Construction management encompasses the entire lifecycle of construction projects, including their planning, budgeting, coordination, and supervision. One’s responsibilities as a construction manager may encompass a wide range of initiatives involving the construction of structures, roads, buildings, and bridges.
If you take pleasure in design, witnessing a project develop from inception to completion, and the possibility of collaborating with builders, designers, and consumers throughout the construction lifecycle, then construction management may be a rewarding profession for you.
What is the role of a construction manager?
Construction managers bear the practical responsibility of overseeing and strategizing through each phase of a construction undertaking. They aid in the timely, cost-effective, and secure completion of construction initiatives. You would delegate tasks to your team and supervise work schedules as a construction manager to ensure that every stage of a building project proceeds according to plan.
In order to estimate cash flow requirements, project milestones, timelines and milestones, human resource, equipment, and resource demands at various phases of the endeavor, construction managers evaluate project proposals.
They collaborate intently with subcontractors, architects, clients, and engineers to ensure that each and every aspect of the project functions efficiently. It is possible for construction administrators to supervise multiple projects concurrently or a single one.
The following are fundamental duties associated with the position of construction manager:
Cost management
Cost management entails budget management, maintaining cognizance of all costs associated with a project, and anticipating any modifications to the project’s scope that may have an effect on costs.
Contract administration
Contract administration entails sourcing materials and suppliers, drafting contracts for subcontractors and suppliers, and overseeing contractor payments.
Health and safety management
Management of health and safety to Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations by all individuals present; compile health and safety documentation; establish appropriate protocols for ongoing procedures and routine inspections.
Quality management
Quality management encompasses ensuring that all work performed adheres to established quality standards; facilitating routine inspections throughout the project lifecycle; employing a total quality management (TQM) methodology to mitigate expenses associated with corrective actions; minimizing schedule setbacks; and fostering and maintaining positive relationships with clients, contractors, and personnel.
Key Skills Of A Construction manager
Significant amounts of planning, organization, and problem-solving are required to complete a construction endeavor. An adept combination of technical and professional proficiencies is essential. Becoming a successful construction manager requires the following abilities.
Analytical and critical thinking skills
Technical drawings, designs, and plans necessitate the interpretation of construction managers. Building codes and regulations must also be deciphered, in addition to contractual complexities. Their on-site employees will require instructions that are straightforward to comprehend.
Skills of motivation
Building administrators are responsible for ensuring that their crews adhere to schedules, remain within budget, and deliver high-quality projects. While also resolving conflicts and maintaining the team’s focus on its objectives, they must inspire team members through direction, feedback, and recognition.
Since subcontractors may be self-employed or employed by another company, construction managers may have less positional authority when interacting with them than when working with employees. It is crucial to establish trust and loyalty by behaving in a fair and consistent manner.
Consciousness with specificity
In accordance with local building codes and regulations, and in accordance with client expectations, it is the duty of the construction manager to ensure that the grade of work performed on-site is satisfactory. Managing errors and minimizing their consequences are components of this that demand meticulous attention to detail throughout the entire procedure.
Communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills, both in writing and in person, are imperative for construction managers due to the diverse array of individuals they engage with, which includes clients, the general public, and craftsmen.
It may be necessary for them to engage in the following activities: brief an architect on modifications to be discussed with a group of tradespeople during the morning, consult with planning officers to obtain approval for construction work during the afternoon. Effective and versatile communication abilities are necessary for this.
Skills Of Contract Management
In addition to ensuring the satisfaction of all parties engaged in a building project, a construction manager may be tasked with contract negotiations and budget management. This mandates the use of compromise, persuasion, and legally binding agreements that benefit both parties.
Health and safety knowledge
Workers’ health and safety concerns, as well as pertinent laws and regulations, must be known by construction managers. Given the dangers inherent in construction labor, this is of the utmost importance. To minimize risks for all project stakeholders, they must be knowledgeable of best practices.
Project management skills
While accomplishing project milestones on schedule and within budget, project management necessitates the coordination of a variety of activities involving various individuals. Complex undertakings may warrant a comprehension and practical application of project management methodologies.
Conclusion
The path to becoming a construction manager can be quite fruitful. You will gain knowledge of various facets of the construction industry and have the option to specialize in the areas that most pique your interest.
SOURCE: Courseera Blog