How to become A Construction Manager

• General Contractors
• Construction Superintendent
• Construction Project Manager
• Construction Foreman
• Construction Supervisor
• Site Manager
• Project Managers

What do Construction Managers do? 

A Construction Manager would typically need to:

• Plan, organise, direct and monitor construction projects from start to finish, abiding by the schedule, specifications and budget; manage the construction site, coordinating resources, activities, and staff
• Estimate and negotiate construction costs; submit and agree on budget proposals; manage the budget, allocate resources, and monitor progress to meet budgetary objectives
• Prepare construction schedules and timelines; set milestones and deadlines; monitor progress against established schedules to ensure timely delivery of completed projects
• Prepare contracts and negotiate revisions, changes, and any additional contractual agreements with stakeholders, including architects, consultants, clients, vendors, and subcontractors; administer and manage contracts
• Supervise health & safety procedures across the working site; conduct site inspections to ensure the use of appropriate work methods; ensure compliance with all legal requirements, such as safety codes and environmental legislation
• Hire, manage, train, and deploy project staff and subcontractors
• Communicate with building professionals, subcontractors, supervisors, planners, consultants, and other team members; coordinate with architects, surveyors, and engineers regarding design documents
• Disclose project developments to clients and senior managers through progress reports; attend meetings with stakeholders
• Establish and maintain relations with vendors
• Conduct resource planning and allocation; direct land acquisitions and the purchase of building materials and equipment; check and manage materials and equipment
• Represent your company on matters such as business services and union contracts negotiation
• Implement quality inspections and provide quality assurance
• Manage and resolve unanticipated issues that may crop up during project planning or implementation
• Stay up to date with industry best practices and developments in construction methods, materials, and processes
  

Construction Managers divide their time by working indoors in an office or outdoors on the construction site to monitor projects and make construction-related decisions. Many of them work on several projects simultaneously, which means they frequently move between construction sites. One day they could be working on an apartment complex and the next day on a five-star hotel.

Travel away from home is possible as many available projects are not in the construction manager's hometown. The post may frequently necessitate a temporary relocation to another city, region, or even country.

Most Construction Managers work full-time and sometimes even more than 40 hours per week. As they supervise construction projects from start to finish, they constantly remain on call and may work late at night or very early in the morning or on weekends to respond to emergencies or meet deadlines.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Construction Managers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Opportunities may be more significant in the private than in the public sector, the latter offering jobs in the infrastructural, energy, and transport industry.

Construction Managers are generally employed by:

• Construction Companies
• Property Development Companies
• Residential Building Companies
• Non-residential Building Companies
• Specialty Trade Contractors
• Consultancies
• Infrastructure Companies
• Transport Providers
• Contractors & Subcontractors
• Heavy Engineering Companies
• Civil Engineering Companies
• Multinational Corporations
• Local SMEs (Small & Medium-Sized Enterprises)

Professional associations and organisations, such as International Construction Project Management Association (ICPMA), are crucial for Construction Managers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Identifying potential safety risks when working on construction sites
• Struggling with a lack of clearly defined goals regarding the construction project
• Working with unachievable goals and unrealistic expectations in terms of time and cost may hinder productivity
• Scheduling conflicts and missed deadlines can result in delays and higher costs to be paid to complete the project
• Working with individuals lacking the necessary skills to complete the construction project
• The lack of communication, well-defined goals, and clear guidelines when delegating the roles of various parties can hinder detecting and solving issues proactively and on time, especially if a skills gap builds up within the team
• The need for risk management and to identify and prevent any safety issues

While studying, you may look for sponsorships, summer work, and placement year opportunities in both large and small construction companies. Gaining internship experience on construction sites and in buildings and getting familiar with industry trends through a scheme or an apprenticeship is fundamental to future job applications for the role of a Construction Manager. 

Apprenticeships provide practical experience in technological innovations in machinery and materials science that aid in designing sustainable, strong, and green structures.

While large companies may advertise the formal graduate schemes or individual vacancies they offer, you may reach out to smaller enterprises with speculative applications.

As in any career, reading as much as possible about the profession and interviewing those working in the construction industry are other important ways to explore your interest.

The development of the building and construction industry, which is growing more complex and technical, necessitates acquiring a bachelor’s degree to enter the profession. Employers prefer Construction Managers with a bachelor's degree in construction science, construction management, architecture, civil engineering, or a related field, such as military technologies. Typical courses in a four-year bachelor’s degree in a construction-related program include project control & management, design, construction methods & materials, construction law, construction accounting, green building, and blueprint reading. Other helpful courses are hazard management, cost estimation, contract administration, business, communications, and mathematics & statistics. 

