Every type of managerial job comes with its own set of running a concentrated, professional environment. The same goes for being a construction manager. Although the office setting may differ, albeit slightly, managers in construction will find themselves spearheading the major activities involved in their respective projects.
However, some soft skills still remain that separate a good construction manager from a great one. The following are six construction manager duties and daily responsibilities for this job position:
1. Overseeing Projects
From the inception of a construction project to its eventual end, a manager will be involved in all stages of its development. This involves planning and organizing assignments first before the actual labour begins. Managers will also find themselves directing and eventually evaluating these projects at key stages of the project, to ensure that operations are being ran as smoothly as possible.
In addition, there exists several constraints that a construction manager will find themselves working within. This involves ensuring the project is being worked from specific schedules and specifications, all of which must be adhered to throughout development.
2. Hiring Staff
This is probably very obvious, but it is one of the most vital construction manager duties nonetheless. Subordinate staff make up the majority of the labour to be conducted as it relates to a construction project, but other parties play just as much of an important role.
Managers will have to do their due diligence in hiring appropriate subcontractors. Once the hiring is finished, construction managers will also have to ensure the schedules are being followed on time, and that all activities of those hired are monitored. If difficulties exist within how one party works, it is the job of the construction manager to let the staff member or subcontractor know immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to construction.
3. Managing The Budget
Most construction management projects will have a budget that is to be used as a foundation on how to proceed. Construction managers will find themselves preparing and submitting budget estimates to their respective company. Once managers formulate this number, they will have to ensure all tasks from beginning to end can be completely within this amount.
Failing to do so may result in repercussions and delays for other tertiary activities that are related to the project itself. Although this may seem like a relatively obvious responsibility, managing budgets against unpredictable factors such as inclement weather may affect the project’s completion. The manager will have to take all of this into account when submitting their estimate.
4. Preparing Miscellaneous Documents
As is the case with virtually all managerial roles, a construction manager will find themselves at the centre of a present project. Not only will they have to plan and prepare various schedules and milestones while monitoring progress, they will also have to prepare contracts and necessary revisions. This includes, but is not limited to, noting additions to contractual agreements with parties such as consultants, site architects, and suppliers.
A construction manager will also have to deal with various written agreements with clients and other subcontractors, all of whom play an important role as it pertains to the overall completion of the construction project.
5. Representing The Company
For matters pertaining to media, for example, the construction manager is the face of the project. As such, whether things or going right or if they are charting off course, the manager will be front and centre to explain the circumstances. In addition, they will have to take on the overarching responsibility of representing the company that has given the go ahead on the project itself.
This includes, for example, circumstances related to matters of business services. Most of the time, construction managers will be representing their company on the basis of union contracts and their subsequent negotiation should the issue arise. It’s a role that encompasses many contexts outside of the actual project at hand, but it is a critical one no less.
6. Prioritizing Safety
Construction is, for all intents and purposes, an extremely volatile occupation. When an individual is in the managerial aspect of job, they have to ensure that all onsite staff are as protected as they possibly can be.
In addition, it is one of the construction manager duties to ensure that all construction and safety codes are being followed every step of the way. This means that all hired staff should be aware of potential construction hazards at all times. It may seem apparent, but good communication and developing a culture of trust are representative of soft skills necessary for this vocation. These skills separate a project from going haywire and a project running safely but smoothly to success.
Being a manager is tough. In construction, that feeling is only increased tenfold. However, with the right know-how and background, managers will no doubt find professional and interpersonal success in this field. As the old adage goes, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” This is no less important when it comes to being a great construction manager.
