what is a construction project manager?
Construction projects are structured and have multiple moving parts. For instance, building a residence or shopping mall comprises numerous steps requiring a construction project manager to coordinate the process.
As a construction project manager, you organise and bring together the necessary resources to complete a building. Unlike other projects, constructions are mission-based and have a variety of constraints unique to the building design. Consequently, being the project coordinator for a residential building isn't the same as a commercial property.
Since your job is to manage the practical aspects, you will work closely with architects and civil engineers to interpret project plans. It is your job to hire contractors and other tradespeople to work on the project while taking a supervisory role. Aside from assigning and managing workers at the construction site, you also plan for the resources allocated to you. You need to ensure workers use the resources properly to avoid shortages and project delays.
Would working as a construction project manager suit your leadership and financial management skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a construction project manager role.
view jobsaverage salary of a construction project manager
According to ONS, the average salary of a construction project manager is between £25,000 and £60,000 a year. When you are newly trained with minimal experience, your salary is between £25,000 and £30,000 annually. With a few years of experience and additional training, your compensation package starts from £30,000 to £50,000. At senior-level experience or chartered status, you earn up to £60,000—the total salary increases due to additional benefits and allowance. Overtime is usually paid based on hourly rates, while allowances and bonuses depend on the project complexity and company policy.
what factors affect the salary of a construction project manager?
Your salary as a construction project manager varies due to multiple factors. For instance, your educational qualifications have a significant impact on your earnings. An entry-level project coordinator with a diploma earns less than a professional who is chartered or has a degree. Your experience level determines the transferable skills you have and will also dictate your compensation package.
When you are a construction project manager of a large company, the projects are complex and have an unlimited budget. That means your take-home pay is higher than a similar position in a small company dealing with less complex projects.
types of construction project managers
The types of construction project managers depend on the employer. A construction project manager working for a contractor to oversee a project is often based at the construction site. Your job is to supervise other employees on the site and manage resources on behalf of the contractor.
You can also be a construction project manager employed by a client or company to manage a project. That means you report to the client since you are in charge of every aspect of the project. Sometimes, you have to make a presentation to the managers on the progress of a project and your projected completion time.
working as a construction project manager
Discover the duties and responsibilities of a construction project manager and find out what it is like to pursue the profession.
- For more information on the types of projects you can expect to work on as a construction project manager, see our 'top construction projects' hub.
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duties and responsibilities
While the specific tasks depend on the type of project or company, some duties include:
- planning: when you are the construction project manager, you ensure all the work is completed at the set time and within the budget. To achieve this, you create a plan for each stage of the project. The plan should include milestones and timelines for achieving them. You can collaborate with architects and civil engineers to map out a detailed plan using the building designs.
- distributing resources: as a construction project manager, you procure the resources required for building. You should vet suppliers and contractors and ensure they deliver the materials on time. When the materials arrive at the construction site, you should allocate the resources on time to avoid shortages. In case of alterations to the original plans, ensure you adjust the plans and that the materials are sufficient to complete the project.
- managing the budget: a project doesn't commence without your budget, and it is your job to create a financial plan. You can track all expenses regularly and ensure the costs don't exceed the budget. It is also crucial to forecast changes to the financial plan and make the necessary adjustments. With a solid budget, you will be prepared for any issues that arise.
- managing staff: as a construction project manager, you hire tradespeople to work on a project to its completion. Your work doesn't stop at hiring; you also schedule project teams and assign tasks to all employees. When the project commences, you provide additional instructions in case of adjustments to the plan.
- writing reports: since you are in charge of the entire project, you should write reports on the progress of the projects. You also give an overview of the expenses and report the achievement of milestones.
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work environment
As a construction project manager, your work is based at the office or construction site. You have to split your time between the office and the site to supervise projects. Fortunately, most construction companies often create a temporary office at the site to minimise movements. Since you work in construction sites, you are exposed to dust, and sometimes you work under the sun or in the rain. Hence, you need personal protective equipment and must adhere to safety measures. Your work environments also change with projects. For instance, working on infrastructure projects provides a different environment to buildings.
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work schedule
Your working week as construction project manager is around 40 to 45 hours a week for full-time positions. When a project deadline approaches, you need to work overtime, extending to evenings and weekends. Occasionally, you have to work on construction projects at night or during public holidays. If you are doing repairs on a railway line or train station, you have to work on it when it is not in operation.
Your job involves a lot of travelling between the site and office. Overseas travel is rare unless you are working for a multinational construction company. While part-time jobs are rare, you can take on concurrent projects from the same company.
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job outlook
When starting your career as a project coordinator, you are a trainee, but the profession has multiple job prospects. As you take on more responsibility and gain experience, you can progress to a senior-level project manager, project director or a consultant. Alternatively, you can specialise and become a contracts manager or get into a managerial position like the head of operations. Self-employment is a possibility; it allows you to work on a contract basis. However, you need a high level of experience working for major companies to do so successfully.
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advantages of finding a construction project manager job through randstad
Finding your construction project manager job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a construction project manager is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
To become a successful project manager, you need educational qualifications, including:
- undergraduate degree: a degree helps you gain the qualifications to be an exceptional construction project manager. A course in construction management, business, IT or project management puts you on the right track. For the degree, you need 2 or 3 A levels to join.
- college: a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) is a great way to join construction project management. With 4 or 5 GCSEs, you can pursue a Level 3 course in project management, while Level 4 and 5 NVQ require A-Levels or their equivalent.
- apprenticeship: split your time between college and on-the-job experience by getting an apprenticeship opportunity at a construction company. During the apprenticeship, you should put in 30 hours a week to your work, which gives you hands-on experience in the industry. An intermediate apprenticeship requires two or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 and takes two years to complete.
skills and competencies
Additional skills and competencies make you a better project manager. Some of the skills include:
- leadership skills: as a construction project manager, you inspire other workers and motivate them towards the project goals. That means leading by example through dedication and proactiveness in complying with safety and quality standards.
- communication: when you are a team leader, it is crucial to communicate effectively with other workers and tradespeople. Communication skills will help you relay goals and clear instructions. Written communication is also valuable for writing reports and creating schedules, or assigning tasks.
- risk management: projects have uncertainties, and you need to be prepared to handle any eventualities. Risk management skills come in handy in forecasting problems and solving them.
- interpersonal skills: as a construction project manager, you need to listen to team members and include their suggestions in your plan. Team management skills also boost your leadership abilities.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a construction project manager
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what does a construction project manager do?
As a construction project manager, you oversee building projects, and you ensure the plans are followed. Want to learn more about working as a construction project manager? Then check out this article.
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what qualifications do construction project managers require?
You can become a construction project manager through apprenticeship or NVQ qualifications. A degree in project management is also a great way to join the career. Want to learn more about working as a construction project manager? Then check out this article.
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do you need a degree to be a construction project manager?
A degree isn't a necessity for construction project managers. Join the profession through apprenticeship or NVQ qualification. Want to learn more about working as a construction project manager? Then check out this article.
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what is the difference between a construction manager and a project manager?
A construction manager is in charge of on-site operations like managing contractors and materials. A construction project manager handles all the phases of a project. Want to learn more about working as a construction project manager? Then check out this article.
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can I be a project manager with no experience?
Without previous work experience, you can get an entry-level position as a project manager. Apprenticeship also provides on-the-job training to improve your skills. Want to learn more about working as a construction project manager? Then check out this article.
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how do I apply for a construction project manager vacancy?
Applying for a construction project manager job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