Another pathway is to obtain an associate degree in construction management or construction technology. Community colleges and vocational institutions offer certificate programs, frequently as part of a broader associate degree program that takes two years to complete. Acquiring an associate degree and supplementing it with experience allows Construction Managers to supervise smaller projects.

Construction Managers may obtain a master’s in construction management. Through this program, you will build your knowledge of developments in construction management and learn about business practices, thereby increasing your earning potential in higher positions.

Keep in mind that while Construction Managers who have a high school diploma and several years of work experience may qualify for this career, they would typically work as self-employed general contractors than be hired by companies for the role.

Although Construction Managers do not generally need to be certified, they may obtain a construction management certification to display that they have the requisite skills, knowledge, and experience to handle large construction projects. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Some employers require Construction Managers to obtain a construction management license. It entails taking an approved course instructing Construction Managers on contract administration, project safety, and construction operations. After completing the course, candidates must pass the licensing exam.

Since license issuance differs from one location to another, contact your local licensing body to confirm specific requirements.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Advancement opportunities for Construction Managers depend on their education, work experience, and ability to perform more refined duties.

Being geographically mobile and having the ability to change employers or construction projects will help you advance your career. Working for a large multinational corporation may provide opportunities to work abroad, especially if you establish expertise in a field where your talents are in high demand, such as transportation infrastructure.

You may advance by raising your degree of responsibility and competence in a single subject, such as house construction, or by diversifying your experience on projects of a different sort or size. Large, complicated construction projects typically require a Construction Manager with at least ten years of expertise. 

With adequate construction management experience, you could advance to Project Manager, Contracts Manager, or Senior Manager/Department Head of your establishment. You could then specialise in areas such as building inspection or health & safety with further training.

Construction Managers with a bachelor's degree in construction science, construction management, or civil engineering, and construction experience, should have the highest job prospects. Geographically mobility is an added advantage.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Construction Manager build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Construction Managers should stay current with relevant legislation and technical advancements, especially when transitioning between projects or roles in various industries. It is strongly recommended that you become chartered with a relevant professional body since this will increase your job projects by providing you with a variety of training and networking opportunities. Several professional bodies offer various programs for graduates who want to become chartered. The program takes two to three years to complete and encompasses completing a portfolio of work to show that you fulfil the prescribed criteria and skills.

In addition to becoming certified or pursuing certificate courses in project management. Construction Managers can listen to podcasts, read books, and attend seminars or webinars. 

Participation in societal activities and initiatives not only benefits the project management community but also keeps Construction Managers up to date on all critical issues and developments. It enables them to collaborate and learn from each other's experiences and tap into an extensive array of knowledge and resources.

Specialisations

Construction Managers may discharge any of various roles before, during, and after a construction project. A career in construction management offers a range of possibilities.

A building surveyor's main task is to submit detailed building surveys. These reports include guidance and recommendations on building flaws, dilapidation, repairs needed, preventative maintenance issues, structural sustainability, restoration options, and compliance with local building legislation.

Building services engineers oversee the maintenance phase of a construction project. They ensure that a structure performs properly in terms of acoustics, lighting, power, heating & cooling, security and safety and can design and install changes as needed but keeping sustainability and renewable energy in mind.

Site engineers supervise construction projects. They decide where to install the above- and below-ground infrastructure on the working site. Site engineers assist in the design and planning of diverse projects, including city, highway, rail, and other infrastructure projects, as well as residences and small enterprises.

Sustainability consultants advocate for long-term solutions for building infrastructure and engineering projects. They may assist in the reconstruction of urban infrastructure or the planning of oil and gas marine and coastal projects to protect the environment. Sustainability consultants assist in developing new residential areas and renovating older structures to make them more environmentally friendly.

Dressing Constructively

In keeping with the health and safety requirements in any construction role, Construction Managers must wear the required protective gear for on-site work.

It took over 12,000 people, which is the typical population of small towns in the US, to build the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates.

There are no two days alike for Construction Managers. Projects may raise similar or unique problems, but nothing beats witnessing a project take shape and come to life. You hold the responsibility to harmonise the links between the multitude of people involved in a construction project while also coordinating all its processes. With all its ups and downs, the profession is fascinating and rewarding.

Since every day is about convincing others that your proposed path of action is the best, you should be able to negotiate and persuade customers, suppliers, subcontractors, and their own team. It could be negotiating with a client on a new project or a variation.