Construction Quality Control Manager: Mastering the Role

Construction Quality Control Managers (QCMs) use their knowledge of construction and exceptional organizational skills to make sure that the final project deliverables meet all stakeholder expectations as well as industry and quality standards. Quality control managers make sure projects are on time and on budget by proactively catching issues to avoid mistakes and costly rework.

Whether you’re an experienced construction professional looking to advance your career or someone interested in entering the field, becoming a QCM involves a strategic combination of education, experience and industry certifications. In this article, we’ll explore the skills needed to succeed in this role.

Core Responsibilities of a Quality Control Manager

The quality control manager is responsible for daily inspection reports as well as the three-phase inspection (preparatory, initial and follow-up). They also ensure compliance with specifications, codes and regulatory requirements.

The QCM tracks, submits, prepares and reviews submittals to ensure they are accurate, timely and approved correctly. They also make sure that all project documentation is accurate and complete from preconstruction through closeout.

Additionally, the QCM is responsible for jobsite inspections and audits. They will also develop and maintain a quality control plan and quality control checklist.

The quality control manager also schedules, plans, forecasts and manages all activities related to project accuracy. They are responsible for finding and creating efficiencies, identifying opportunities for improvement and getting rid of redundancies.

A Specialty in Safety

Depending on the project, the QCM may also act as the site safety manager. They create a culture of safety by creating jobsite safety inspection checklists and emergency response plans, as well as being responsible for fire suppression and surveillance. They also identify hazards to safeguard the jobsite and project team.

The quality control manager is also typically responsible for preparing the site and making sure the team knows what to do during times of inclement weather to mitigate prolonged delays. 

Job Skills Needed for Construction Quality Control Managers

Since construction timelines and budgets rely heavily on this position, here are some of the skills needed to be successful as a QCM. 

Strong Communication

The QCM needs to have strong communication skills to make sure that project stakeholders, subcontractors, supplier and members of the project team are all on the same page. These communications may happen via multiple methods (e.g., in person meetings, video calls, email, phone, etc).

Focus on Details

The QCM also needs to be highly organized, detail-oriented and analytical. In addition, impeccable problem-solving skills will allow the QCM to resolve potential problems before they negatively affect the project.

Collaborative Leadership 

A QCM needs strong leadership skills related to collaboration, decision-making, and the ability to motivate their team to consistently strive for high quality work and uphold standards. Conflict resolution is also a helpful skill to manage potential disagreements.

Knowledgeable about Regulations 

Another important skill for this role is knowledge of all regulations related to jobsite safety, so that the QCM catches issues before they affect the timeline or safety of the project.

Career Pathway for a Quality Control Manager

Most companies are looking for a graduate of a four-year accredited college or university program in engineering, construction management, architecture, business, or science. An engineering degree provides a good amount of the necessary skills needed for this role, including the math and analytical skills needed to solve complex problems.

Anyone looking to move into a quality control manager role will need a minimum of five years of experience as a project manager, superintendent, project engineer or construction manager, before moving into a managerial role. 

Sample Quality Control Manager Resume

Read a full sample quality control manager resume and use it as a template.

See Full Sample Resume

Salary Insights

As of March 2025, ZipRecruiter reported that a typical salary range for QCMs is from $83,500 to $111,000, with most professionals earning an average of $98,073. Full-time employees can also expect a benefits package that offers medical and dental benefits, life insurance as well as paid time off.

Training Opportunities for QC Managers

Certified Construction Quality Manager (CCQM)

The CCQM ensures construction projects adhere to rigorous quality standards. The CCQM oversees contract development, strategic quality planning, resource management, the design process, required documentation, and project closure. They apply principles of quality control, team building, project management best practices, risk management, environmental and social governance, and safety management to enhance construction project quality and achieve planned outcomes.

Practitioner Certificate in Construction Quality Management

Learn practical tools and best practice approaches to managing quality in construction at all stages of the project lifecycle with the Practitioner Certificate in Construction Quality Management.

OSHA Certification

Learn essential compliance training from OSHA, designed to enhance the safety awareness and practices of those working in the construction industry. A 10-hour or 30-hour Construction Training Course is available. In addition, CPR and First Aid are recommended. 

LEED Accreditation

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accreditation can help a QCM navigate environmental laws and gain a better understanding of requirements for projects that are getting LEED certified. Many QCMs also fulfill LEED coordinator duties. LEED AP, AP+ or Green Associate Certificate may be preferred.

Six Sigma Certification

Six Sigma certification can help a successful team to not only identify the cause of defects within a process but also how to devise effective and statistically driven techniques to eliminate them. 

Chartered Quality Institute

The Construction Special Interest Group (ConSIG) is a professional group for quality professionals to advance quality and improvement in the construction industry. ConSIG also provides a LinkedIn forum where quality professionals can share experience and knowledge and connect with other professionals.

Federal Government Projects

For Federal Government projects, the QCM needs to be aware of and comply with the Buy-American Act. In addition, they will need a Construction Quality Management (CQM) Certificate, which is required for business with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC). In addition, OSHA Level 1 EM 385-1-1 training is recommended.

Emerging Trends in Quality Control

Because quality control managers are influential to the success and longevity of a project, they must stay current on new regulations and best practices. Below are a few ways QCMs can stay on top of all the moving components on construction projects. 

Technology integration

Construction management software provides real-time data sharing to improve collaboration between contractors, inspectors, and clients. AI-powered software can analyze data from jobsite inspections to identify trends and predict potential issues.

Drones are capable of conducting high-resolution aerial inspections and identifying defects on the jobsite in real time. They’re able to cover large areas and identify any structural defects and potential safety hazards. Compared to traditional inspection methods that often involve scaffolding or rope access, drones provide a safer and more cost-effective solution, especially for large-scale construction projects or inspections of hard-to-reach areas.

Data-driven Audits

These audits are becoming more and more necessary for improving efficiency, reducing risk and ensuring compliance. Large volumes of project data can be analyzed for better decision-making. Predictive analytics can identify patterns that may indicate future structural failures or safety hazards.

Sustainability

With the increased emphasis on sustainability and green building standards, there are two additional certifications to be aware of in addition to LEED:

• WELL Building Standard (WELL) is a green building certification that focuses on occupant health and wellness.
• Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is a green certification that assesses a building's sustainability and environmental performance. 

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Pathway to Success as a Quality Control Manager

Becoming a construction quality control manager requires a strong drive to succeed by completing industry certifications as well as gaining practical experience. By developing strong leadership and problem-solving skills, staying up-to-date with regulations and evolutions in the industry and technology, those on the track to becoming a QCM can position themselves for success. 

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