Construction Manager

QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s Degree in construction management, project management, building management and civil engineering, encompassing a 4-year requisite study and practice credit hours with additional Professional certifications and credentials like Certified Construction Manager (CCM) from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), the Associate Constructor (AC) and Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) issued by the American Institute of Constructors , Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Certified Project Manager (CPM) and Master Project Manager (MPM); combined with – On the Job Training (OJT) programs, Apprenticeships, Construction Workforce Job Training or Experience; covering building and work topics including construction principles, specifications, building codes, standards and practices, planning, coordinating, budgeting, and supervising construction projects/ site engineering from start to finish; construction equipment and material, statutory and regulatory compliance, environment protection safety protocols and practices; applications, design, integration, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of buildings, infrastructure and other construction activities; tools, and equipment, allied materials, and safety protocols. An MBA or a Post Graduation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) or a Master’s Degree in construction management, project management, building management, and civil engineering will be an added plus.

AVERAGE ANNUAL PAY
(Credits: www.payscale.com)

PROJECTED GROWTH
(Credits: www.bls.gov)

Construction Manager is an exciting career pathway, in which employment is projected to grow at a decent 8 percent from 2019 to 2029.

SKILLS/ TRAITS NEEDED

Besides engineering and/or management qualifications and skills, the Construction Manager needs to be a quintessential multi-tasker, a self-driven “go-getter” with strategic thinking, strong scientific aptitude, a flair for envisioning and fructifying Building and Construction projects and initiatives; with great people/ project/ conflict management & implementation skills; with strong knowledge of statutory regulations and safety protocols, construction equipment, tools & materials. Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced work environment, a cool temperament, resilience, tactfulness, attention to detail, technical and financial acumen; strong written and verbal communication, problem-solving, planning, and strategy, delegation, project and delivery management & reporting; risk management, time management, prioritization, inter-personal & soft-skills, patience, positive body language, and confidence with a “never say die” positive attitude; combined with excellent leadership skills, with a willingness to “roll up the sleeves” whenever necessary, are the vital ingredients of a successful Construction Manager.

WORK FUNCTIONS

Construction Managers supervise, coordinate, and manage commercial and residential building unit construction projects like apartment complexes, villas, malls, schools, hospitals, and colleges, and public infrastructure construction projects like roads, ports, airports, and bridges; gathering project and engineering requirements, evaluating, making proposals, contracts, planning, controlling, ensuring quality standards and compliance with technical specs; site preparation, reviewing work progress, site visits, oversight and status reporting, risk management, equipment, and materials procurement, and organizing construction and building operations. Apart from this, they also design and develop processes, policies, and procedures, obtain statutory approval of structural blueprints liaising with regulatory authorities, and implement various environment protection safety protocols to ensure the smooth building, construction operations, lower costs, ensuring profitability and business continuity; identifying and resolving technical pain points and implementing strategic, cost-effective, innovative and robust building and construction solutions. Besides, they are also responsible for the team and people management; including recruiting, training, coaching, delegating, and appraising labor and employee work performance, hiring and handling contractors, cash flow and cost control, preserving assets, facilitating construction audit, and handling construction budgets effectively and efficiently; to ensure smooth operations, workflow, and completion of the project. They may also contribute towards organizational policy frameworks, besides leading the efficiency and costs savings goals of the organization through meticulous planning and execution, aligned to the organizational goals. They may sometimes be needed to work in shifts.