The Role of a Construction Project Manager

The construction project manager plays an important role in a construction project. They plan, organise and schedule all the activities on site. Without them, projects could get chaotic and off track. But it’s not just planning that construction project managers are responsible for. They’re kept busy with all sorts of tasks on site and in the office. We’ll explore those responsibilities throughout this article. Keep reading to learn about the roles and duties of a construction project manager, how the career has evolved and how it’s still changing today. 

What is a construction project manager?

A construction project manager is the person that brings order to the busy environment of a construction site. They’re responsible for overseeing projects with three things at the top of their mind:

+ Health and safety
+ Planning schedule
+ Costs 

They organise projects so that both the construction process and the finished build are safe and compliant with all health and safety regulations. They also make sure that the project is completed on time and on budget. How much it will cost and how long it will take are two of the most important factors for whether clients are happy with a project, so the construction project manager must focus on keeping them under control. A big part of their role is to make sure there are no major or unexpected changes that affect the budget or the timeline.

Why is construction project management important?

Construction project management is essential for getting work done on time, on budget and safely. The construction project manager ensures that all of these areas are under control. They create the plan for construction projects, carry out vital quality and safety checks on site and monitor all aspects of project progress. They are also responsible for managing materials and workers — a task known as resource allocation — to make sure everyone has what they need. Construction project managers also need to solve problems and challenges when they arise, and manage risks. 

A Day in the Life of a Construction Project Manager

Construction project managers split their time between the office and the site, and no two days look the same. Their day typically involves coordinating with architects, engineers, designers and other professionals to ensure that projects meet safety standards and all planned specifications. They also need to respond to situations and challenges throughout the workday. They help find ways for workers to adapt to unexpected changes. Here’s what a day in the life of a construction project manager could look like:

Daily Routine Breakdown

07:00 — Arrive on site and open up with the security team 

07:15 — Catch up on emails over breakfast and a cup of tea

07:30 — Prepare for morning site briefing, check who is on site for the day

08:00 — Deliver the morning briefing  

08:45 — Carry out site inspections and monitoring 

09:30 — Head back to the office to carry out admin work, make phone calls, answer emails

10:00 — Update project schedules and timelines based on the morning inspection and material deliveries

11:30 — Meet with client to update them on project, scope and expectations

12:30 — Lunch

13:30 — Office admin, updating documentation, processing invoices 

14:30 — Meet with subcontractors to review progress and discuss any challenges 

15:30 — Meet with site supervisors to follow up on any issues from the day

16:00 — Budget and cost review, updating project finance data  

17:00 — Review the day and plan priorities for tomorrow’s morning briefing

Is being a construction project manager stressful?

Yes. But as with most jobs, the level of stress goes up and down and depends on the project and deadlines. It can be stressful to be a construction project manager because it involves organising a lot of tasks and teams, with strict schedules and budgets. There’s pressure to meet clients’ expectations, which can be challenging when unexpected changes or difficulties arise. Construction project managers are also the main point of contact for subcontractors to consult with.

However, the challenge is also incredibly rewarding. At the end of a project, the construction project manager can see the results of their hard work with every new build completed. As they travel through town, they can point out all the buildings that they were responsible for to their family and friends. This creates a feeling of job satisfaction which is difficult to match: there’s a solid representation of everyone’s efforts, and another successful build to add to their portfolio. 

How has the role evolved?

Project managers in the construction industry are in a role which has benefitted hugely from the recent technological developments in software and other tools. More senior construction project managers may have started their careers mainly using paper-based processes and then seen the transition from pen and paper to tools such as Excel and email. While this itself was a significant transformation, even these tools are now becoming outdated. The rise of software-as-a-service (SaaS) and modern construction management platforms are bringing even more efficiency to construction project management. 

Other areas that are changing include sustainability and mental health awareness. There is now much more focus on green practices and environmentally friendly materials and processes. There is also greater awareness of the risk of mental health issues among construction workers. Companies are investing in ways to educate and support their workers to prevent serious problems. 

What tools, methods and techniques do construction project managers use?

Building Information Modelling

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a method of creating a digital twin — a computer-created representation — of a project before any building starts. This helps construction project managers with collaboration, planning schedules and reducing risk. A digital twin offers a single source of truth, so it can help the construction project manager be sure that everybody is working from the same information. This leads to mutual understanding and better decision making because everyone is clear on the plan and design. It can also help with clash detection, as a construction project manager can identify potential clashes in the model and make sure they are fixed before the build phase begins. 

