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Building project manager: Job description and activities

A building project manager has overall responsibility for the planning, management, coordination and financial control of a construction project, and will work closely with a range of other professionals during the contract process.

It is their responsibility to see that the clients' wishes are adhered to and that the project is completed on time within the budget agreed. The project manager may be involved from the initial conception and design of the project, through its construction, to its completion. Building project managers are likely to work on more than one project at a time.

Building project managers are employed mainly by building and construction companies, although any new build or refurbishment scheme will require project managing, so employers could also be civil engineering firms or local authorities.

Typical work activities include:

• representing the interest of the client;
• attending pre-site and on-site meetings during the contract, liaising with a range of other professionals involved in the project;
• providing independent professional advice and guidance;
• ensuring that quality standards and all health and safety checks are adhered to;
• keeping track of progress and ensuring that the project is on time and on budget;
• maintaining records of expenditure, accounting, costing and billing.

Recent graduates are unlikely to be appointed into a full project manager position until they have gained some project management experience at a lower level, especially considering the level of responsibility that comes with the role. However there are plenty of opportunities for assistant positions across the industry such as an assistant site manager or assistant quantity surveyor that will allow graduates to gain the necessary skills and experience.

For more information see Site engineer.

AGCAS

Written by Nick Huston, AGCAS

Last updated:

November 2009

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