Curious about project management as a career option? What does this job entail? Is it for you? The authors have been in project management for about two decades and they answer some questions you might have before deciding if this is the right career for you.
Successful project management requires open communication with your team members. Encourage them to share their ideas, suggestions, concerns, and issues. Give them forums to speak about their experience working on the project in weekly meetings or even face-to-face catchups.
You can break down this stage into two stages: looking back on how the project turned out and reviewing the deliverables. Meet with the entire team and reflect on what they could have done better and their victories. Shout out individual as well as team successes to encourage team members to continue their great work, while striving for improvement.
We shared necessary project management skills and habits to really get the best results. From utilizing your team members to setting realistic and ambitious deliverables, project managers have a wide range of ways to lead their team toward the finish line.
Whether building bridges and highways or houses and buildings, leaders in construction oversee the process from beginning to end. The roles of construction superintendents and project managers are vital for the completion of a construction project. Those looking to pursue careers in the industry should first understand the similarities and differences in a career as a construction superintendent versus a project manager.
There are many differences and similarities between roles for construction superintendents versus project managers.Those working in these jobs are in charge of ensuring that construction projects have a budget and adhere to it. Both construction superintendents and project managers must have an education and several years of experience in the field. Even though their jobs vary, these two types of construction leaders should demonstrate excellent communication skills, as they both work with their employers, administrators, and construction workers.
The primary difference in a construction superintendent versus a project manager is that construction superintendents work on construction sites alongside their construction workers, while project managers typically oversee the administrative aspects of a project and work off-site. A construction superintendent supervises a job site as the construction manager or foreman, whereas a project manager monitors the process and progress from a distance, handling problems and making decisions.
A project manager is the person who plans, schedules, and executes a project. Their duties involve preparing the team for work, forecasting and determining what work needs to be done for various stages of the project, and estimating project completion costs. Some of their critical responsibilities include budgeting and helping to procure land for a project. The following essential skills are required for project managers:
As long as people continue to need houses, buildings, freeways, parks, and bridges, there will remain a need for construction superintendents and project managers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the employment of construction managers to grow 10% between 2018 and 2028, which is faster than most careers. The annual median salary for construction managers, according to the BLS, is $93,370.
Gaining experience in construction management is important for achieving a leadership position in the field. While employers may look for different amounts of experience in construction superintendents versus project managers, construction workers typically need around four years of experience before they can move into leadership roles. To manage projects effectively, construction managers should be familiar with the process of construction projects and how to engage with other workers on the job site.
The Senior Project Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of mid to large-sized construction projects for the university through all phases. Creates project objectives, work scope, project execution and construction management plans and procedures. Oversees and coordinates planning, design, design phase estimating and monitoring construction by the architect/engineers. Develops and manages project budgets and schedules in conformance with available funds and work schedule. Oversees project team members, consultants and contractors allocated to project. Serves as an advisor and resource to project staff to resolve technical or operational problems.
Serves as senior project manager responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of mid to large-sized construction projects. Creates project objectives and work scope. Creates and implements project execution and construction management plans and procedures, and communication and risk mitigation plans. Develops project reports required to keep all relevant parties informed on status of time and cost elements of project.
Overviews and coordinates planning, design, design phase estimating and monitoring of construction by the architect/engineers of project to ensure its delivery in accordance with construction contract and university requirements and standards. Collaborates with design and construction professionals from various disciplines to ensure successful integration of design and construction and development of drawings and specifications that ensure successful delivery of project within budget and on time.
Coordinates and monitors progress of construction. Reads and interprets plans, specifications and other technical documents. Provides periodic technical design and/or construction reviews and reports. Conducts needs assessment and determines research methodology and design, as needed. Reviews submittals of drawings and samples. Monitors conformity of construction with contract documents and specifications. Conducts quality assurance reviews to ensure work is satisfactorily performed and completed. Provides formalized milestone signoffs throughout life of project. Ensures compliance with quality control and quality assurance policies, procedures and requirements. Ensures compliance with regulatory and university safety regulations and guidelines.
Manages and coordinates building, landscape and open space, infrastructure and land-use planning, and regulatory agency zoning and planning requirements as assigned. Provides project guidance and ensures conformance with campus planning and design guidelines.
Collaborates with client and city officials to facilitate timely and effective participation in the project. Interfaces with regulatory agencies and others to manage the process of obtaining all required project reviews, permits and approvals.
Coordinates the preparation of university contract and procurement documents and manages procurement processing and implementation. Coordinates with University Purchasing staff on project related purchasing activities including authorization of one-time major purchases.
Has responsibility for establishing a quality management plan that meets university quality expectations for the project. Monitors and controls quality process throughout the project delivery cycle to ensure conformance with quality requirements.
Serves as an advisor and resource to project staff to resolve technical or operational problems. Schedules and determines the delegation of assignments to project staff and teams. Reviews work of project coordinators, office engineers and project managers. Reviews and corrects work of architect, contractor and consultants. Provides input to performance appraisals.
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