Construction management involves planning, budgeting, coordinating, and supervising construction projects from start to finish.As a construction manager, you may work on various construction projects, including buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures.

Construction management can be rewarding if you enjoy design, seeing a project grow from beginning to end, and the prospect of partnering with builders, designers, and clients throughout the construction lifecycle process.

What does a construction manager do?

Construction managers review proposals for projects to estimate timelines and milestones, cash flow requirements, project protocols, resourcing needs, and requirements for human resources, equipment, and resources at different stages of the project. They work closely with clients, architects, subcontractors, and engineers to ensure every project aspect runs smoothly. Construction managers may oversee a single construction project or several at once.

Here are some core responsibilities found in construction manager roles:

Cost management: Maintain awareness of all costs associated with a project; budget management; anticipate any changes to project scope that could impact cost.

Contract administration: Create contracts for subcontractors and suppliers; manage payments to contractors; source materials and suppliers.

Health and safety management: Ensure everyone on-site follows health and safety regulations; prepare health and safety documentation; implement suitable protocols for ongoing practices and regular monitoring.

Quality management: Deliver projects that meet clients' specifications; ensure all work complies with quality standards; facilitate regular checks throughout the project lifecycle; use a total quality management approach (TQM) to help reduce costs in remedial work; minimize delays; maintain relationships with clients, contractors, and staff.