Who are Construction Managers (CM)? 2025 Ultimate Guide

A successful building project necessitates a succession of difficult tasks that must be done within the budget and timeframe specified by the owner. Many diverse trades must be coordinated to complete work safely, on time, and to the owner’s quality requirements. Project owners are increasingly hiring construction managers to supervise and manage project delivery.

The construction manager’s role is to guarantee that the project is finished on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with the contract specifications. However, due to the wide range of activities involved in managing a construction project, the phrases “construction management” and “construction manager” can have diverse meanings. In this post, we’ll look at the primary actions involved in construction management, as well as the many responsibilities that a construction manager might play in executing projects.

 

---

Suggested article to read: 17 Important Construction Management Tips; Guide to 2024

---

 

What is Construction Management?

Construction management is a professional service that assists project owners in effectively managing the project’s time, cost, quality, safety, scope, and function. Construction management is compatible with any project delivery technique. A Construction Manager’s (CM) responsibility, regardless of the context, is to the owner and to the project’s success.

A capital project consists of three parties (excluding the CM):

1. The owner commissions the project and either directly or indirectly funds it.
2. The project is designed by an architect/engineer.
3. The general contractor is responsible for day-to-day operations and subcontractor management.

The CM represents the owner’s interests and oversees the entire project directly for the owner. His/her mandate is to collaborate with all partners to complete the project on schedule, within budget, and to the owner’s required level of quality, scope, and function.

CMs are uniquely qualified through a combination of education and experience to collaborate with the owner, architect, general contractor, and other stakeholders to determine the best possible sequence of construction operations, develop a detailed schedule and budget, and establish plans for project safety and security, as well as help the owner manage risk. This necessitates the use of project management information systems (PMISs), complex planning approaches such as the critical path method, and understanding of construction procedures.

Utilizing experienced CMs saved money, prevented or minimized difficulties, and generated higher-quality solutions for owners. Professional CMs adopt industry-standard techniques to ensure project success. The CM Body of Knowledge and Standards of Practice cover all six aspects of construction management services, including schedule, cost, safety, quality, function, and scope.

 

Construction Manager vs Project Manager.

The distinction between a Construction Manager (CM) and a Project Manager (PM) is not always obvious. In fact, the names are frequently used interchangeably in the building business.

Construction Managers typically work for the owner, providing feedback on design feasibility and/or coordinating construction activities while managing the general contractor on the owner’s behalf. Contractors frequently hire project managers to oversee the administrative components of construction projects, such as scheduling and logistics.

In practice, however, the distinction between a CM and a PM is frequently blurred. The actual job title activities might vary substantially based on the sort of firm and the exact function for which they are hired. Regardless of the job title, most chances for both professions require a background in construction management.

For example, owners and developers frequently employ a Construction Manager to oversee a single or numerous projects. In this role, they frequently participate in the selection of the general contractor and are responsible for preserving the owner’s interests.

General contractors, too, may hire a Project Manager to oversee many projects. However, they may appoint numerous project managers to a huge development, with each PM in charge of a distinct phase or aspect of the construction.

• Project Manager: Oversees the whole project lifecycle, including stakeholder management, budgeting, and risk assessment.
• Construction Manager: Oversees on-site operations and ensures that construction work is executed safely, efficiently, and to standard. Construction managers have extensive experience in the technical aspects of construction.

 

---

Suggested article to read: 8 Tips For Construction Project Managers

---

 

 

Position of the Construction Manager

A Construction Manager (CM) is usually an individual or firm that offers construction management services to a project owner or property developer. They have substantial experience, training, and technical knowledge of construction methods, building codes, and designs. A CM frequently serves as the project owner’s representative, bridging the communication gap between designers, engineers, and contractors to speed up project delivery.

A Construction Manager might be employed as an employee or operate as an independent contractor on a particular project. A CM, on the other hand, can fill a range of roles. An owner may hire a construction management business to serve as their representation throughout the course of a project, from conception to completion. They may hire a general contractor as a CM to consult during the design phase and carry out the actual construction work. A general contractor may even hire a construction manager as an employee to supervise the building of a large project or collection of projects.

 

What do Construction Managers do?

