A project manager (PM) is responsible for overseeing every aspect of a construction project, including planning, execution, timeframes and budgets to ensure that the final goal is met. Typically, on projects, a PM will usually work closely with architects and engineers. A project manager’s role varies day-to-day depending on the size, complexity and stage of the project.
Key responsibilities of a project manager include:
- Liaising with the customer/client and the suppliers
- Ensuring standards such as health and safety are within regulations
- Developing schedules and ensuring the project stays on track
- Liaising with engineers, architects and surveyors to ensure budgets and goals are met
Day-to-day tasks of a PM could include:
- Reporting to clients
- Quality checking
- Planning schedules for employees and the whole project
- Maintaining a high quality of health and safety
- Liaising with architects, engineers and surveyors
- Admin
how do you become a project manager?
There are different ways to become a project manager, through an academic route such as a university course or through a vocational route such as an apprenticeship, working your way up or applying directly.
For a university route, you will need to complete a foundation, higher national diploma or a degree accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building. University courses could be in subjects such as
- Estimating
- Surveying or civil engineering
- Construction engineering
- Construction site management
- Building studies or building engineering
For an apprenticeship you will usually need 4-5 GCSE’s graded A-C, however, this can vary depending on the apprenticeship.
Read more about how to become a project manager here.
what are the key skills of a project manager?
A project manager needs to have a diverse skill set, as they have to work with a range of people such as clients, suppliers and on-site workers. Good communication is an important skill to possess if you are pursuing a career in project management. Other preferable skills are:
- Leadership skills
- Management skills
- Business management skills
- Knowledge of building, construction, engineering and technology
- Maths knowledge
- Written and verbal skills
what is the salary of a project manager?
A project managers salary can vary depending on experience, client, location, cost of project and time scale of the project. The average salary of a project manager is £58,000. However, this can vary from £40,000 up to £74,000.