Construction Project Manager - Career Advice - Houses and Buildings

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Construction project managers co-ordinate and oversee large construction projects both onsite and in an administrative capacity. Construction project managers plan and run construction projects, including managing budgets, staff, contractors and services. They are responsible for ensuring that the construction of hospitals, office buildings, hotels and large housing developments run on time and under budget. Construction project managers also consult with planners and architects to estimate the cost of projects and amounts of materials required, plan the scheduling and construction procedures that will be undertaken, and liaise with subcontractors and building owners. They are also responsible for supervising and directing site managers to ensure that quality, safety and cost standards are all met. Construction project managers work all over the state,overseeing the construction of everything from large high-rise office buildings in busy CBDs to schools and hospitals in our cities and towns.

OSCA Codes

ANZSCO Codes

OSCA & Description: Manager

131131: Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates construction of civil engineering and building projects, and the physical and human resources involved in the construction process. Registration or licensing is required.

Alternative names: Building and Construction Manager, Future Growth Strong

Specialisation: Shipbuilding Program Manager

Knowledge, skills and attributes

knowledge of and experience in the construction industry and regulations
business acumen and negotiation skills
excellent organisational and written and oral communications skills
the ability to establish and maintain good working relationships
team management skills
the ability to multi-task
strong numeracy and IT skills
flexibility
knowledge of specialist project management software
the ability to work effectively under pressure
strong time management skills

(Source: Your Career)

Duties and tasks

As a construction project manager, you would:

co-ordinate and oversee large construction projects

meet with building owners and subcontractors to discuss projects

plan and manage all administrative tasks

plan the timetable for the build and schedule all day-to-day on-site activities

consult with planning officials and architects to get cost and materials estimates

ensure timescales and budgets are adhered to

ensure building regulations are met

enforce health and safety requirements

Working conditions

Construction project managers work mostly in office environments, but may be required to visit the construction sites of the projects they are overseeing. They generally work regular business hours, however they will also be expected to work overtime to meet project deadlines. These workers also need to be able to provide training sessions, workshops and presentations and attend meetings, which may require travel interstate or overseas. Construction project managers can also expect to work in stressful situations.

When on site you may be outdoors in all types of weather and you would be required to wear protective and safety clothing and equipment. You would need a current driver's licence.

Tools and technologies

Construction project managers mostly use computers, including data management software. They may also be required to use computer-aided design (CAD) software depending on their role. They are required to be familiar with many of the technologies and building techniques used in the construction industry. They may also use project management software to assist in planning and managing the various aspects of the project or projects they are working on.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a construction project manager, you usually need to complete a formal qualification in building and construction or construction management. You may improve your employment prospects if you complete a course in project management.

The Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) [Builder’s Registration] and the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) are offered at State Training Providers and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.

Your employment prospects may be improved if you complete a course in project management. A range of qualifications are available in project management, at varying levels, and are offered by private companies, universities and Registered Training Organisations. Several of these courses are endorsed by the Australian Institute of Project Management.

You could also complete a bachelor’s degree in Applied Science, Civil Engineering or Construction Management to become a construction project manager.

Most construction project managers will generally have worked for a number of years in building and construction positions before progressing to a project manager role. They may be required to complete further studies in project management.

All those who work in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC). Authorised training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations.

Graduates with an appropriate building degree are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Building.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of construction project managers is projected to grow slightly faster than the average for all occupations.

Project managers will be needed as overall construction activity expands. A growing emphasis on retrofitting buildings to make them more energy efficient should also create jobs for construction project managers.

To ensure that projects are completed on time and under budget, firms are increasingly focusing on hiring project managers. Furthermore, construction processes and building technology are becoming more complex, requiring greater oversight and more specialised management of projects.

Summary (Master Builders Ultimate Career Guide p. 108 )

What should you be good at? • Maths (calculus), science (physics) and technology • Working with a team • Problem solving • Communicating with clients and tradespeople • Time management • Complying with rules and regulations • Being organised	What should you enjoy? • Planning and preparing for projects • Managing time and all aspects of a project • Seeing projects through to the end • Working in high pressure situations • Working with people
Relevant qualifications • Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC50320) • Diploma of Civil Construction Management (RII50420) • Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC60220) • Bachelor of Building and Construction Management • Traineeship	What subjects are helpful to do at school? • Maths • Science • Business studies • English • Industrial technology • Design and technology

Did You Know?

