what is a construction manager?
As a construction manager, you organize and combine the necessary resources to construct a building. Unlike other projects, constructions are mission-based and have a variety of constraints unique to the building design. Consequently, being the construction manager for a residential building is different from working in a commercial property.
Construction projects are structured and have multiple moving parts. For instance, building a residence or shopping mall comprises numerous steps, requiring a construction manager to coordinate the process.
Since your job is to manage the practical aspects, you work closely with architects and civil engineers to interpret project plans. You also 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 ensure workers use resources properly to avoid shortages and project delays.
Would working as a construction manager suit your teamwork and leadership skills? If so, read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a construction manager role.
construction manager jobsaverage construction manager salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of a construction manager is $90,000 per year. At an entry-level position, you start with lower earnings of $73,061 annually. The salary increases gradually, and you can earn over $139,553 yearly with experience.
what factors affect your salary as a construction manager?
Your earnings as a construction manager depend on various factors, from education to experience and skills. When starting out in the role, you have minimal experience, so you earn less than construction managers with years of experience. Improving your educational qualifications also increases your earning potential.
When you work in the building and construction industry, the company's size affects your salary. Working in a small company affects your earnings since your employer may need more resources to pay higher salaries. Large companies often handle larger projects and have substantial resources. Due to the complexity of the duties, your salary will be higher than working on small projects for a smaller company. The location also affects your earnings. For instance, working in Quebec or Ontario has higher earnings prospects due to the increased demand for construction managers.
types of construction managers
The types of construction managers depend on the employer. A construction manager working for a contractor 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 employed by a client or company to manage a project as a construction project manager. That means you report to the client since you are in charge of every aspect of the project. Sometimes, you make presentations to the managers, reporting on the progress of a project and your estimated completion time.
working as a construction manager
If you enjoy working in construction, discover the duties, responsibilities and work environments of construction managers.
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what does a construction manager do?
While the specific tasks depend on the type of project or company, some typical duties include:
- planning: when you are the construction 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 project stage. The plan includes milestones and timelines for achieving them. You collaborate with architects and civil engineers to map a detailed plan using the building designs.
- distributing resources: as a construction manager, you procure the resources required for building. You vet suppliers and contractors and ensure they deliver the materials on time. When the building materials arrive at the construction site, you allocate the resources on time to avoid shortages. In case of alterations to the original plans, you adjust the plans and ensure 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.
- managing staff: as a construction 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 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 of a construction manager
As a construction manager, your work is based at the office or a construction site. You split your time between the office and the worksite to supervise projects. Fortunately, most construction companies often create temporary on-site offices to minimize transportation. Since you work at construction sites, you are exposed to dust and sometimes work under the sun or in the rain. Hence, you need personal protective equipment and should adhere to safety measures. Your work environment also changes from project to project. For instance, working on an infrastructure project provides a different environment to buildings.
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who are your colleagues?
As a construction manager, you spend most of the day at a construction site working with project managers, architects and contracts managers. You also work with quantity surveyors, project engineers and civil engineers. When the construction commences, you interact with site managers and site supervisors. You'll also likely work with general labourers, electricians and machine operators.
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construction manager work schedule
Your working week as a construction manager is around 40 to 45 hours for full-time positions. When a project deadline approaches, you work overtime, extending to evenings and weekends. Occasionally, you work on construction projects at night or during public holidays. If you are repairing a railway line or train station, you work on it when it's not in operation.
Your job involves a lot of travelling between worksites and the office. Unless you work for a multinational construction company, overseas travel is not usually required. While part-time jobs are rare, you can take on concurrent projects from the same company.
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career opportunities as a construction manager
Working in construction is a rewarding career with opportunities for progression. For instance, construction manager jobs are expected to increase to 32,300 from 2022 to 2031. When joining the role, you start as a junior construction manager and become a construction manager when you gain sufficient experience. You can become a project manager or specialize in being a contracts manager or a contractor.
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advantages of finding a job as a construction manager through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- Always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- Many training opportunities
- A range of jobs in your area
construction manager skills and education
To become a construction manager in Canada, you require the following education and qualifications:
- Educational qualifications: to become a construction manager, you require a university degree. Pursue a degree in civil engineering or start with a college diploma to gain qualifications in construction technology. Some employers may request a master's degree in project management.
- Certification and experience: gain relevant experience in construction by starting with junior roles, such as a construction supervisor or site manager. Your extensive experience could substitute for the post-secondary education requirements. You may also require certification from a regulatory body in some provinces or territories. For instance, in Alberta, construction managers are regulated by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT), while in Quebec, the regulatory body is the Commission for Standards, Equity, Health and Safety at Work (CNESST).
competencies and characteristics of construction managers
Additional skills and competencies make you a better construction manager. Some of the skills include:
- Leadership skills: as a construction manager, you inspire other workers and motivate them towards the project goals. That means pro-activeness in complying with safety and quality standards, as well as leading by example through dedication and commitment.
- Communication: when you are a team leader, it is crucial to communicate effectively with other workers and tradespeople. Communication skills help you relay goals and clear instructions. Written communication is also valuable for writing reports, creating schedules, or assigning tasks.
- Risk management: projects have uncertainties, and it is important to be prepared to handle any eventualities. Risk management skills come in handy in forecasting problems and solving them.
- Interpersonal skills: as a construction manager, you should listen to team members and include their suggestions in your plans. Team management skills also boost your leadership abilities.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a construction manager.
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what is the role of a construction manager?
As a construction manager, you oversee various aspects of a construction project to ensure it runs smoothly. Your job includes leading a team of construction professionals from the project development stage to completion. You work with architects in the design stage and find contractors for the construction work. You also liaise with the clients to inform them of the project status and progress.
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how much does a construction manager make in Canada?
As a construction manager, your earnings depend on various factors, including experience and qualifications. The average earnings of a construction manager in Canada is $90,000 per year. In an entry-level position, you earn $73,061 annually due to the lack of experience. The most experienced construction managers make up to $139,553 per year.
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what is the difference between a project manager and a construction manager?
As a construction manager, you oversee all construction activities on-site. You ensure contractors do their jobs and the project progresses as expected. A project manager manages various matters aside from construction activities. Construction managers report to project managers.
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is a construction manager job stressful?
Due to tight deadlines and lots of responsibilities, working as a construction manager can be a stressful job. However, organizing your schedule and delegating responsibilities ensures that the construction activities progress as expected.
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is being a construction manager a good career?
Working as a construction manager is a promising career with opportunities for growth. You build your skills in construction, and the role prepares you for a career in project management, among other leadership roles. The earnings for construction managers are also promising and increase gradually with experience and qualifications.
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how do I find a job as a construction manager?
Finding a job near you as a construction manager is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the 'Apply' button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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