Construction Manager

Job overview
Construction managers have responsibility for planning, executing, supervising and managing building projects.

Much of their time is spent working outside in close liaison with architects, quantity surveyors and other professionals.

They should have a sound knowledge of the financial, technological and legal aspects of the building process.

What do people do in this job?
Construction managers' work includes:?

• Pre-tender planning, programming and scheduling all aspects of the project to ensure the best use of resources.
• Post-tender monitoring and control to ensure the smooth running and timely completion of the project.
• Strict control of the labour and materials used on the project to ensure cost- effective, productive use of resources.
• Liaison with sub-contractors, suppliers etc.
• Co-ordinating interaction with architect, quantity surveyor etc, including the final handing over of the completed project.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Construction managers need to be practical problem solvers and achievers who enjoy getting things right the first time.

They should be goal-orientated, enjoy working in a robust and predominantly outdoors environment, have good human relation skills and the ability to communicate with and motivate people at all levels.

As well as having a close working relationship with their professional colleagues, they need to exercise effective control over the workers on the site.

Today's rapid technological advances, particularly in the design and use of computers and software mean that construction managers should always try to keep abreast of the latest developments.

What qualifications are needed?
Normally construction managers will have had a sound school and technical college training in technical and/or science subjects backed by some computer training.

They should be able to do rapid arithmetical calculations and have a good “eye?”? for spatial relationships.