Key Construction Management Skills for Career Advancement
For those who thrive in flexible environments while leveraging both technical and soft skills, construction management can be an ideal career path. An experienced construction manager knows that core construction management skills include project planning, budgeting, and technological expertise along with strong communication, team management, and delegation skills. The field offers plenty of career opportunities, too, from construction project management to sustainability consulting.
What Does a Construction Manager Do?
Simply put, the role of a construction manager is to oversee projects through planning, coordinating, and executing. Construction managers must have technical knowledge for effective planning plus communication and negotiation skills to act as liaisons between clients, subcontractors, and suppliers. Specifically, they:
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.
- Handle hiring and team management.
- Ensure quality and safety standards are met.
The Importance of Skill Development for Career Growth
Many people interested in furthering their knowledge and skill set in construction management already have a background in architecture, engineering, or construction science. By studying construction management, students learn how to apply their knowledge to a variety of contexts, opening up the door for career growth. While there are numerous ways to develop construction management skills, some common pathways include:
- Pursuing a degree in construction management
- Networking with industry experts
- Researching previous construction projects
- Reviewing construction best practices
These skills empower construction managers to successfully manage their teams, ensure optimal performance, meet industry demands, and ultimately deliver high-quality projects.
Technical Skills Every Construction Manager Needs
Technical skills are essential for every construction manager. In addition to industry knowledge, they must be proficient in project planning, budgeting, and regulations like OSHA safety standards.
Project Planning and Scheduling
So, what does a construction manager do in practice? The role of a construction manager entails overseeing the project planning and scheduling of construction projects. This requires skills in project management, problem-solving, communication, and risk management. This vast but fulfilling duty requires the construction planner to:
- Develop a project plan that includes timelines, budgets, resources, and key milestones.
- Break down the project plan into smaller tasks, setting deadlines and determining how to allocate resources (such as labor, materials, and equipment) so that each task is completed on schedule.
- Carefully monitor the project throughout the process, adapting the plan as needed if delays or issues arise.
- Rely on software for effective project planning.
Budgeting and Cost Control
Budgeting is another core construction management skill that a construction manager holds in their arsenal. As part of the construction project, the construction manager develops a detailed budget that accounts for labor costs, materials, equipment, permits, and other key expenses. Throughout the project, the construction manager monitors costs, like invoices and payments, to ensure all expenses stay within the budget. If any expenses exceed the budget cost, the construction manager identifies the source of the issue and addresses it.
At times, the construction manager may negotiate with suppliers or make adjustments to resource allocation to cut costs. They regularly update financial records to maintain transparency as well as report to stakeholders and other clients about the project’s financial health. The construction manager also sets up a contingency fund to cover unexpected costs, ensuring the budget stays on track if any unforeseen expenses arise.
Construction Technology and Software Proficiency
Construction managers are familiar with construction technology and software. Scheduling tools and management and cost estimation software all play central roles in project planning and budgeting. Construction managers often use building information modeling (BIM) software, which creates digital models of construction projects, along with drones and surveying technology for site analysis and project tracking.
Collaboration tools ensure that communication can flow smoothly between the field site and offices, while document management software centralizes critical documents for the project. Meanwhile, safety management tools help meet safety regulations, including OSHA safety standards. Construction manager skills require comfort with new technologies and the ability to integrate them into project planning and execution.
Safety and Compliance Knowledge
Part of the role of construction managers is to ensure the construction project is carried out in compliance with safety regulations. They are familiar with federal, state, and local safety standards, making sure the worksite meets OSHA guidelines. Construction managers develop and enforce safety plans for workers and ensure that team members receive safety training around the use of tools and equipment, hazard recognition, and response to accidents and emergencies. They also conduct regular safety audits, assess worksite conditions, and implement preventative measures as a way to assess and manage hazards and risks on site.
Essential Leadership and Management Skills
Leadership skills for construction managers are as important as technical skills. This allows construction managers to implement their projects successfully while avoiding conflict and ensuring the team meets their project goals.
Communication and Collaboration
Soft skills such as communication and collaboration are crucial, as construction managers communicate regularly with a wide range of stakeholders, from workers and clients to architects and suppliers. They make sure that everyone understands project expectations and timelines and provide regular updates to stakeholders. They are prepared to manage disputes and foster a sense of collaboration and teamwork. Such construction manager skills empower these professionals to communicate with different audiences and ensure that the information they share is understood by everyone — no matter their role in the project.
Team Leadership and People Management
Effective leadership skills for construction managers involve providing guidance and motivating the construction team. Skilled construction managers provide a clear vision for their team and can make rapid, firm decisions. They carefully select their construction team and effectively delegate tasks as well. In the event of a conflict, they can serve as mediators, resolving the dispute so it does not affect the project output. Thus, construction managers ideally possess strong emotional intelligence and adaptability, with the ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders.
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
Nearly 98% of construction projects experience delays or budget overruns. Part of the role of the construction manager is to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances by analyzing potential risks and preparing contingency plans. They must remain ready to make decisions under pressure and having an innovation mindset, sometimes solving problems with limited resources. In other words, successful construction managers are adaptable and resourceful.
Business and Strategic Skills for Career Growth
Construction management skills are comprehensive, encompassing not only technical and soft skills but also business and strategic competencies. In turn, these equip people in construction management to pursue a wide range of career opportunities and career growth.
Contract Management and Legal Knowledge
Part of the role of construction managers is to ensure the project is completed in compliance with legal and contractual obligations. Construction managers should be able to review and respond to legal contracts, negotiating fair and clear terms. In addition, they should be prepared to meet their obligations while also knowing how to navigate the legalities of the contract should a dispute over the terms arise.
Risk Management and Crisis Handling
Construction manager skills include being able to assess risk and prepare for a crisis. This involves identifying risks such as safety, financial, regulatory, legal, and operational risks and assessing their likelihood and impact. Construction managers then develop mitigation strategies, which may entail safety protocols, contingency planning, and insurance. Throughout the project, construction managers monitor these risks and adapt strategies as needed.
Client Relations and Business Development
Communication is about more than construction managers communicating with construction teams; it is also about keeping the client informed with regular updates and clear expectations. Construction management skills include understanding the client’s needs and responding to them as well as being prepared to negotiate and resolve potential disputes. Construction managers who can communicate well and deliver quality projects on time are more likely to receive opportunities for career growth, bring in new projects, and expand their portfolios.
Build Your Construction Management Skill Set at TAMU
Seeking a career that requires adaptability, problem-solving, and a wide range of skills to succeed? You might consider a career in construction management. At Texas A&M University, our online Master of Science (MS) in Construction Management can help you build the construction management skills to succeed. Request more information about this master’s degree program today.
