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The Construction Manager

The construction manager is the individual responsible for the organizing, planning and managing resources to complete a construction project--preferably on time and under budget. The construction manager oversees the construction schedule, the allocation of personnel and equipment and the project's budget.

The traditional approach to construction project management includes five major steps: project initiation, project planning and design, project execution or construction, project monitoring and project completion. Many construction projects include a number of sub-stages in each major step, including pre-planning, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction drawings and construction administration. While the construction manager receives assistance, he still maintains the overall responsibility for the success or failure of the project.

The construction manager is a professional in the field of project management. The project manager has the ultimate responsibility over the planning, execution and successful completion of the project. A critical element of serving as the construction manager is keeping the project on schedule and within the set budgetary parameters. In order to achieve these goals, the project manager must establish clear project objectives.

The construction manager is responsible for responding quickly to the changing needs of the client, no matter how they alter the size and scope of the project. This can be a difficult process; making changes to a project can affect its cost, the time needed to complete it, the number of employees needed to successfully complete the project and the quality of work done. Having the ability to adapt to abrupt changes requires forethought, preparation and, in many cases, a good rapport with the client.

Since construction project management is frequently a complex process, highly experienced or well-educated individuals are tasked to serve as the construction manager. Most have college degrees in fields like civil engineering or construction science, though some construction manager bachelor of science degrees are now offered at universities around the United States. While all project managers have substantial experience in the field, those without degrees normally have 20 years or more of work experience under their belts before becoming the construction manager. Many states require project managers to pass qualification tests, and a number of industry associations now offer certification exams.

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