Lean Construction

Lean construction principles are all about minimising waste in many senses of the word, including:

+ Eliminating defects
+ Avoiding overproduction
+ Reducing waiting times

Lean construction starts with a mindset of planning rather than reacting, and long-term thinking. Lean construction looks at every part of the construction process, from planning to execution, to see how best to use resources and reduce waste to deliver the most value. 

Agile Construction

Many construction project managers turn to agile ways of doing things to increase efficiency on site and encourage better ways for people to work together. Agile construction means being flexible and able to adapt, which can be extremely helpful in a project where things can change throughout the course of the build. A construction project manager that can quickly and painlessly adapt to changes in the project is better able to manage and motivate their teams than a project manager that doesn’t respond well to change. 

Legislation in Construction Projects

Construction project managers also need to have a thorough, up-to-date understanding of the legislation that applies to construction. This is because they are partly responsible for making sure their projects are all compliant with any relevant laws and regulations. Here are some of the key regulations that every construction project manager should know: 

+ Construction (Design and Management) Regulations  
+ Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
+ Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
+ Building Safety Act 2022

Financial Management in Construction Projects

Managing budgets and finances is a big part of the construction project manager’s day-to-day role. They must make sure that the costs line up with client expectations and that any potential increases are either removed or communicated to the client. Here are some of the financial areas that a construction project manager works with:

+ Initial cost estimations: Create the cost estimate for the client
+ Budget development: Develop a total budget for the project

+ Setting budget milestones: Make sure everything is within budget at key points in the project
+ Contingency planning: Allocate back-up funds if there are unforeseen expenses
+ Cash flow management: Forecast cashflow, manage payment schedules and organise milestone payments
+ Cost monitoring and control: Track expenses, analyse cost variations, put in place cost controls

How to Manage Costs Effectively

Construction project managers can use a number of approaches and techniques to manage costs effectively. These include:

+ Using historical data to develop cost estimates
+ Researching industry benchmarks to gauge cost parameters
+ Preparing a detailed Bill of Quantities (BoQ) to itemise all costs
+ Developing a contingency plan to prepare for any unforeseen issues
+ Creaing in-depth risk assessments
+ Tracking costs accurately at every point of the process

Becoming a Construction Project Manager

Construction project management is a competitive career, but it’s a role that offers good job security, development opportunities and competitive pay. It can be a challenge to break into any competitive career, so let’s tackle some frequently asked questions from aspiring construction project managers. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Becoming a Construction Project Manager

Do I need a degree?

You don’t necessarily need a degree to become a construction project manager. However, there are lots of graduates who enter the industry with degrees in subjects such as Construction Management and Construction Engineering. A degree can help secure a highly paid job sooner than without a degree, but there are other routes to entering the field. 

You can break intro construction project management through apprenticeships. Some apprenticeships include part-time university study, letting the apprentice get a degree at the same time as gaining hands-on experience. There are also apprenticeships that are fully designed around on-the-job experience.

How can I gain skills and experience?

As mentioned above, apprenticeships are a brilliant way to gain experience in construction project management. But there are things you can do to learn about construction project management even if you are not currently working in the industry. These include:

+ Go to industry events, like Digital Construction Week
+ Network online and in-person
+ Read up on the theory and the industry using organisations like the Association for Project Management
+ Subscribe to construction magazines to keep up with trends
+ Reach out to friends and family who work in the industry 

What certifications or professional accreditations do I need?

There are lots of different qualifications, certifications and accreditations that construction project managers hold. The certifications you need can vary by company — some may require a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, and some may only ask for a foundation degree. Here are some of the most common qualifications and certifications that construction project managers hold:

• Construction engineering/management degree or diploma 
• CIOB Chartership (this is much further down the line and requires extensive work)
• CITB Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card 
• First aid at work training
• CITB Site Manager Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) 

How do you find a job in construction project management?

Like with any job, there are many ways to find a construction project management role that’s right for you. The easiest way to find roles in the industry is by using job websites or portals and searching for the role and location that best suits you. You can then apply to these companies, either directly or through the site. You can also look for jobs on LinkedIn, where you are able to communicate with the hiring teams and research the companies and staff. 

Other ways to find jobs in construction project management include networking with people for word-of-mouth referrals. This could happen at conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions or even through personal contacts in the industry. You can also join professional associations like the CIOB or the RICS or engage a recruiter to help you find your role. 

How much is a construction project manager paid?

According to Glassdoor, pay for a construction project manager ranges from £37,000 to £63,000 a year. The average salary sits at £51,798 a year, with roles in London paying slightly more than average. New starters in the industry can expect to earn less than the average, but with experience they can work their way up the pay scale. 

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