A construction team will be made up of lots of different people with a wide variety is skills and responsibilities. However, the bulk of the management process and the key responsibilities will often be handled by a construction project manager. This is the person that ensures the smooth running of the construction project.
It is a good idea to consider hiring a construction project manager to come into the project, instead of using internal resources. This way the person can focus on their role and not get side-tracked by managing other projects or parts of the project. Instead, an outsourced construction project manager can look at contracts, budgets and schedules, right through to managing change orders too.
The key responsibilities of the construction project manager include overseeing contract developments and negotiations between contractors and subcontractors. They will ensure that all parties fully understand the project including the scope, deliverables, timelines and payment terms.
It is the role of the project manager to ensure that all parties adhere to the contract terms. This includes maximum price paid and pay caps too. There is also a lot of conflict navigation within this role too. Which is another reason it is a good idea to have an outsourced project manager. They can facilitate conversations surrounding these conflicts and ensure that they’re resolved quickly and fairly.
Another of the key responsibilities of a construction project manager is to create, or oversee the creation of, construction project budgets working closely with Quantity Surveyors. Expenses will be tracked against the budget and best prices will be negotiated to ensure that the project comes within budget.
As well as ensuring that the construction project is completed within budget, it also needs to be delivered on time. This is another area that the project manager is responsible for. A working schedule is created and this will ensure that progress is tracked, and delays can be avoided, where possible.
There may also be times when change orders arise. This is where modifications may be needed to be made to the project or the specifications. These changes in scope will be managed and implemented by the project manager. This is done in a way that avoids significant delays to the project or huge cost overruns.
The key responsibilities of the construction project manager are not over when the project is complete. During the final stretch of the project, they will oversee final inspections and ensure all work meets required specifications.
Need help with the key responsibilities of a construction project manager, or need some to manage your construction project? Call our construction project managers to see how we can help you.