Construction managers simply oversee construction. Essentially, they are a project manager with a construction-specific focus. They handle day-to-day activities from pre-construction to completion, utilizing their knowledge in building trades such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and general construction. CMs also oversee construction site personnel and subcontractors, create estimates, and ensure that all resources are readily available and properly distributed.

 

Inside the Daily Responsibilities of a Construction Manager

Construction managers must be able to manage the intricacies of a construction project while always keeping the broader picture in mind. They can’t solve a problem without considering how their solution would effect the overall project in terms of cost, time, quality, and safety.

For example, if numerous workers call in ill during a critical phase of a project, a construction manager must choose the best way to keep the project moving without causing safety concerns by forcing available workers to perform tasks they may not be comfortable with.

This is only one of many issues that managers face on a regular basis. Consider a few different types of routine responsibilities.

 

1. Execute the Construction Management Plans

Construction managers must grasp the project plans. This necessitates a thorough understanding of the project’s plans, schedules, budget, site conditions, supplies, and equipment. Managers must then be able to effectively convey the strategy to the workers who will be carrying out the work, ensuring that the correct individual is doing the right job in the right way.

Managers must monitor progress on a daily basis to verify that the project follows the agreed-upon building timeline. Otherwise, the project may slip behind schedule, causing unhappiness among owners.

Falling behind schedule will also put the construction manager in the unenviable position of figuring out how to catch up without sacrificing quality or safety. It is best to avoid these scenarios so that you are not forced to consider using shortcuts to meet the deadline.

 

2. Be Mindful of the Budget

Each building project’s delivery method varies. One of the most popular delivery techniques is Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR), sometimes known as Construction Management At-Risk. In this delivery technique, the Construction Manager takes on the risk of keeping expenses within the agreed-upon budget.

This method requires the manager to oversee his or her team of construction workers as well as contract directly with contractors and subcontractors to complete their piece of the work. The owner will cover the budgeted expenses. However, the manager must set a limit on how much the owner is expected to spend for the entire scope of work. This is known as the guaranteed maximum price (GMP).

The construction business pays any expenses that exceed the GMP, therefore the constructor is at risk. Construction managers must maintain cost control to guarantee that real expenses do not exceed budgeted expenditures. This is why daily cost control is critical in supporting the overall goal of completing a financially successful construction project.

 

3. Take Care of your People

Safety is of the utmost importance on construction sites. Construction managers are in charge of a variety of safety-related concerns to ensure that every worker safely returns home from the job site.

• Before beginning work, provide daily check-ins about the tasks at hand and the equipment to be used.
• Schedule regular training to remind personnel how to complete duties properly.
• Inform contractors, subcontractors, and the trades of safety concerns.
• Regularly monitor safety hazards on the job site.
• Collect comments from employees on safety issues.
• Provide cross-training to employees to ensure that they can safely undertake numerous responsibilities if a worker calls in sick or is
• reassigned to another project.
• Ensure that a construction site meets OSHA safety regulations.
• Log safety incidents and create reports that reflect your safety record.
• Take efforts to address any safety concerns that you or others raise.

 

4. Pay Attention to Ethical Situations

Ethics is an important role for construction managers. Cutting corners by hiring unskilled personnel or sacrificing quality to save money will not yield long-term benefits. Yes, construction managers should be cost-conscious, but not at the expense of the owner or the project.

Managers have an ethical obligation to ensure that owners receive a project that meets the contractual agreement. Otherwise, you risk future rework, legal concerns for the owner if the construction is declared hazardous, and loss of business due to a poor reputation.

This is why construction managers must completely understand their ethical obligations in project delivery so that they can effectively handle the everyday responsibilities of a job site without putting the owner or their organization at danger.

 

5. Handle other Items on the Construction Site

In addition to the primary responsibilities of managing a construction site, other key jobs will contribute to the project’s success.

– Communicate with Visitors: Construction managers must have outstanding communication skills! You will be required to speak with a range of visitors who come to the job site to review progress. Whether it’s the owner checking in, an OSHA inspector investigating safety concerns, or any third party asking for access to the site, you must be able to answer inquiries and supply needed information.

– Rent a Garbage Dumpster: Construction managers are often in charge of renting roll-off dumpsters and other waste containers for the job site. Dumpsters provide workers with a concentrated spot to dump rubbish and scrap. This will keep the building site clear of debris and waste, preventing safety hazards.

