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Business Skills

How to Become a Construction Project Manager

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Lead Academy

14 Mins Read

Thinking about how to become a Construction Project Manager? The following are the ways you can become one:

  • A university course
  • A training program
  • Working towards this position
  • Direct application

Here, we will present a vivid portrayal of the essential skills, average salary, and a variety of other pertinent details to the route to begin your professional adventure in this noble and valued role.

To begin, we will provide a brief overview of Construction Project Managers and their general working areas and responsibilities.

Construction Project Manager positions are becoming more available in the UK construction industry. So, if you want a clear image of the process of becoming a Construction Project Manager and determining if the position is the right fit for you, this write-up is for you.

So, let’s get started without further adieu.

What is a Construction Project Manager?

Happy Project Manager

Monitoring day-to-day construction progress and expenses while reporting to clients will be an essential element of the job. People seeking to become Construction Project Managers must have an understanding of building and construction, as well as leadership skills and excellent verbal and communication skills.

The individual will be checking plans with stakeholders, such as —

  • Architects surveyors,
  • and Engineers.

A Construction Project Manager controls a construction project from inception to end, such as

  • New build,
  • Renovation,
  • or Demolition.

This includes managing the development process from the initial requirements and working with clients through the

  • Design,
  • Procurement,
  • and Construction stages to the final handover.

Competence in this area will improve your skill set as a construction professional and your capacity to ensure successful project completion.

You might need clarification about the distinction between a Construction Project Manager and a Construction Manager. Don’t worry. Let’s focus on the below section.

Project Management vs Construction Management

While project management and construction management are meant to manage a project process, the scope of the work can be considerably different.

Generally, a construction manager primarily oversees the construction build itself, whereas a Construction Project Manager manages the entire process. The project manager will also be involved in

  • preconstruction,
  • budgeting,
  • vendor management,
  • change orders,
  • and other tasks.

Now, let’s vividly explore the typical responsibilities of a Construction Project Manager.

What does a Construction Project Manager do?

Hand holding real estate

A Construction Project Manager’s primary responsibility is to lead teams and maintain construction projects on budget and schedule. Construction Project Managers regulate the

— ranging from

  • residential,
  • commercial,
  • and industrial structures to highways, bridges, and schools.

They plan and organise all parts of the building process, including project management contractor hiring and collaboration with

  • engineers,
  • architects,
  • and vendors.

A single manager can be in charge of an entire construction project, or multiple managers can be in charge of different sections of a bigger project.

There are additional roles of a project manager. Construction Project Managers inspect the site to —

Now, let’s move on to the next section to get detailed knowledge regarding the pathway to becoming a Construction Project Manager.

How to Become a Construction Project Manager?

Construction Project in making

Here comes the key topic, “How to become a Project Manager for construction? / How to become a Building Project Manager?” With so many qualified professionals needed to cover an increasing number of roles throughout the world, becoming a Construction Project Manager is an excellent career step. Luckily, there are various paths to becoming a Construction Project Manager. You can obtain this job through:

  • A university course
  • An apprenticeship
  • Working towards this role
  • Applying directly

You can obtain the necessary Construction Project Manager qualifications by enrolling in a university or college course or completing an apprenticeship. If you already have some experience, you can apply for a position immediately. You should study these possibilities to determine which one is best for you.

First, Examine Your Key Skills

Construction Project Managers must be first acquainted with the construction sector. They benefit from leadership and communication skills to better manage their teams, but they also deal with the job’s financial and business administration parts.

Project managers oversee each stage of a project to ensure that the

  • designs,
  • schedule,
  • and budgetary requirements are satisfied.

Employers value multilingual project managers for their ability to minimise miscommunications between teams or experts.

Get a Relevant Degree

You can undertake several options to qualify for a job in this industry. Some employers may merely demand a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant profession. Smaller organisations may allow a

  • foundation degree in a relevant discipline,
  • specialised training unique to that company,
  • and construction work experience.

