The professional management of construction projects is an exciting and complex undertaking. The construction industry has been carefully developed over time by industry experts into highly focused systems that facilitate control over every aspect of a project. From inception to completion all phases of a project are made possible by the expert insight, experience, and leadership of construction project managers. The nature of building projects is that they will experience delays and for that reason having a skilled team leader to facilitate coordination between project team members, who will take control of risk mitigation and management to keep the project on schedule, and who can maintain stability is a MUST for the success of any project. Find out more about the specifics of the job and its educational requirements below!
Construction Project Manager’s Responsibilities
Construction project managers are contracted by the owner who commissions the project or finances it. As such their responsibility is to that owner, and to the completion of a successful project. The daily operations of a construction project manager are focused on what stage a project is in. Representing the owner’s interest, they will provide oversight on the entire project’s delivery working with everyone from engineering to general contractors, trades, labourers and more. Working with all these parties a construction project manager’s mandate is to deliver the project on time, on budget, and to the expected standard of quality, scope, and function. Represented in the list below are main duties to be executed by the construction manager:
- Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate construction projects from start to finish following the schedule, specifications, and budget.
- Prepare and submit the construction budget estimate.
- Plan and prepare construction schedules including project milestones. Continually monitor project progress against the established schedule.
- Prepare contracts and negotiate revisions, change and any further contractual agreements with the project’s clients, architects, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers.
- Develop and implement quality control programs.
- Represent your company in the negotiation of union contracts and other business services matters.
- Prepare progress reports and deliver progress schedules to the clients.
- Inform land acquisition matters and oversee the purchase of building materials.
- Hire subcontractors and other subordinate staff, maintain supervision over their activities.
While this is not an exhaustive list it gives you oversight into everyday expectations of construction project managers.
Job Openings & Salary Expectations
For construction project managers in the province of British Columbia, the annual median salary is $84,675 based on a 40-hour work week x 52 weeks in a year. The projected 10 year job forecast and hourly wage expectations are as follows:
Source: Work BC, 2020 Job Bank Wage Report, & B.C. Labour Market Outlook.
Job Requirements
Whether you are already in the construction industry and looking for career advancement or are in the research phase in pursuit of a new career, having a basic understanding of the education, training, qualifications, and relevant skill requirements you will need to be hired can inform your decision making when choosing the right school to attend. The points below outline the minimum requirements for entry level positions and can be built upon with further education and experience.
Education, training, and qualifications:
- College diploma in construction technology, supervision, and management.
- Construction industry experience as a field superintendent or supervisor.
- Construction trade certification may be required by some companies.
Job-related skills:
- Active listening and strong communication.
- Leadership and conflict resolution.
- Organization and coordination.
- Critical thinking and risk management.
- Time management and adaptability.
Next Steps
Now that you understand the requirements needed and the importance of the role construction project managers have, you can begin interviewing educational institutes for the right fit! We recommend speaking to one of our admissions officers at Brighton College. We offer complex programs to ensure you are fully equipped with all the educational requirements, and skill building courses you will need to succeed in an exciting and equally rewarding career as a Construction Project Manager!
For more information, or to book an appointment with an education advisor, click here or call 604-256-6828.