Work related injury fatalities by state in Australia 2018
(Source: Back to Basics)

Houses & Buildings

Construction managers supervise and manage construction projects to ensure safe, timely and cost-effective completion. Construction managers are also known as site managers. In local government, a construction manager may be called clerk of works.

OSCA ID: 1331

Alternative names: Construction Project Manager,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

a creative approach to problem solving
the ability to create good people relationships and motivate a team
excellent planning and project management skills
the ability to take act decisively
the ability to interpret technical drawings
good maths and accounting skills to manage large budgets
good IT skills.

(Source: Back to Basics)

Duties and Tasks

As a construction manager, you would:

discuss plans with architects, surveyors and engineers
interpret and explain contracts and technical information
use project management software to prepare cost estimates, budgets and work schedules
prepare the site, ensuring all health and safety requirements are in place
hire subcontractors and schedule and coordinate their activities
oversee the day-to-day progress of work on the site once building commences
monitor budgets, costs and work quality
make sure the work meets all building codes and legal requirements
report regularly to the client.

Working conditions

You would work a standard number of hours per week, Monday to Friday, and possibly on Saturdays. Overtime may be necessary to meet project deadlines. Some of your time would be spent travelling between sites and meeting clients and contractors.

Construction work happens in all weather conditions. You may sometimes have to work at heights, for example when inspecting roofing. You would wear protective clothing on site, including safety boots and a hard hat.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a construction manager you usually have to complete a degree in construction management or construction project management, or in a discipline such as applied science, with a major in construction management. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your senior secondary school certificate or equivalent. English, maths and physics would be appropriate subjects to study prior to university.

All those who work in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC). Authorised training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations.

Graduates with an appropriate building degree are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Building.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of construction managers is projected to grow slightly faster than the average for all occupations. Construction managers will be needed as overall construction activity expands.

Construction managers will be needed to oversee construction and renovation of houses and apartments, offices, retail stores, and other commercial structures. Strong demand is expected for more healthcare and aged care facilities as the population ages and more individuals use healthcare services.

In addition, a growing emphasis on re-purposing and retrofitting office buildings for apartments should create jobs for construction managers. To ensure that projects are completed on time and under budget, firms are increasingly focusing on hiring construction managers.

Houses & Buildings

Construction contracts managers aid in the contract bidding process and then control the contractual aspects costs of construction projects. Future Growth Very Strong

OSCA ID: Clerical Administrative x60 511131

Alternative names: Contract Administator in Construction, Contract Officer,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To become a construction contracts manager, you would need:

a thorough knowledge of construction industry regulations
business acumen and negotiation skills
strong time management and planning skills
the ability to establish and maintain good working relationships
the ability to multi-task
strong numeracy and IT skills.

(Source: Measure Manage)

Duties and Tasks

As a construction contracts manager, you would:

meet with clients to discuss their needs
formulate a contract based on estimates, budgets and timeframes
prepare and present documents for tenders
brief the project team on tenders
manage the contract aspects of projects, helping to keep them on budget and within timescales
be the main point of contact for clients, project staff and contractors for the duration of a project
manage one or more projects of differing sizes
prepare invoices and undertake contract administration
use contract and project management software.

Working conditions

As a construction contracts manager you would work a standard number of hours per week, which may include some weekend work. You may be based in an office if you are working on more than one contract, or on site if you are working on one large project. You would also travel to meet clients or contractors as necessary.

You would likely need a current drivers' licence.

Tools and technologies

Construction Contracts Managers need to use contract and project management software to keep a record of the contracts undertaken.

Education and training/entrance requirements

It is becoming increasingly important for managers in the construction industry to have completed a bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, building science, architecture, or civil engineering. Employers are placing greater importance on relevant education and qualifications as processes in the construction industry become more complex.

To get into these courses you usually need to gain your senior secondary school certificate or equivalent. English, mathematics, physics and business studies would be appropriate subjects to study prior to university.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of construction contracts managers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.

More contracts managers will be needed as overall construction activity expands. To ensure that projects are completed efficiently and effectively, firms are increasingly hiring construction contracts managers. Furthermore, construction processes and building technology are becoming more complex, requiring greater oversight of contracts. Increased regulation and standards for building and construction also will drive employment growth.

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Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Construction Project Manager];
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Your Career [Construction Project Manager; Construction Manager; ]

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