You’ll usually require a foundation degree, higher national diploma (HND), or degree in a subject like:

  • surveying or civil engineering
  • construction site management
  • construction engineering
  • building studies or building engineering
  • estimating

Learn more about The Chartered Institute of Building-accredited courses and institutions for Construction Project Managers. Courses are likely to add topics like

  • Project Management,
  • IT
  • Economics,
  • and Accounting.
Entry requirements for a university or college course One or two A levels or the equivalent for a foundation degree or higher national diploma (Foundation degree or HND)
A degree requires two to three A levels, or the equivalent (Undergraduate Degree)

Furthermore, you can further hone your skill levels in this specific career field by enrolling in a master’s degree program. These include:

A Master’s degree in Civil Engineering To better comprehend drafting and design
A Master’s degree in Construction Science  To grasp every part of the construction process
A Master’s degree in Business Management To understand large-scale teamwork

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction business is a wonderful method to get started in the field. You could complete a degree apprenticeship in:

  • Construction Site Management
  • Design and Construction Management

Your employer will engage you as an apprentice and expect you to work a minimum of 30 hours each week. Your time will be divided between on-the-job training and college or training. These usually take 3 to 4 years to complete as a combination of workplace learning and university education.

Entry requirements Typically, you’ll need:

For a degree apprenticeship, 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent.

Work in the Industry

Two people discussing a project

Businesses require project managers to have prior work experience and education to offer suitable expertise. They should be —

  • familiar with all aspects of construction projects
  • and feel at ease advising others on industry processes and best practices.

Employers may need sixteen to twenty years of service with the same business or in a comparable position, four to eight years of work experience, and a degree in civil engineering or architecture.

You might gain this working experience at school or by working weekends and holidays for a construction firm or a relative who is a construction manager. Potential employers would always appreciate seeing job experience on your CV.

Acquire Certifications

Employers prefer project managers to earn certificates that demonstrate their expertise. Several certifications will prove your worth in this industry. They are:

Certifies managers to meet health and safety regulations appropriately.

Membership in the Association of Planning Engineers (APE) Ensures Project Managers are linked with experts in the area and are familiar with the design and drafting processes.
The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) Provides individuals with the essential tools and knowledge for job site inspections and assessments of construction processes and practices. 
A National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety from the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH)

Besides, construction techniques, a fast-expanding sector, are more responsive to data-driven insight. For example, innovative technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and industry-shaping production strategies like Lean can help you here.

Understanding the complex commercial markets in which construction companies operate is also helpful. Developing relevant industry skills like this can offer you a significant advantage in construction project management.

Apply for the Job

Before applying for a job, you have to consider certain factors. They are:

Research and assess firms to verify they can meet your demands in terms of compensation and perks, the sorts of customers they work with and the quality of the project you want to work on.
Make sure your CV demonstrates your construction competence and the combined ability and knowledge earned through your degree in construction project management and employment. 
Demonstrate your ability to foresee your teams’ needs, from budgeting and scheduling to implementing standards and processes.

Direct Application

You might apply directly if you have several years of managerial experience in a relevant area, such as civil engineering.

Further Information

You have to be aware of further information. These include:

Registration You must have a  Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or an equivalent to train and work on a construction site.
Professional and industry bodies You could join the Chartered Institute of Building for professional recognition, to expand your network, and to learn about chances for continual professional development.

You can learn more about being a Construction Project Manager by visiting:

Tips for Becoming a Successful Construction Project Manager

Tips for Becoming a Successful Construction Project Manager

Project management demands certain soft skills in every sector, and construction is no different. So whether you want to thrive in this career or go to the next level, we’ll share some strategies to assist you in succeeding.

Make Your Job Your Passion

Consider your construction project management position a passion, not a job. You must enjoy what you do if you want to be successful. It’s the only way you’ll discover the drive to advance your work.

Embrace Technology and Other Trade Tools

Modern Construction Project Managers must be open to adopting new technology. In addition to construction project management tools, such as

  • monday.com
  • Smartsheet
  • Fieldwire
  • Procore

— you should keep up with field technology such as collaboration software.

Even if you don’t use these platforms personally, taking the lead in bringing technology to your teams will significantly impact how communication is handled on your projects.

Get some ideas from Shimmick Construction Company’s Project Manager, Michael Storer.

