Construction firms of all sizes require managers to oversee and coordinate projects, including handling personnel and procurement. A construction manager will have several responsibilities. They are the key contributor to the planning, design, and construction stages of a project.
A construction manager has got to keep a site organized. Everything goes through them. A construction manager is a decision-maker. With that responsibility comes a need to keep personnel coordinated and efforts on track.
The construction manager also has other daily responsibilities. Let’s learn more about what they do in their day-to-day job:
Supervising
A construction manager directs the project diligently. In companies like Baycrest, the manager’s role is to plan, execute, and control the construction activities. If a project succeeds, it is to their credit. If a project fails or experiences delays, it’s similarly the fault of the construction manager. Although a person in this role works under the guidance of a general or senior manager, the construction manager does the directing day-to-day.
In the name of directing, a construction manager is also a supervisor. They supervise subcontractors and subordinates, ensuring safety standards and quality control expectations are met. If there are issues individually or between subcontractors, a construction manager is tasked with finding a resolution.
Communicating
In addition to being looked to for decisions on the construction site, a construction manager is required to have a thorough knowledge of the construction industry. They must also have a solid understanding of the project. They will be expected to answer questions, resolve issues on-site, and communicate aspects of the project to team members.
A construction manager has got to have strong communication skills. They liaise with individuals from various backgrounds and at various project levels. They have to know how to talk to contractors and construction workers, as well as the ins and outs of customer service and corporate client communications.
Evaluating
A construction manager is tasked with carrying out their job, like every other worker on a construction site. A manager’s role, however, involves making a lot of decisions. Every day, a construction manager needs to be ready to make decisions quickly and effectively, prioritizing the project’s best interests.
In directing a construction project, a construction manager is expected to evaluate the overall progression and analyze the project according to schedule, specifications, and budget. If something’s not working, it is the manager’s responsibility to find a way forward. Common problems are being behind schedule or going over budget.
Budgeting & Scheduling
Someone has to prepare and submit a construction project budget estimate. This includes pertinent details on the costs associated with a project and must be most accurate. The construction manager is the person who completes this task.
In addition to creating a budget, a construction manager is the person who crafts a schedule. Construction schedules typically include milestones to help guide progress. It is somewhat common for changes to occur in the scope of a project which can impact the budget and schedule. Should this happen, a construction manager must respond with a well-thought-out plan.
Liaison
Sometimes, a liaison is needed to share info from the job site with a client. The construction manager’s often given this role. Progress reports are authored and progress schedules must be submitted to clients. These reports advise clients on what has been completed, ensuring expectations are where they should be.
Also, you may be called upon to represent a construction company as a construction manager. Negotiating union contracts or business services, the construction manager puts the organization’s interests first and ensures resources aren’t being stretched too thinly.
Quality Control
Quality control is a necessary element on any construction site. From the materials to the workmanship, lesser-than-expected quality anywhere can create cascading problems on a construction site. It is up to the construction manager to develop and implement quality control programs. The construction manager must also ensure the right quality of building materials are procured, delivered, and ready when needed.
Though not all construction managers offer themselves up 24/7 on-call, most do. This is to be available for any emergencies or problems that spring up. You may work from a field office or main office but always have a direct connection to the job site. At any time, a construction manager can be called upon to get on-site and resolve a situation.
Hiring & Contracts
A construction manager approves all hiring decisions. They can also make recommendations on who to hire. The team that works underneath a construction manager is selected by them, reflecting on the quality of one’s management.
Similarly, coming to a contractual agreement is under the responsibility of a construction manager. preparing contracts and negotiating revisions isn’t an easy process. The manager must deal with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers, and subcontractors while protecting the budget.
