How to Be Commercial Construction Project Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 7, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The job of a Construction Project Manager is a critical role in the successful completion of any construction project. They are responsible for overseeing the planning, design, budgeting, scheduling, and construction of the project, ensuring that all aspects of the process are effectively managed. Good Construction Project Managers possess strong organizational skills and have the ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders involved in the project.

When these qualities are combined with excellent problem-solving skills and a commitment to high-quality work, the Construction Project Manager can ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. having a skilled Construction Project Manager at the helm of a project can lead to increased profits for the company and a successful end result for all parties involved.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most employers prefer candidates for the position of commercial construction project manager to have at least a bachelor's degree in a field related to construction management, such as civil engineering or construction science. Through their coursework, students learn the fundamentals of construction management, including budgeting and scheduling, building codes and regulations, risk management and contract law.
Gain Relevant Experience. Most employers also require that job candidates have at least several years of experience in the construction field. This experience can be obtained in many ways: working as a laborer in the field, working as an estimator in an office or working as a project manager on smaller projects.
Obtain Certifications. In some states, a commercial construction project manager may need to be certified as a contractor or as a construction manager. Check with your state licensing board to find out what is required. You may also consider obtaining voluntary certifications from the American Institute of Constructors or the Construction Manager Certification Institute.
Develop Your Skills. Many employers look for a certain skill set when hiring a commercial construction project manager. These include strong communication and organizational skills, leadership skills, ability to work under pressure and an aptitude for problem-solving.
Network. This is often the most overlooked step when it comes to finding a job in the construction industry. Building relationships with people in the industry is key to finding out about job openings. Attend industry events, join professional organizations and stay connected with colleagues and contacts in the field.

The success of a commercial construction project manager depends heavily on their skill and qualifications. An experienced, knowledgeable and organized project manager is essential to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget. Their expertise in planning, organizing and managing processes and resources is paramount, enabling them to provide effective leadership and guidance to the team.

Strong communication and negotiation skills are also important for successful collaboration with contractors, suppliers and clients. Furthermore, the project manager must possess a thorough understanding of construction law, safety regulations and industry standards to ensure all work is completed in compliance with these requirements. By having the necessary skill and qualifications, a commercial construction project manager can effectively lead projects to successful completion.

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Job Description

Manage the overall daily operations of the construction site, including the coordination of personnel, materials, and equipment.
Develop and maintain working relationships with clients, subcontractors, and other project stakeholders.
Oversee the development of project plans, budgets, and timelines.
Ensure compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and other applicable laws.
Monitor work progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure project completion on time and on budget.
Prepare and review contracts, bids, and change orders.
Review invoices and approve payments to subcontractors.
Ensure quality control by inspecting construction materials and workmanship.
Resolve conflicts between contractors and other stakeholders.
Prepare project-related documents, such as progress reports, reports to clients, punch lists, and closeout documents.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans and specifications
Knowledge of building codes and regulations
Ability to recognize potential safety hazards
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Proven leadership and problem-solving skills
Proficiency in MS Office Suite and project management software
Demonstrated budgeting, scheduling and cost control skills
Organizational and time management skills
Negotiation and contract management experience
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Strong customer service orientation
Knowledge of local construction market and trends

Effective project management is an essential skill for any successful commercial construction project manager. A successful project manager must have a solid understanding of the planning, budgeting, and scheduling processes associated with construction projects. They must also be able to effectively coordinate resources, manage risks, and anticipate potential problems.

To be successful, they also need to be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders, such as subcontractors, suppliers, and clients. In addition, they need to understand the legal implications associated with construction contracts and be able to work within the framework of the law. By having the skills necessary to effectively manage a commercial construction project, a project manager can ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in commercial construction project management?
Describe a challenging situation you faced in a previous commercial construction project and how you overcame it.
How do you ensure that quality standards are met in the commercial construction projects you manage?
What strategies do you employ to ensure project deadlines are met?
How do you handle conflicts between stakeholders on a commercial construction project?
What techniques do you use to stay organized and manage multiple projects at once?
Describe your experience with creating, tracking and managing budgets for commercial construction projects.
What methods do you use to develop relationships with clients, contractors and vendors?
How would you handle a situation in which a client is unhappy with the progress of a commercial construction project?
What strategies do you use to ensure safety protocols are followed on commercial construction sites?

Common Tools in Industry

Project Management Software. Software that helps to manage and track the progress of construction projects. (Eg: Microsoft Project)
Document Management System. A system used to store and organize documents related to construction projects. (Eg: Upland Softwares FileBound)
Estimating Software. Software used for estimating the cost of construction projects. (Eg: Sage Estimating)
Change Order Management System. Software used to track, manage and approve change orders. (Eg: Procore Change Order Management)
Scheduling Software. Software used to create project schedules and timelines. (Eg: Oracle Primavera P6)
Accounting Software. Software used to track and manage the financials of a construction project. (Eg: QuickBooks Construction Accounting)
Regulatory Compliance Software. Software used to ensure that construction projects comply with local, state and federal regulations. (Eg: BSA Compliance Suite)
Collaboration & Communication Tools. Tools used to facilitate communication between construction project stakeholders. (Eg: Slack or Microsoft Teams)

Professional Organizations to Know

Associated General Contractors of America
American Institute of Constructors
American Society of Civil Engineers
American Subcontractors Association
Construction Financial Management Association
Design-Build Institute of America
International Code Council
National Association of Home Builders
National Electrical Contractors Association
National Institute of Building Sciences
Project Management Institute
United States Green Building Council

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Common Important Terms

Change Order. A document issued by the contractor to the owner that modifies the terms of the original contract.
Claims Management. The process of managing and resolving disputes between the contractor and the owner.
Cost Estimating. The process of estimating the cost of a construction project based on labor, materials, and other factors.
Contract Administration. The process of managing a construction project, including overseeing the contractors activities and ensuring that all contractual obligations are met.
Design-Build Contract. A type of contract in which the contractor is responsible for both designing and constructing the project.
Project Management. The overall process of planning, organizing, and controlling resources to ensure that a construction project is completed on time and within budget.
Quality Control. The process of ensuring that a construction project meets certain standards of quality.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks associated with a construction project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What qualifications are necessary to be a Commercial Construction Project Manager? A1: A Commercial Construction Project Manager typically needs to have a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field as well as several years of experience in the construction industry. Q2: What responsibilities does a Commercial Construction Project Manager have? A2: A Commercial Construction Project Manager is usually responsible for overseeing the entire project from start to finish, including budgeting, scheduling, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing subcontractors. Q3: What is the average salary for a Commercial Construction Project Manager? A3: According to PayScale, the average salary for a Commercial Construction Project Manager is $79,996 per year. Q4: What types of project management software are used in commercial construction? A4: Common project management software used in commercial construction include Procore, Autodesk BIM 360, PlanGrid, and Microsoft Project. Q5: What is the primary goal of a Commercial Construction Project Manager? A5: The primary goal of a Commercial Construction Project Manager is to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget while meeting all safety regulations and maintaining quality control standards.

Web Resources

Commercial Construction Project Manager | NC State Online and online-distance.ncsu.edu
Construction Project Management - Columbia University online-exec.cvn.columbia.edu
Online Construction Project Management Certificate Program | SDSU ces.sdsu.edu