Place Emphasis on Your Communication

Poor communication costs a lot in construction project management, but it’s a talent that can be honed and polished through time. Improve your communication skills, including emotional intelligence, to better understand and connect with your colleagues.

Be Organised

Construction managers must be organised in order to maintain plans in place. Use technology and tools to practise and improve your organisational skills and time management.

Develop Good Relationships with Your Team

Keeping your team safe and happy is essential to your success in construction project management. Grow relationships with your team over time and listen to them when they have issues or need help.

Henry Escobar, Project Manager at Tellepsen Builders, recently reflected on how he has prioritised his team throughout his career.

Set Objectives

If you want to advance in your profession as a Construction Project Manager, especially if you want to become a project executive, keep constantly establishing objectives for yourself.

Regularly check in to assess how you’re doing and change as needed. Additionally, receive input from your supervisors and team members to discover how to improve.

Keep clients informed

As a project manager, you must always emphasise communication and interactions with your owners. Hence, they know what is going on, feel comfortable and keep confidence in your work, and finally, sing your praises.

Boost Your Budget Management Skills

Budgeting is another necessary skill for a successful project manager, but only some are born with it. Spend some time studying —

  • expense control,
  • monitoring,
  • and accounting

— to improve your budgeting skills. Knowing where your money is going and what you may reduce when necessary will help you keep your projects on track and show your client/owner that you are doing all possible to make the project a success.

Effective Negotiator

You must also be a good negotiator. Various parties engaged in a build may have different objectives and approaches to the project. For example, you must discover a path for effective collaboration that works for everybody.

Working Hours and Environment

close up of hands wearing a watch

You’ll typically work 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. In addition, you may be required to work extra in the evenings or on weekends to fulfil tight deadlines as the project needs.

Furthermore, you’ll be spending a lot of time driving between project sites and meeting with contractors and clients, so plan on long days on the road and time away from home. On-site work may be
dirty,
noisy,
and hazardous.

Because you’ll be spending a lot of time outside, you’ll be exposed to a variety of weather situations.

Besides, you will be expected to wear protective apparel, such as

  • hardhats,
  • safety boots,
  • ear protection,
  • and goggles.

Career Development and Advancement

With time and experience, you might advance to contract management or consulting. You might also work in support services such as health and safety or building inspection with additional training for project managers in the construction field. In addition, you can further your career by obtaining chartered status from an industry group such as The Chartered Institute of Building.

Salary Range

As you gain experience, your income as a Construction Project Manager will increase. The average annual income for a Construction Project Manager is £46,428. Salary ranges may vary depending on the job or firm’s location, duration in the field, or the hiring company itself, but this is a fair approximation for the construction industry.

The table below will show the salary ranges of this job industry.

Construction Project Managers with new training They might earn between £27,000 and £35,000 each year
Construction Project Managers with some experience They might earn between £35,000 and £48,000 per year.
Senior, chartered, or master Construction Project Managers They might make between £48,000 and £65,000 per year.

FAQ

Is Construction Project Manager a good job?

Yes. They frequently have stable employment. Since there will likely always be a need for construction companies due to growing populations and governmental regulations requiring the renovation of buildings, this occupation has a high likelihood of job stability.

Is being a Construction Project Manager hard?

It necessitates the development of crucial skills in

  • planning,
  • problem-solving,
  • time management,
  • coordination,
  • and leadership.

The strain that comes with the work must also be gracefully handled because owners are quick to point their fingers when things go wrong.

Why do Construction Project Managers make so much money?

There is a rationale behind the high remuneration of a Construction Project Manager. In this critical position, you will be expected to supervise and advise employees on all aspects of the job site’s day-to-day operations.

Conclusion

It’s incredible to witness a baby construction site evolve from a ground-level pile of materials to a stunning high-rise, hospital, office building, or university. In this sector, you can easily imagine a job in which you can successfully contribute to developing great buildings at home and abroad, with amazing rewards and long-term employment stability. However, paving a career path in this sector can be challenging, particularly in Construction Project Management. Our goal is to make that journey easier. That’s where we hope our blog on “How to become a Construction Project Manager?” will provide a thorough guideline for future Construction Project Managers to help guide their careers.

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