A construction manager oversees the construction of buildings, roads, and other structures. He or she makes sure that the work is running efficiently. Prior to starting a job, the construction manager may create a plan. The construction manager often works directly with clients, so it is important to be able to interact well with customers. Strong interpersonal skills are necessary to work well with staff and with clients. The ability to lead a large team is important.

The manager may oversee the work of third-party contractors and fixed employees. It is important to make sure that they are doing quality work and that they are following safety guidelines. There may be time constraints for projects, so the manager must constantly check to see if work is on track. A budget might be given to the construction manager that needs to be dispersed and tracked accordingly. Purchasing duties may be given to the construction manager, and it is important to choose materials that are affordable but of quality.

This position usually requires a few years of experience within the field. A construction manager often has past experience in being a construction worker. Regardless, some kind of background in construction and/or engineering is usually needed. Some jobs require a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as construction management, though some people will be promoted from being a construction worker. (Copyright 2018 PayScale.com)

Construction Manager Tasks

• Manage the planning, materials, building, and budget of a construction or component of a project.
• Enforce safety measures and company regulations, and obtain required licenses and permits.
• Select and oversee the work of contractors contributing to the project.
• Develop schedules for reaching objectives and make sure work is completed on time.
• Supervise and direct personnel working on the project.