Construction manager job description

Your guide to finding and hiring the right person for your organization

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Job description

What does a construction manager do?

Construction managers coordinate and supervise the building of all types of residential, commercial, industrial, and civic structures — from roads to bridges, and office buildings to factories. A construction manager must have a deep understanding of all facets of the building process, from the initial planning and foundational work through to project completion. Their job is to oversee a lot of moving pieces at once, and keep the project on track, on time, and on budget. Since they act as the intermediary between clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and regulatory personnel, they must have excellent communication and leadership skills and attention to detail. There are degrees to be a certified construction manager, however most of the skills required come from experience.

To write a strong job description for a construction project manager, start with the template below and tailor it to your individual needs.

How to write a construction manager job description

To attract high-quality construction managers, you need a high-quality job description. These professionals will be looking for an employer that shares their values, so be sure to include information about your company’s culture. Also let candidates know exactly how their work will impact the company’s short- and long-term success.

Make brief lists of the objectives, responsibilities, and qualifications for the construction manager role. Include only the most pertinent aspects, and customize the lists to match your typical project specifications and requirements.

Construction manager job description template

This sample job post will introduce your organization’s culture and values, while helping potential candidates understand how they’ll contribute from Day 1.

Sample construction manager job description

[Company X] has a long history of financial strength, award-winning building quality, and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. We’re seeking a construction manager who has similar values and can put their expertise to work on a variety of community building initiatives. This person will be responsible for overseeing multiple projects simultaneously and serving as the worksite representative for dealings with subcontractors, suppliers, customers, and government inspectors. The construction manager will ensure compliance with all national and local procedures, regulations, and codes, and will provide progress updates to appropriate management channels on a regular basis. With every project, the construction manager will be counted on to drive the innovation we’re known for.

Objectives of this role

Manage worksites for new-construction as well as remodeling projects, coordinating activities and ensuring that all work is in sync with project goals and objectives
Provide direction to general contractors, subcontractors, and vendors when doing groundwork to ensure that quality standards are being met
Liaise with engineers, architects, and others working on a project
Prepare and manage estimates, budgets, timetables, and resources
Identify, mitigate, and track recurring construction issues
Adhere to legal regulations, building and safety codes, and other requirements

Responsibilities

Collaborate with architects, engineers, and other specialists; hire full-time and part-time subcontractors and laborers and coordinate their schedules
Visit sites regularly during construction — including bid walks, preconstruction walks, in-progress visits, punch walks, and closeouts — and attend status and coordination meetings
Conduct and document quality assurance and safety inspections throughout the construction process, ensuring that the work environment is acceptable and that tools and equipment are in good working condition
Maintain and update SOW and preconstruction documents, and meet contract obligations by developing relationships with reliable contractors and vendors
Respond efficiently and effectively to work delays, emergencies, and other project disruptions

Required skills and qualifications

Three or more years of experience in managing new-construction and remodeling projects
Knowledge of construction methods and technologies and an ability to interpret technical drawings and contracts
Knowledge of building-code requirements and scheduling methods
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with an eye for quality
Knowledge of construction worksite safety practices

Preferred skills and qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in engineering or related field
Ability to communicate in more than one language
Professional certification, such as CCM (certified construction manager), AC (associate constructor), or CPC (certified professional constructor)
Working knowledge of green building practices