– Coordinate with other Teams: At times during the project, you may run out of some materials or need to repair critical equipment. You must be able to communicate with the proper departments (such as procurement) to request new things. This necessitates a proactive strategy so that you can give your staff ample time to order necessary materials and have them delivered to the task site.

– Report Progress to Management: Upper management will be interested in the progress made on the job site. A construction manager’s responsibilities include providing progress reports and other requested information on a daily, monthly, and/or quarterly basis. You must be aware of the information sought by higher management in order to deliver the right information that responds to their request.

 

---

Suggested article to read: Construction Quality Management; Ultimate Guide 2024

---

 

 

What Qualities Make a Good Construction Manager?

The following are ten critical abilities and competencies that a successful construction project manager should possess.

 

1. Industry Knowledge

The building industry is constantly evolving, with new materials and construction techniques being explored and created every day. All top construction project managers have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of project management, as well as knowledge of new methods and processes that may be used to achieve their objectives. In summary, construction project managers regularly seek industry knowledge to stay current and develop their skills.

 

2. Communication

Any construction project involves multiple stakeholders, including the client, outsourced suppliers, subcontractors, and others. It is critical to communicate effectively. Ensuring that a project runs smoothly requires the involvement of all parties. From the back office functions in charge of obtaining the necessary paperwork, such as contracts, notices to preserve the right to file mechanics liens if necessary, and change orders, to the day-to-day field operations personnel on the job site, it is the construction project manager’s responsibility to communicate with these individuals, update them on the status of the project, and ensure tasks are dispatched and executed.

Miscommunication might result in building catastrophes. To effectively manage a construction project, construction project managers must have excellent communication skills and be able to articulate themselves properly.

 

3. Flexible Planning

During a construction project, things may not always proceed as expected. Small adjustments might quickly escalate into larger ones. As a result, project managers in the construction business must be adaptable and plan ahead of time to prepare for changes. They must have a solid understanding of the project and insight into changes that may affect the timeframe and overall plan. A skilled construction project manager understands that planning does not end in the pre-construction phase, and they should keep updating and improving plans until the project is completed. That is why most construction project managers use Gantt charts to track all of the project’s moving parts.

 

4. Risk Management

Murphy’s Law implies that any conceivable mishap can happen. The possibility of revisions from the original plan introduces an inherent risk. Thus, risk management is one of the most critical construction management skills for project managers. The project manager and their team should be able to identify potential hazards and establish a plan to mitigate them even before the project begins.

 

5. Organization

Project overlaps are unavoidable in the construction sector, so construction project managers must be able to transition between tasks with ease. A excellent construction project manager must be well organized in order to keep up and stay on top of things. They have the ability to determine which tasks are most important and which may be deferred, allowing the project to run smoothly and on time.

 

6. Financial Management

A building project cannot begin without a proper budget plan. Managing a project’s finances is one of the most important jobs of a construction project manager, as even minor changes can cause the project to run over budget. They must be able to track project spending, generate estimates, and even seek other finance options.

 

7. Negotiation

Negotiation is common when talking with stakeholders, especially when it comes to budget allocation, resource planning, change orders, and scope creep. One of the most important abilities for a construction project manager is the ability to bargain effectively. They must be able to say no to unrealistic customer expectations, disagree with proposals that they believe would harm the project, and compromise as needed.

 

8. Micromanagement Avoidance

Micromanagement is ineffective in industries with vast and complex projects. The greatest construction project managers believe that their colleagues and team members have the necessary skills to fulfill their tasks. By distributing responsibilities and explicitly articulating the job to be done, they avoid becoming bogged down in project detail and instead concentrate on the job’s results.

 

9. Openness to Feedback

A skilled project manager may have substantial managerial experience and strong industry expertise, but they must also be open to input. Experienced field workers notice things that even the finest building project managers do not. As a result, a project manager should be willing to receive input not just from clients and superiors, but also from colleagues and teammates.

 

10. Technological Affinity

While the construction industry remains one of the least computerized, it is slowly but steadily catching up with the latest technological advances. As a result, construction project managers must be knowledgeable about the most recent advances that can aid boost efficiency, collaboration, and success rates.

