What is a construction project manager?
A construction project manager ensures that buildings and projects like bridges, offices, schools, and hospitals are safely built. This also includes ensuring they are efficiently constructed and meet the target deadline well. They are also responsible for collaborating and providing details to the stakeholders. Including the architect, owner, and contractors.
They ensure the project's success and minimise potential risks. They are the ones who lead teams of different roles to make the plan a reality.
How much does a construction project manager make?
From UK Talent, data shows that the average construction project manager makes £51,255 per year. That is for the average position or mid-level, for entry-level, it is around £40,414 per year. For the most experienced ones, they can make up to £75,000 per year. The average salary fits in the median, meaning it is good enough.
Responsibilities of a construction project manager
Being a construction project manager is more than just leading the team. It involves key responsibilities to ensure a smooth run of the project. They have a few tasks and it's constant, taking it at a moderate pace. To name a few, their responsibilities involve risk management, budget management, project planning, and obtaining permits and licenses. There are many more as well, which increases as the project progresses.
They have key responsibilities as well that are important and constant to do. Everything starts with planning and ends with the success of the project or the completion of the project.
Construction Manager VS Construction Project Manager
The construction manager is more or less the one who oversees the overall construction. Meanwhile, the project manager is the one who handles matters beyond the construction. The construction manager is directly responsible for the personnel on-site. Along with that, construction managers are also tasked with ensuring the tools and resources are available.
Meanwhile, the construction project manager is in charge of schedules, plans, and budgets aside from risk management. Along with contacting stakeholders, architects, and contractors. They handle matters outside so the construction manager focuses on inside construction matters.
How to become a construction project manager?
To become one, the first step is always aligned with education. Construction is rising to a degree but not many places offer this. You can get a course related to construction management for your diploma and advance further. Aside from a typical bachelor's degree, those with a related associate's degree can still fit the bill. Furthermore, experience is just as important for hiring companies, if not more. Work experience and education give people an insight into their skills and knowledge. It helps them understand your qualifications for the role.
Is it possible to be one without a degree? While there is no definitive way to do things, construction companies value hands-on experience and evidence of it. If education is not within your priority, then work can help build your experience and path to the position.
Why should I become a construction project manager?
If you want to pursue construction management and project management in it, then that is why. Another reason could be because you are passionate about the industry itself and want to lead rather than follow. This position is all about leadership and collaboration, core skills needed. One more possible reason is simply because you feel this is the right choice.
The bottom line is that ultimately, this is your choice and if you feel it is right then go for it. It will never be easy but you gain so much. This choice hones your leadership and planning, along with working with deadlines. It can be overwhelming but you can choose to take it one step at a time.
Skill Qualifications
Of course, there are certain skills to consider before fully becoming a fit for companies in this role. While many skills can build up to the job, there are a few ones that are a key of interest. These often show your capability for the job and gain more. The skills are listed below, naming a few among many skills.
- Industry Knowledge - In this job, it's best to know and understand the basics up to the new techniques. This includes new materials and trends in the industry to prove your capability to lead.
- Flexible Planning - Things can go beyond the original plan but this skill helps make new plans for newer situations. This helps make the project despite the slight changes. You can even learn it here.
- Communication - Of course, this job maintains communication with stakeholders, workers, and the like. Communication is key to success in the major projects.
- Organisation - There are many projects so organising each one to manage them is a good way to do things effectively. It prevents overwhelming yourself and allows you to work on things promptly.
- Risk Management - Identifying risks and providing ways to counter them is important. Construction projects contain a lot of risks so building countermeasures is a good way to keep it progressive and safe.
These are some skills to name a few that make for a qualified person for this job. The industry has many aspects it looks for and needs because the projects are big. Additionally, it is a very hands-on job and involves many people. The companies that are hiring always look for the most fitting in their standards among other things.
Where do I find the place to start?
If you want to work then gaining apprenticeships or jobs close to the job can be a good start. In a matter of education itself, the College of Contract Management is a good start to look for what you need. With many construction courses, focusing on post-graduate to CPD courses, you have many options to work with. You can choose to advance yourself further or seek a higher diploma level fitting for you as a professional.
The CCM works to provide these courses at a level that best suits your needs in different focuses. So start with the CCM and find yourself a new prospect in your construction career.
