Construction Manager

Construction managers supervise all types of construction projects and manage the workers responsible for completing these projects. A construction manager can be responsible for supervising specific aspects of a project or the whole project. Construction managers determine which specialty workers to hire, and then they supervise these workers while completing their work. As a result, they are usually not involved in the actual work.

Most construction managers run their own businesses or receive a salary from a real estate developer, construction company, or an individual property owner. Construction managers can be known by any of the following titles: general contractors, construction supervisors, project managers, project engineers, or construction superintendents.

Construction managers are responsible for a project when it begins until it is completed. One of their important responsibilities is to make sure projects stay within a set budget. During a construction project, they meet frequently with property owners, engineers, and other construction experts. They also must ensure construction blueprints are closely followed.

Massive projects, such as skyscrapers or factories, usually require the services of multiple construction managers. Larger construction projects are usually separated into different stages, such as foundation preparation, land clearing, and the installation of electrical, plumbing, sewer, air conditioning and heating systems, etc. In some cases, individual managers would supervise one phase of a construction project.

Construction managers have the responsibility to order high quality materials while staying within a budget. They also make estimates to determine how much time each phase of a project will require to meet deadlines. To accurately perform this task, they often use computer technology.

Likewise, they have the responsibility to select quality specialists to install materials and complete the separate phases of a project. Managers also hire new employees and fire workers engaged in misconduct. Because they supervise construction projects, they must make sure specialists they hire are finishing on time and performing quality work.

Construction managers occasionally have managers working underneath them. They are responsible to make sure all employees and managers they supervise are following safety procedures and performing quality work. Additionally, construction managers must obtain licenses and permits required by building code regulations and ensure these regulations are strictly followed. Construction managers must also be aware of special requirements mandated by the property owner's insurance providers.

Work environment. Construction managers usually complete their work out of an office located at construction sites. Construction decisions are usually determined at specific construction sites. Many managers frequently travel to projects, especially when managing multiple projects. Many managers are required to temporary move to another city or even country during a project.

Construction managers must respond to emergencies, handle construction delays, and make accommodations during inclement weather conditions. Many are on call all day. Construction managers frequently work more than 40 hour weeks since some projects require workers to work 24 hours a day. This is often the case when a deadline needs to be met or construction is delayed for any reason.

Construction managers encounter few safety hazards, but they must be extremely cautious when working onsite.