As project environments and organizations differ, it is not uncommon for companies to struggle with creating reasonable job descriptions for project managers and associated personnel. A construction project manager is responsible for directing, controlling, and managing all aspects of a project. This article outlines the duties and job descriptions of a construction project manager.

Planning

Planning is one of the primary duties of a construction project manager. The project manager must become familiar with all contract documents, develop the basic plan for executing and controlling the project, and direct the preparation of project procedures, budgets, schedules, and design criteria. The project manager must review plans and procedures periodically and make changes if necessary.

Organizing

The construction project manager must develop an organization chart for the project and review position descriptions, outlining duties, responsibilities, and restrictions for key project supervisors. The project manager must participate in the selection of key project supervisors, develop project manpower requirements, and continually review the project organization and recommend changes in organizational structure and personnel if necessary.

Directing

Directing involves directing all work on the project that is required to meet contract obligations. The construction project manager must develop and maintain a system for decision-making within the project team, promote the growth of key project supervisors, establish objectives for the project manager and performance goals for key project supervisors, foster and develop a spirit of project team effort, and assist in resolving differences or problems between departments or groups on assigned projects. The construction project manager must anticipate and avoid or minimize potential problems by maintaining current knowledge of overall project status, develop clear written strategy guidelines for all major problems with clear definitions of responsibilities and restraints.

Controlling

The construction project manager must monitor project activities for compliance with company purpose and philosophy and general corporate policies, interpret, communicate, and require compliance with the contract, approved plan, project procedures, and directives of the client. The project manager must maintain personal control of adherence to contract warranty and guarantee provisions, closely monitor project activities for conformity to contract scope provisions, establish change notice procedure to evaluate and communicate scope changes, see that the plans for controlling and reporting on costs, schedule, and quality are effectively utilized, and maintain effective communications with the client and all groups performing project work.

Detailed

Job Description A more detailed job description of a construction project manager for a utility company includes directing the development of initial and revised detailed task descriptions and forecasts of their associated technical, manpower, cost, and schedule requirements for tasks assigned to the Division, directing the regular integration of initial and revised task forecasts into Divisional technical, manpower, cost, and schedule reports, evaluating available and planned additions to Division manpower resources, prioritizing, adjusting, and directing the efforts of Division personnel (including their consultants and contractors) resource allocations as necessary to assure the scheduled achievement of state and federal regulatory commitments and maintain Divisional adherence to integrated manpower, cost, and schedule reports.

Qualifications

The qualifications of a construction project manager include a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or a Business Degree with a minor in Engineering or Science from an accredited four-year college or university, ten years of related experience in the construction industry with demonstrated leadership and managerial ability, and experience in utility construction.

In conclusion,

the construction project manager is responsible for directing, controlling, and managing all aspects of a project. The project manager’s primary duties include planning, organizing, directing, and controlling. A detailed job description and qualifications for a construction project manager are also important factors to consider. Companies should create reasonable job descriptions for project managers and associated personnel to ensure success in project management.