7 Construction Project Manager Duties Critical for Success

Juggling multiple projects, tight deadlines, and resource constraints has become the norm for many construction project managers. Small to midsize construction businesses, in particular, often find themselves stretched thin, trying to balance the demands of various projects while ensuring they're delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

These challenges can seem insurmountable, but understanding and mastering critical construction project manager duties can pave the way for success. Below, we aim to shed light on those essential duties, offering insights and strategies drawn from industry best practices and survey findings. Whether you've been a project manager for years and want to refine your approach or are a newcomer seeking guidance, let us guide you through navigating the complexities of construction project management effectively.

What does a construction project manager do?

A construction project manager is the backbone of any project, overseeing every aspect from beginning to completion. Their daily responsibilities include creating detailed project plans, managing budgets, coordinating with subcontractors, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope. They act as the primary point of contact, addressing clients' concerns and keeping them informed throughout the process.

For SMBs, a skilled project manager for construction projects is invaluable. They can help streamline operations, improve efficiency, and boost profitability. By managing projects effectively, project managers can prevent costly delays, reduce rework, and enhance the overall quality of the finished product.

Common construction project manager challenges

The construction industry has experienced a significant uptick in project volume in recent years, as a surprising 52% of construction professionals report an increase in their organization's workload in the last 12 months.* This surge in projects puts immense pressure on project managers, forcing them to juggle multiple deadlines, allocate resources effectively, and maintain project quality simultaneously.

Managing a growing number of projects simultaneously can be overwhelming, and this increased complexity can lead to errors, delays, and decreased profitability. To overcome these challenges, project managers can leverage construction management software to streamline their workflows, improve collaboration, and gain better visibility into project performance.

What construction project manager duties are critical for success?

A construction project manager wears many hats, requiring a blend of technical knowledge, leadership skills, and strategic planning. Here are some critical duties that construction project managers must master to ensure project success:

Manage construction bids

The bidding process is often the first point of contact with a potential project. This sets the tone for the entire project and is therefore critical. Here's how you do it:

• Thoroughly review project specifications and requirements.

• Conduct a detailed site visit to identify potential challenges.

• Collaborate with subcontractors to gather accurate estimates.

• Use historical data to inform your pricing strategy.

• Present a comprehensive, well-organized bid package.

Create construction schedules

Time is money in construction, and effective scheduling is key to keeping projects on track. However, this is easier said than done. Thirty-three percent of construction professionals say that exceeding allocated project completion time is one of the biggest threats to their firm's profitability.*

To create realistic and manageable schedules:

• Break the project into clear, manageable phases

• Account for potential delays due to weather or material shortages

• Use the critical path method (CPM) to identify key milestones

• Build in buffer time for unexpected issues

• Regularly review and adjust the schedule as needed

Leveraging construction management software with Gantt chart capabilities can help you visualize your schedule and easily adjust as needed.

Plan and monitor project budget

Budgeting is a never-ending challenge in construction. When asked about their biggest budgeting hurdles, 48% of construction professionals cite the time it takes, 40% mention budget limitations, and 32% struggle with creating realistic budgets.*

To improve your budgeting process:

• Use historical data to inform your estimates

• Account for potential cost increases in materials and labor

• Build in a contingency fund for unexpected expenses

• Regularly track actual costs against the budget

• Use construction accounting software to streamline tracking and reporting

Accurate budgeting is more than just crunching numbers. It creates a financial roadmap that guides your project to success.

Hire and manage the workforce

Your team is your most valuable asset, but managing them effectively can be challenging. In fact, 34% of construction professionals cite productivity issues as a huge threat to profitability.*

To build and manage a high-performing team:

• Develop clear job descriptions and expectations.

• Implement a robust onboarding process.

• Provide ongoing training and development opportunities.

• Use team management software to track performance and allocate resources effectively.

• Foster a positive work culture that encourages open communication.

By investing in your workforce, you're boosting productivity and building a team that can tackle any challenge that comes your way.

