Alternate Title(s) | Project Manager, Construction Manager |
Minimum Education Requirements | High school diploma and work experience, Bachelor's degree |
Salary | See Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information |
Job Skills | - Analytical skills. Most managers plan a project strategy, handle unexpected issues and delays, and solve problems that arise over the course of the project. In addition, many managers use cost-estimating and planning software to determine costs and the materials and time required to complete projects. - Business skills. Construction managers address budget matters and coordinate and supervise workers. Choosing competent staff and establishing good working relationships with them is critical. - Customer-service skills. Construction managers are in constant contact with owners, inspectors, and the public. They must form good working relationships with these people and ensure their needs are met. - Decision making skills. Construction managers choose personnel and subcontractors for specific tasks and jobs. Often, these choices must be made quickly to meet deadlines and budgets. - Initiative. Self-employed construction managers generate their business opportunities and must be proactive in finding new clients. They often market their services and bid on jobs, and they must also learn to perform special home improvement projects, such as installing mosaic glass tiles, sanding wood floors, and insulating homes. - Leadership skills. Managers must effectively delegate tasks to construction workers, subcontractors, and other lower level managers. - Speaking skills. Managers must give clear orders, explain complex information to construction workers and clients, and discuss technical details with other building specialists, such as architects. Self-employed construction managers must get their own projects, so the need to sell their services to potential clients is critical. - Technical skills. Managers must know construction methods and technologies, and must be able to interpret contracts and technical drawings. - Time-management skills. Construction managers must meet deadlines. They ensure that construction phases are completed on time so that the next phase can begin as scheduled. For instance, a building’s foundation cannot be constructed until the land is completely excavated. - Writing skills. Construction managers must write proposals, plans, and budgets, as well as document the progress of the work for clients and others involved in the building process. |
Job Duties | Construction managers typically do the following: - Prepare cost estimates, budgets, and work timetables - Interpret and explain contracts and technical information to other professionals - Report work progress and budget matters to clients - Collaborate with architects, engineers, and other construction specialists - Select subcontractors and schedule and coordinate their activities - Respond to work delays, emergencies, and other problems - Comply with legal requirements, building and safety codes, and other regulations |
Job Profile | Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish. Construction managers coordinate and supervise a wide variety of projects, including the building of all types of public, residential, commercial, and industrial structures, as well as roads, memorials, and bridges. Either a general contractor or a construction manager will oversee the construction phase of a project, although a construction manager may also consult with the client during the design phase to help refine construction plans and control costs. Construction managers oversee specialized contractors and other personnel. They schedule and coordinate all construction processes so that projects meet design specifications. They ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. Construction managers work closely with other building specialists and a variety of trade workers. |
The information presented within this occupational profile was synthesized from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Handbook of Occupational Groups & Families.