For every project, there is a leader who is guiding the rest of the workforce, and that leader is the project manager. They have a lot of responsibilities on their shoulders to ensure a smooth – albeit mostly painless – process. Much like a general contractor, project managers are important people to have in construction. Without this key figure, the project would likely fall apart. Or at the very least, it wouldn’t reach completion on time if at all. This article will go over what a project manager does on a construction site.
General description of a project manager
Project management is among the most complex fields out there. Those who are in this position are responsible for daily project management. Additionally, they need proficiency in managing the six main facets of a project: schedule, scope, risk, finance, resources, and quality. Project managers handle certain projects that have time limits, guarantee clear-cut results, and must stay within a budget.
The ideal project manager has skills in more than just the technical aspects that the job demands. They also need skills in directing their team. On a construction site, the project manager’s responsibilities are a vital component in guiding a project. These projects include commercial, industrial, and residential buildings, as well as skyscrapers and bridges.
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Planning and establishing goals
The project manager needs to not only plan their work but also outline the team’s tasks. A meticulous project manager needs to predict and figure out the mandatory work for the proposed project. The general duties of a project manager include:
- Work preparations for the team
- Creating deliverable schedules as a guideline for construction
- Cost estimation
- Watching the project unfold in case they need to supervise any tasks
- Closely reviewing the project to determine if everything is in order
Setting goals is one of the primary responsibilities that project managers often forget about. It is the project manager’s job to set specific goals that the clients signed and do everything they can to meet them. In addition, the project manager has to review the contractual conditions of performance. They also determine the work’s precision and deal with requirements and deliverables.
The goals specify how many workers and types of supplies the project will need. Project managers that have everything ready to go with goals in place will typically see the most success.
Managing the time
A project manager should have competency in time management. To make sure that a project is delivered on time, the project manager needs to set a realistic timeline. Moreover, they must consistently meet the criterion within it.
Managers have to be able to determine the duration of each phase of the project if they want to prevent any delays. Specifically, delays that are due to human error. They need to formulate, evaluate, assess, and alter a schedule whenever necessary to guarantee the project’s on-time delivery.
Risk management
Another thing that a project manager does on a construction site is performing risk management. Risk management includes pinpointing and responding to potential problems during the project to lessen possible negative effects. Furthermore, it helps preserve the workers’ safety. Internal risk management often includes issues such as weak planning design and scheduling obligations that are impossible to meet. In contrast, external risk management refers to unforeseen natural disasters (ex. earthquakes and storms) and regulatory requirements.
Remaining on budget
Generally speaking, construction projects are commercial ventures. The project manager is responsible for keeping the money as the main focus while organizing the project and work. The key ingredient here is estimation.
At the start of the project, the managers need to ensure that the crew remains within the budget. Going over budget could either be an major inconvenience or spell catastrophe for the project.
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The importance of a project manager on a construction site
A few other responsibilities of a project manager include planning and arranging potential client visits. They also make sure that every client has enough support and that they form a rapport with them. They develop contacts with senior staff and directors, among other important figures, and coordinate the training.
Overall, it’s clear to see why a project manager is a key player in the completion of a project. When embarking on a construction project, a manager is a crucial figure to have onboard. To learn more or if you have any questions or comments, contact us here BUILD IT’s contact info.