Construction Project Manager Job Description

Sometimes the owner decides to turn the entire project over to an independent manager. As one example, a school district may have little or no in-house expertise on capital project development; rather than employ a large provisional staff to supervise planning, design and construction, they might use the ‘project manager’ approach. Thus the project manager manages the project on the owner’s behalf. This arrangement means that the project manager contracts with the designer and the general contractor.  

For example, the project manager might decide to engage a single design–build organization or might employ a construction manager to carry out the work. The distinguishing attribute of the project manager form is the assumption of the responsibility for the entire project by a separate organization, on behalf of the owner.

Importance of Project Manager in Construction

Project Manager (PM) is responsible for the success of a construction project. They supervise every aspect, including the planning, execution, monitoring, control and closing. Project Managers ensure that timeframe targets and budgets are met. also, it is critical that a good owner relationship is maintained throughout the project.

PM’s responsibility extends beyond the project itself to the management of their staff and daily activities. For example, they may need to check the proper building materials have arrived at the site on time or explain the day’s activities to their team. As part of the monitoring process, PM’s must regularly report on the project’s progress to top management and the owner. In fact, owner support is a big part of the role. PM’s will plan and arrange visits to potential, new and existing stockholders to ensure they have everything they need.

Role of Project Manager in Construction Industry

project manager plans, schedules, and executes a project. Their duties include preparing the team for work, forecasting and determining what work needs to be done for different stages of the project, and estimating project completion costs. Some of their crucial responsibilities include budgeting and helping to procure land for a project. The following essential skills are required for project managers:

·  Planning: planning a construction project is one of the main roles of construction project managers. They must develop a comprehensive project plan, track the progress of this plan, and effectively communicate the plan with employees and owners. Without a detailed plan of action, the project will not be completed efficiently and therefore could be subject to delays and budgetary issues.

·  Time Management: A successful construction project manager is also skilled at time management. In order for a project to be delivered on time, the project manager must be able to set a realistic timeline and consistently meet the benchmarks within it.

·  Contract Management and Procurement: Project managers are typically aware of the entire contracting framework in order to deliver the project per contract specifications. This requires legal knowledge as well as procurement and contract management familiarity.

·  Budgeting: A project manager is responsible for keeping track of a project’s funding and how much it has used to date. Budgeting is necessary for the project to compare the estimated amount with it.

·  Risk Management: An effective project manager will always see each project as a trade-off between risk and reward. Risk management involves risk identification, risk analysis, and risk prioritization and control.

·  Leadership: Project managers require to be able to resolve conflicts between their team's members to move the project at a reasonable forward.

·  Communication: Both oral and written communication skills are necessary for success, as project managers communicate within the organization as well as with other organizations for support.

·  Organization: Project managers need to be organized, as they are responsible for ensuring access to tools and building materials, arranging meetings with owner, and setting worker schedules.

·  Negotiation: according to budgeting, the project manager may need to negotiate with owner, for either more funding or more time.

· Problem-Solving: from time to time, a problem may emerge that requires unconventional thinking. Project managers need to be able to think outside the box to solve problems efficiently.

  Project Manager VS Construction Manager

While these phrases are sometimes used interchangeably in daily conversations, this is actually a misnomer. A project manager’s role is to represent the renter throughout the entire build-out process, from assisting in the site selection process and budgeting, to move-in and ongoing support. The project manager is responsible for managing the construction manager, as well as the architect, engineers, and any other vendors involved in project construction.

The construction manager only enters the picture once the project enters the pre-construction phase and is involved only through the end of construction.

  Project Manager VS General Contractor

project manager has construction experience, and will be on site throughout the project. project manager will find subcontractors and schedule them, order materials, and oversee the entire process. They do not actually participate in the construction process, but rather manage a group of individuals. They cost less than a GC, but may not have ultimate control like a GC.

General Contractors assume responsibility for the entire project. They handle the permitting process, completing work, and ordering materials. The owner simply secures the financing or pays the contractor at regular intervals. Stress levels are minimal since the owner is not involved in daily operations. However, these services come at a price. It is common to see GC’s charging up to 20% of the total cost of the project. If the owner has the financial means to pay or finance this fee, a GC may be the right choice for him.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Project Management

Here is a list of the advantages and disadvantages associated with project manager method.

Advantages

· Owner relies on project manager for coordination of most aspects of project.

· Potential for rapid project start-up and prosecution

· The project manager actually manages the project and leads their team throughout the entire project.

· The owner is able to provide feedback throughout the project.

Disadvantages

· Cost overhead can be more than many companies can afford. The hiring of project managers and training a project management team can be difficult for small companies and companies that are facing financial difficulties.

· Obsession is becoming a problem among project managers and makes for a stressful environment for all involved. Project managers can actually hinder a project by becoming too rigid or precise in their project plans. The team members no longer have a certain amount of flexibility.

· The project manager sets strict deadlines on resources and forces the team members to work within strict parameters.

· The manager becomes lead by the processes of management instead of being flexible. This causes their managerial skills to weaken and they become stagnant in their position.

· Owner relinquishes considerable control

Conclusion

While construction project managers may run several different roles within each specific project, their responsibilities are key to success in a construction project. A construction project manager helps employees effectively work together to create a great final product. The manager is the leader of the project, but by no means is it a job that can be done alone. Through proper teamwork, communication, budget management, resource management, and planning, a project can turn out more than successful. It takes a great team mentality in the construction business to make something great, but it also takes a great manager to direct everyone towards a successful project.