Understanding Construction Types: The Various Roles of a Construction Manager

Construction managers are integral to a project’s success because of all the jobs they handle

Key takeaways

• Construction managers are responsible for multiple jobs on every project
• These jobs include planning, supervising, and running day-to-date operations
• The project will likely experience issues without competent construction management
• Selecting a contractor with experienced construction managers is vital

Construction managers are essential to completing any project because they take on so many roles. These individuals need extensive industry knowledge and experience because they’re responsible for multiple jobs necessary to finish any project. 

Construction sites have a lot going on, and these managers oversee everything. They ensure that the right people are on-site and doing their jobs correctly. They also communicate with clients and address conflicts that could arise throughout the project.

The construction manager you select should understand the different construction types and their unique needs. Here’s a look at the various jobs a construction management professional will handle throughout your next project.

Planning the project

Perhaps the most important job a construction manager takes on is planning. The planning process is lengthy, as it involves estimating costs, developing a schedule of deliverables for the construction team, and preparing assignments for each team member. 

The construction manager will also have to follow the project throughout construction to confirm compliance and review the project after completion to ensure the team follows the plan. Construction planning is an intensive job, so hiring experienced construction management is vital when seeking the best possible outcomes.

Hiring and supervising

Construction managers are responsible for hiring the people who work on a construction site and getting the right employees to handle all the tasks the project requires. There could also be situations where firing workers becomes necessary, and construction management might have to deal with that task.

While the construction manager might not supervise every aspect of the project day-to-day, they must be available to stop by the job site periodically to ensure everything is going according to plan. This part of the job is challenging because identifying overlooked project details takes considerable effort.

Creating goals

Clients have benchmarks and goals they want to see the project meet, and it’s the construction manager’s job to confirm that the work satisfies everything outlined in the contract. These goals include precision of work, timeliness, and handling requirements.

The manager might create goals beyond what the client outlines in the contract because the project will have internal requirements, too. Construction managers must develop ways to keep the work on track while meeting the client’s demands, and this balancing act takes considerable experience to master.

Completing the project on time

Commercial clients rely on the construction teams they hire to complete projects by their deadlines so that they can open their stores or restaurants. Finishing the job on time is vital to the client’s bottom line and becomes the manager’s top priority. 

Meeting these deadlines takes considerable planning, especially when dealing with subcontractors. However, experienced project managers know how to develop schedules that keep the project on track while minimizing delays.

Staying on budget

A budget will be in place before the project commences, and the manager should do everything possible to meet it. There could be the occasional overrun, but this manager must stay in touch with the client and ensure the crew doesn’t exceed this limit by too much.

If the client doesn’t agree to these overruns, the manager might have to cut unnecessary costs to keep the project within the original budget. This scenario will create some challenging decisions, and you’ll want someone with significant industry experience making them to minimize disruptions. 

Communicating with the client

Construction managers have to ensure all stakeholders have the necessary information through every step of the process. This job means communicating with clients about the project’s progress and with company executives about any issues that arise. 

The communication process isn’t always easy because construction managers sometimes have to deliver unfortunate news. As a result, hiring an industry professional that understands the value of communication and the need for these difficult conversations is essential.

Dealing with disputes

Construction sites are rarely dispute-free, as there could be altercations involving employees, subcontractors, third parties, or clients. Managers sometimes have to get in the middle of these disputes, hearing all parties out and developing a solution.

Failing to address these scenarios could make the construction site toxic and create problems as you attempt to proceed with the project. It’s wise for construction managers to identify disputes early and work with all parties to develop a solution that keeps the job on track.

Handling contracts

Contracts will be necessary during many stages of construction, and the manager could have involvement in many of them. For starters, there will be a contract between the land owner and the builder, and the construction manager will be heavily involved. 

Suppliers, architects, subcontractors, and others you bring in to complete the project could also need contracts. The construction manager must draft and deliver these agreements to keep the job on track.

Closing the project

The construction manager’s job isn’t complete just because the project is ready, as the post-construction phase also requires significant attention. At this point, construction management will handle jobs like returning equipment rentals, cleaning the worksite, releasing subcontractors, and completing a post-project review with the client. 

This post-construction phase is also when the construction manager can look at how the project went and analyze any areas for improvement they identify. The best construction managers are always looking for ways to improve to ensure they don’t make the same mistakes time after time.

Hiring a full-service contractor

Using a full-service General Contractor with an experienced construction manager on the team can streamline your next project. That way, you can ensure continuity between team members and minimize the issues your project encounters as it progresses. 

RPC General Contractors can handle every aspect of your next South Florida construction project, including design, development, and building. We understand all construction types and have an experienced construction management team, keeping your projects on time and within budget from start to finish. Contact RPC General Contractors to learn how we can turn your construction concept into a reality.