Find and manage subcontractors

In an industry plagued by skilled labor shortages (55% of professionals cite this as a major threat to profitability), finding and maintaining reliable subcontractors is more important than ever.*

To excel in this area:

• Develop a strong vetting process for potential subcontractors

• Maintain a database of trusted partners

• Communicate project expectations and timelines clearly

• Use subcontractor management software to track performance and payments

Your subcontractors are an extension of your team. Treating them as valued partners will lead to better outcomes and smoother project execution.

Manage equipment and materials

With 61% of construction professionals mentioning increased supply cost as a major threat to profitability, effective equipment and material management is crucial. Add to this the 28% who are concerned about rising technology costs, and it's clear that resource management is an enormous challenge.*

To optimize your equipment and material management:

• Implement an inventory tracking system.

• Schedule regular maintenance for equipment to prevent costly breakdowns.

• Develop relationships with multiple suppliers to ensure competitive pricing.

• Consider leasing options for expensive equipment to manage costs.

• Use construction management software to track resource usage and anticipate needs.

When you stay on top of your resources, you can avoid costly delays and keep your projects running smoothly.

Ensure compliance with safety regulations

Safety should always be your top priority. Not only is it important for protecting your workforce, but it's also essential for maintaining your reputation and avoiding costly legal issues. To create a culture of safety:

• Stay up to date with local and federal safety regulations.

• Conduct regular safety training sessions for all staff.

• Implement a system for reporting and addressing safety concerns.

• Use safety management software to track incidents and identify areas for improvement.

• Recognize and reward safe practices among your team.

A safe workplace is a productive workplace. By prioritizing safety, you're protecting your team and safeguarding your project's success.

Construction project management tools

The construction industry has seen a surge in technological advancements, with an abundance of software solutions designed to streamline project management processes and boost project efficiency. We covered a few solutions in the last section, including:

• Construction management software: This software handles various aspects of project management, including scheduling, resource allocation, and communication.

• Bid management software: This tool streamlines the bidding process by helping construction project managers create, submit, and track bids.

• Subcontractor management software: This software assists in managing relationships with subcontractors. It helps them with tasks such as selecting subcontractors, negotiating contracts, tracking performance, and ensuring timely payments.

• Safety management software: This software focuses on ensuring compliance with safety regulations and promoting a safe work environment.

But these aren't the only tools that can help you manage construction projects. To get an idea of what's available, visit Software Advice's construction software directory or browse each subcategory of construction software here.

This directory is your comprehensive resource of construction solutions, including building information modeling (BIM) software, capital program management software, concrete estimating software, and many others. Each category is designed to address specific aspects of construction project management, from the initial stages of planning and estimating to the final phases of execution and closeout.

For instance, BIM software can revolutionize the design and planning phase by providing a 3D model that helps in visualizing the project, identifying clashes, and improving coordination among stakeholders. And construction estimating software simplifies the complex task of generating accurate cost estimates, ensuring that projects are financially viable from the outset.

Exploring the various types of construction software is a great place to start leveraging technology in your construction projects. Make sure to examine user reviews and product comparisons to make an informed decision.

Elevate your construction project management game

A project manager does a lot for a construction company. The role of a construction project manager is complex and challenging. From managing bids to ensuring safety compliance, each duty plays an important role in your project's success. By prioritizing these key responsibilities and leveraging the right tools, you can navigate the complexities of construction management with confidence.

Here's what to do next:

1. Assess your current processes: Identify areas where you're struggling or spending too much time.

2. Explore software solutions: Find construction software tools that address your specific needs.

3. Invest in your team: Provide training opportunities to boost skills and productivity.

4. Prioritize communication: Implement systems for clear, consistent communication with all stakeholders.

5. Stay adaptable: The construction industry is always changing. Be ready to adjust your strategies as needed.

Construction project management is about orchestrating your resources, both human and technological, to achieve the best possible outcomes. When you focus on these critical duties and use the right tools, you're setting yourself up for success.