 

---

Suggested article to read: Top 10 Must-Have Construction Management Software for 2024

---

 

 

Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR)

Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) is a popular project delivery technique in which the owner appoints a general contractor during predevelopment to consult on design. Throughout the design phase, the CM provides feedback to ensure that the building’s design is viable and balanced against other considerations such as budget and schedule. Their involvement prior to breaking ground allows the contractor to offer alternate materials or practices that save the owner money through value engineering.

During the design phase, as both CM and general contractor, they obtain bids from subcontractors. Prior to construction, they set a guaranteed maximum price for the project. This agreement can be beneficial for all parties concerned.

Designers can collaborate with contractors at an early stage to guarantee that the construction designs are feasible.
Property owners set a predetermined price for the project, potentially reducing their risk during construction.
Contractors can provide feedback and obtain bids early in the project, potentially improving the schedule and budget along the way.

Using CMAR, an owner forms a connection with a construction manager who serves as a consultant and expert — and the CM is financially motivated to act in the owner’s best interests.

 

Why Become a Construction Manager?

Is construction management a good career path? Well, it depends on a number of circumstances. One factor to examine is the construction manager’s job prospects. Construction manager job estimates show that this is a desirable area to pursue. The employment of construction managers is expected to increase, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This predicted rise is driven by a variety of reasons. Population and economic expansion are expected to drive demand for additional residences, offices, hospitals, schools, and commercial structures. National infrastructure improvements may also drive up the demand for road, bridge, and sewer system construction projects. There is also a greater emphasis on making existing structures more energy efficient, which could lead to more construction projects and construction management job possibilities.

 

How does one Become a Construction Manager?

Most construction managers have academic backgrounds in construction engineering, building science, or more general degrees such as engineering, architecture, and mathematics. If you don’t have these degrees, don’t worry.

You can take courses in project control and management, design, building codes and standards, construction processes and materials, and other related topics to gain a grasp of the construction business and its needs.

In other parts of the world, an associate’s degree in construction management paired with work experience gives a strong foundation. Work experience is vital for those without an academic degree. Other countries prefer the apprenticeship route, which allows individuals to work through all of the little jobs in project management while advancing their careers.

Certifications are another option to get expertise and credentials as a candidate for construction project management. In the United States, for example, the American Institute of Contractors and the Construction Management Association of America both provide construction project management certifications.

As the industry moves toward digitalization, the function of a construction project manager becomes increasingly specialised and crucial. Even with all of the automation, the construction manager’s function remains important in bridging construction knowledge and technology.

Students may also benefit from pursuing a degree in construction management. An MBA is also useful. These degrees often cover:

1. Project design, control, and management.
2. Cost estimation, budgeting, and contract management
3. Leadership and Administration
4. Statistics and Mathematics
5. Construction methods, codes, and materials

Many of these specialized skills can be gained or honed on the job rather than while attending school. Typically, rookie construction managers are employed as assistants to work alongside experienced managers for up to two years. Continuing your education and obtaining a master’s degree and professional certifications will help you move forward faster. Three of the most common certifications are:

• Associate Constructor (AC)—This entry-level qualification is ideal for recent graduates of four-year management schools or those migrating to construction management from other industries.
• Certified Professional Constructor— This advanced certification is for experienced CMs with several years of project oversight who want to develop their careers. Employers respect CPCs as professionals with proven skills and expertise who provide outcomes.
• Certified Construction Managers (CCMs) earn 10% more than CMs without these credentials. Applicants must have prior experience as a construction manager and pass a test on CM duties, risk management, and legal compliance.

 

Construction Management Jobs

There are various types of construction management jobs, each with slightly distinct obligations. These may include:

1. Concrete Foreman
2. Construction Area Manager
3. Construction Foreman
4. Construction Services Manager
5. Construction Superintendent
6. Job Superintendent
7. Construction Manager

Construction managers, regardless of title, generally work in various locations. They may work in a main office away from the construction site or in a field office on the construction site. If a construction manager is overseeing many projects at the same time, they may need to go from one site to another, which may require travel outside of the state. Construction managers who work on projects in foreign nations usually relocate to that country temporarily until the project is done.

Proper safety technique training is essential for workers on job sites. Job sites often include uneven ground, noisy equipment, and enormous gear, making it a distracting atmosphere. The construction manager’s tasks include monitoring these circumstances and ensuring the crew’s safety. Construction managers may also have to deal with inclement weather when assessing or monitoring a site.

