The Construction Contractor's Blog

As more contractors have evolved from generalists who perform their function in a wide variety of situations to specialized construction companies that perform in a disciplined way, so has the role of the project manager's role. Your ability to control the work that occurs in the field and the costs associated with that work is paramount to being a successful project manager. As a project manager, you are responsible for the scheduling and sequencing of construction activities, involving components such as labor, materials, and equipment. You are also in charge of managing the various human resources on the project and ensuring that the work environment is productive. Finally, you are responsible for controlling costs and making a profit on the project. We all know that the project manager’s role may differ somewhat from company to company. In some situations, the project manager may be involved in the buy-out of a project or may have less support staff depending upon the size of their company. In some companies, project managers even estimate the job before they manage it. Regardless, the one caveat that holds true throughout all companies is that the project manager is the central person responsible for bringing that job in on time, within budget, with quality workmanship, and having a satisfied client at construction's end.

 Represent your company in a professional manner to the client, architect, consultants, subcontractors, and the general public.

 Manage the project effectively from the initial hand-off to the final completion. This includes managing the construction process, subcontractor relations, cost and budget issues, as well as client expectations.

 Administer the contractual aspects of the project in order to maximize profitability and minimize the risk for your company

 Proactively communicate information to architects, engineers, field personnel, subs, and vendors to enable them to work toward the successful completion of the project schedule.

The primary duties of the project manager in managing the job:

Responsibilities
 Resolve any personnel issues that affect the project.

 Ensure that the quality of our work and those of any subcontractors meets specifications.

 Schedule creation, maintenance and documentation.

 Safety issues of the project.

 Know the contract intimately and handle disputes with clients, subcontractors,vendors and other project stakeholders.

 Quality of work performed by us and subcontractors.

 Inspections and testing procedures for work performed are conducted in appropriate manner.

 Union issues and disputes are dealt with expeditiously.

 Primary negotiator for change orders and provider of claim documentation.

 Responsible for property damage and theft on-site.

 Be the emergency telephone contact (along with the field manager).

 Be the primary company representative and manage relationships in such a way as to maximize the success of this project and therefore, your ability to get the next one. Remember, you are in the client service business.

 Primary company representative and contributor / facilitator of meetings. You are also the leader for the entire company team decision-making process. Make the rest of the project team are your partners, not just your subordinates or superiors.

 Be a professional. Your company’s reputation is a product of the quality of work and the nature of your relationship with others on the project. It is the job of the project manager to protect and preserve your company’s reputation for quality work, safely performed on time and within the budget.

GUIDELINES
1. Plan and coordinate the job in accordance with the project schedule and the contract.
2. Be fair but, firm in dealing with clients, subcontractors, vendors, and subordinates. Never abuse your position, but do enforce our contract and subcontracts.
3. Communicate in a professional tone with all parties on the job, but be particularly sensitive to the client and his representative.
4. Act as a leader. Be positive in your approach to working out problems and communicate with a sense of urgency.
5. Be responsive to the field staff. They are the ones who are actually building the project.
6. Be responsive to the needs of the client and any designers.
7. Make sure that all work is done safely.
8. Look professional and neat in your appearance. Make sure your staff follows your lead.
9. Monitor the project budget with a close eye costs and billing.
10. Record all communication and pertinent information relating to the job schedule.
11. Address all concerns by local residents in a timely fashion.
12. Become familiar with any local laws or codes that may affect your work or the project.
13. Obtain all required permits for any work connected with the project.
14. Be diligent about your record keeping and ensure that the superintendent is properly filling out the daily report forms to include all pertinent information about the job for that day.

Matt Stevens is a management consultant who works only with construction contractors. He can be reached at mstevens@stevensci.com His firm, Stevens Construction Institute is located at stevensci.com