What does a Construction Manager do?
The overall responsibility of the Construction Manager is to coordinate a construction project to make sure it’s completed correctly, on time and within budget. Construction Managers typically work for construction companies or individual clients to provide leadership and guidance. Managing the construction process from start to finish, they work closely with the Project Owner and Contractor to identify the project’s budget and establish tools, materials and professionals needed to achieve their goals.
Their job is to hire and manage qualified Construction Workers and Contractors to carry out the construction work. Construction Managers also set deadlines for each phase of construction and ensure the project stays on track. They may conduct frequent site visits to track progress and make sure workers have a safe work environment.
Construction Manager skills and qualifications
A quality Construction Manager can manage a project from start to finish and allocate resources accordingly. The right candidate should have the following skills and qualifications:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Solid grasp of construction methods, building compliance and safety regulations
- Comfort with technology and familiarity with construction management software programs
- Leadership skills, including task delegation and staff management
- Knowledge of basic accounting procedures, including making financial projections and creating project budgets
- Decision-making, analytical and negotiation skills
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Strong conflict resolution skills
Construction Manager experience requirements
A quality candidate has previous construction experience, ideally in a construction management role. Gaining managerial skills in another industry when paired with construction experience may also be useful. Previous experience as a Contractor, Architect or Engineer in a construction project is a plus. In-depth knowledge of construction procedures, building and safety compliance and sound financial estimation skills are also beneficial.
Construction Manager education and training requirements
While Construction Manager jobs don’t have minimum education standards, most organizations require applicants to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in construction, architecture, engineering or a related field. A master’s degree in a construction-related concentration is an advantage but not necessary. Priority is often given to candidates with project management or construction management certifications, especially a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification.
Construction Manager salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Construction Manager is $91,135 per year. Exact salary amounts vary, depending on a candidate’s geographical location, experience level and education.
Construction Manager salary expectations
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Common salary:
99935.33 YEARLY -
Typical salaries range from
30000.00 -210000.00 YEARLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
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Construction Manager job description FAQs
What is the difference between a Construction Manager and an Owner’s Representative?
Owner’s Representatives act as advocates for the project owner of a construction project. They meet with the Construction Manager to help them better understand the owner’s needs, including project deadlines, budgets and other factors. They work with the Construction Manager and other professionals to mitigate potential risks. In contrast, Construction Managers oversee the completion of a construction project based on the requirements and guidance provided by the Owner’s Representative.
What are the daily duties of a Construction Manager?
On a typical day, a Construction Manager starts in the office with administrative tasks, such as checking their email and phone messages, replying to time-sensitive messages and reviewing upcoming deadlines for construction projects. They also place orders for supplies or building materials and create work schedules. Then, they travel to construction sites to meet with the on-site supervisor and survey their progress. Construction Managers may also meet with Contractors or the Project Owner at the construction site to give them a tour, discuss the progress and address any concerns or changes.
What qualities make a good Construction Manager?
A good Construction Manager demonstrates a commitment to safe, efficient work procedures. They do this by staying up-to-date on labor and construction laws in their area. Construction Managers should also have excellent interpersonal communication as they frequently communicate with the Project Owner, Site Supervisors and Construction Workers. Further, a good Construction Manager is well-organized. This quality allows them to create work schedules for their team, track budgeting expenses and maintain organized financial records. They should also have a natural ability to lead, which helps them oversee a project to its successful conclusion.
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