While a construction manager is normally responsible for the entire project, larger projects may need the use of many construction managers. In these cases, the top-level construction manager hires and supervises other managers. Those additional managers may be assigned with overseeing a specific project phase or aspect, ensuring that the whole project receives the attention it requires.

 

---

Suggested article to read: Top 21 Construction Management Company; 2024 Review

---

 

 

How much Could you Make as a Construction Manager?

The estimated remuneration for a construction manager changes with experience.

• Newly trained construction managers can make around £37,000.
• Experienced construction managers can earn up to £85,000*.
• Self-employed managers choose their own pay rates.

Salaries vary depending on region, employer, amount of responsibility, any overtime you may work, and whether you have finished an industry-recognized training course.

 

The Future of Construction Management

Project difficulties increase as the construction sector evolves and grows. Construction managers play an increasingly important role in project success and technological advancement. Smart buildings, robotics, and artificial intelligence are becoming the new standard. Construction management is already becoming increasingly specialized, with organizations providing services suited to specific sorts of building projects, such as hospitals, data centers, and infrastructure. Project difficulties increase as the construction sector evolves and grows.

Construction managers play an increasingly important role in project success and technological advancement. Smart buildings, robotics, and artificial intelligence are becoming the new standard. Construction management is already becoming increasingly specialized, with organizations providing services suited to specific sorts of building projects, such as hospitals, data centers, and infrastructure.

Owners are now requesting experienced construction managers to represent them – construction managers who can provide better real-time visibility into project data and analytics, hence improving efficiency on both current and future projects. Construction management software advancements continue to revolutionize the way owners and project managers organize, track, and share data on all aspects of a project, from jobsite progress to financial performance.

 

FAQs 

What do Construction Managers do?

• Answer: Construction managers just supervise construction. Essentially, they are project managers with a construction-specific focus. They manage day-to-day operations from pre-construction to completion, leveraging their understanding of building trades such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and general construction. CMs also supervise construction site personnel and subcontractors, develop estimates, and ensure that all resources are readily available and properly dispersed.

What is the distinction between a Construction Manager and a Project Manager?

• Answer: Construction Managers often work for the owner, providing comments on design feasibility and/or coordinating construction activities, as well as managing the general contractor on their behalf. Contractors typically use Project Managers to manage the administrative aspects of construction projects, such as scheduling and logistics. In practice, however, the line between a CM and a PM is sometimes ambiguous.

What are some key responsibilities of a Construction Manager?

• Answer: Construction Managers are in charge of overseeing construction site personnel, managing safety hazards, coordinating with teams for materials and equipment, communicating with visitors, and reporting progress to management on a daily basis. They must also ensure that all work meets the required quality, budget, and schedule expectations.

What qualifications and skills are essential for a Construction Manager?

• Answer: To effectively manage projects, a Construction Manager should have a degree in construction management, engineering, or a similar discipline, as well as good leadership, problem-solving, and communication abilities.

How is the role of a Construction Manager evolving with technology?

• Answer: Construction managers have a growing role in project success and technological improvement. Smart buildings, robotics, and artificial intelligence are becoming the new norm. Construction management is already becoming more specialized, with businesses offering services tailored to specific types of building projects including hospitals, data centers, and infrastructure.

 

Conclusion

Construction managers are often known as general contractors or project managers. They work to ensure that a building project runs properly from beginning to end. Construction managers are responsible for a wide range of projects, including residential, commercial, and public constructions, as well as highways and bridges. A construction manager often assists in project planning, coordination of work, budget management to ensure that project costs remain on track, and overall project supervision.

There are numerous detailed activities required to keep a construction project operating successfully, and a construction manager collaborates with a variety of other specialists throughout the project. A construction manager may interact with the customer to revise design plans and review the budget. They will also collaborate with specialized contractors and other specialists, such as architects, electricians, and stonemasons. A construction manager may need to consult with lawyers and government officials, such as city inspectors, to ensure that a project complies with local legislation and requirements.

 

Resources:

goconstruct | aic-builds | sjvc | wgu | cmaanet | procore | letsbuild | ricksoft-inc | vertpro | projectmanager | datausa

For all the pictures: Freepik