting, moving and building. 

Where to find construction project managers

To find the right construction project manager for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

• Post help wanted flyers. Hanging up signs around the community increases the chances of an established construction project manager seeing the sign and applying for the position.
• Search for candidates online. Look online for both freelance and full-time construction project managers who are advertising their services. These candidates likely already have experience in the field.
• Network. Communicate with other businesses in the area that have completed construction projects. They may be able to give you the name of a quality candidate for project management.
• Post your job online. Try posting your construction project manager job on Indeed to find and attract quality construction project manager candidates.

Skills to look for in a great Construction Project Manager

An exceptional Construction Project Manager should be well-informed in the latest construction methods, technologies and equipment. An analytical mind with excellent organizational and people management skills are ideal traits in a smart Construction Manager.

• Bachelors in Building Science, Civil or Construction Engineering
• Project Management or equivalent certification like PMP is a plus
• Proficiency in MS-Office including MS-Projects
• Industry experience as Construction Project Manager
• Exceptional prioritization and time management skills
• Outstanding negotiation and collaboration skills

Writing a construction project manager job description

A clear job description is of utmost importance to finding experienced construction project manager candidates. A detailed job description along with a specific skill set requirement and clear summary of roles and responsibilities should be included in the construction project manager job description.

When writing your construction project manager job description, consider including some or all of the following keywords to improve the visibility of your job posting. These are the most popular search terms leading to clicks on construction project manager jobs, according to Indeed data:

• Project manager
• Construction project manager
• Construction manager
• Construction
• Project manager construction
• Construction management
• Project coordinator
• Project management
• Assistant project manager construction
• Assistant project manager

Interviewing construction project manager candidates

Good knowledge-based and situational questions help test the candidate’s experience, problem-solving skills and required personality traits when selecting the right candidate as construction project manager.

Strong candidates for construction project manager positions will be confident answering questions regarding:

• Stage-wise management of large turnkey projects
• Knowledge of project management software
• Effectively completing a project by coordinating with various stakeholders and ensuring profitability

Need help coming up with interview questions? See our list of construction project manager interview questions for examples (with sample answers).