Construction Manager Career Description
Construction managers are responsible for the planning, execution, supervision and management of building projects. Most of these duties involve working outside and in close liaison with the members of the professional team (architects, quantity surveyors, etc).
Construction managers should have a sound knowledge of the financial, technological and legal aspects of the building process and must be able to co-ordinate these aspects.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
The nature of the work and duties of construction managers are comprehensive and varied and include:
» Pre-tender planning, programming and scheduling of all aspects of the project to ensure the optimal use of resources.
» Post-tender monitoring and control of the construction programmes to ensure the smooth running and timeous completion of the project.
» Effective control of both labour and materials used on the project to ensure cost effective, productive use of resources producing quality work.
» Liaison with sub-contractors, suppliers, and the like.
» Co-ordination of the interaction with the professional team and building client including the final handing over of the completed project.
The industry is in the process of technical advancement and computers utilising sophisticated software are essential tools used by construction managers.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
Ideal construction managers are practical problem solvers, self-motivated achievers who enjoy getting things right the first time. They should be goal-orientated, enjoy working in a robust and predominantly outdoors environment and have the ability to communicate with and motivate people at all levels.
Furthermore, good human relation skills, as well as the ability to think logically and report on situations in an orderly manner are important. Construction managers have to develop a close working relationship with the architect, quantity surveyor, engineer and other members of the professional team as well as exercise effective control over the workers on the site
Where can I work?
Employment opportunities are many and varied, with the main areas of employment being with building contractors and subcontractors. The industry is extremely broad with firms varying in size from multi-national giants to small one-man concerns.
The property development sector, mining houses, and financial and insurance institutions also offer work opportunities. State and semi-state departments also employ construction managers and a career in sales and marketing is possible with the retail and manufacturing sectors of the industry.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Self-employment opportunities do exist in the building industry. In fact the building industry probably offers more opportunities for entrepreneurial building contractors than any other major industry.
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