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

Feb 24, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The construction manager is a vital role in successful pre-construction planning. They are responsible for overseeing the entire project from conception to completion, ensuring that all elements are accounted for and that the process runs smoothly. Their role also involves making sure that all building regulations and safety standards are adhered to, as well as managing the budget, scheduling and selecting the right contractors. As a result, the pre-construction manager can have a major impact on the success of the project, as they are in charge of overseeing the entire process from start to finish.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. The minimum education requirement to become a pre-construction manager is typically a bachelors degree in a related field such as construction management, civil engineering, or architecture.
Gain Experience. Most employers prefer to hire pre-construction managers who have several years of experience in the construction industry. Consider gaining experience through an internship or apprenticeship, or through voluntary work on a building project.
Get Certified. There are several certifications available for pre-construction managers, including the Construction Management Certification from the American Institute of Constructors, and the Construction Manager Certification from the Construction Management Association of America.
Develop Skills. Pre-construction managers need to possess strong organizational and communication skills in order to coordinate with a variety of people and manage multiple projects at once. They should also have an eye for detail and be knowledgeable about construction techniques and regulations.
Network. Networking is an important step in becoming a pre-construction manager. Attend industry conferences and events, join professional organizations, and connect with like-minded professionals in order to find job opportunities and stay informed about trends in the industry.

The success of a Pre-Construction Manager is dependent on their ability to plan and execute ideal and efficient projects. This requires them to be knowledgeable about the numerous components of a project, from the scope of work and budget to the timeline and subcontractors. When these components are managed effectively, the project will run smoothly and will be completed on time and within budget.

However, if any of these components are not well-managed, it can lead to costly delays and overruns, which can have a negative impact on the projects success. As a result, Pre-Construction Managers must be organized and detail-oriented in order to ensure that all aspects of the project are accounted for and managed properly.

You may want to check Construction Foreman, Construction Project Administrator, and Construction Project Planner for alternative.

Job Description

Oversee the development of pre-construction documents, including plans and specifications.
Evaluate, negotiate, and award construction contracts.
Monitor the progress and quality of pre-construction activities.
Manage the pre-construction budget and ensure accuracy of cost estimates.
Coordinate with external consultants (architects, engineers, surveyors, etc. ) to ensure project compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and industry standards.
Participate in project meetings to discuss and resolve issues related to pre-construction activities.
Identify potential risks associated with the pre-construction process and provide solutions to address them.
Manage the scheduling of subcontractors and vendors to ensure timely completion of pre-construction activities.
Develop and maintain relationships with contractors, suppliers, and other industry professionals.
Ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulations throughout the pre-construction process.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of applicable construction regulations, codes, and standards.
Ability to analyze construction drawings and specifications.
Ability to interpret and apply contractual requirements.
Excellent communication skills.
Proven leadership and team-building capabilities.
Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of construction estimating, budgeting, and scheduling techniques.
Good organizational and time management skills.
Ability to identify and solve problems quickly and efficiently.
Understanding of building components and systems.
In-depth knowledge of construction materials and methods.
Ability to work with subcontractors and other project stakeholders.
Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software and Microsoft Office Suite applications.

Pre-Construction Managers are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of a construction project are planned and organized prior to breaking ground. This involves a great deal of organization, communication, and problem-solving skills. The most important skill for a Pre-Construction Manager to have is the ability to think logically and strategically.

This includes the ability to analyze complex problems, identify solutions, and communicate effectively with all stakeholders. In addition, the Manager must be able to manage multiple projects at once, prioritize tasks, and remain organized in order to ensure the successful completion of the project. Furthermore, they must be knowledgeable in the areas of budgeting, scheduling, and risk management.

It is also essential for them to have strong interpersonal skills in order to build relationships with subcontractors and collaborate with other members of the construction team. With these skills and qualities, Pre-Construction Managers can effectively lead projects from start to finish, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency throughout the entire process.

Construction Procurement Specialist, Construction Accountant, and Construction Project Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in pre-construction management?
What methods do you use to ensure the accuracy of estimates?
How do you ensure that all stakeholders have their needs met?
What challenges have you faced in pre-construction management and how did you overcome them?
How do you prioritize tasks to ensure everything is done on time?
What strategies do you use to motivate team members?
How do you handle difficult conversations with clients or subcontractors?
How do you develop effective partnerships with architects, engineers and subcontractors?
How do you ensure that all safety regulations are met?
How do you handle budget overruns?

Common Tools in Industry

Scheduling Software. A tool used to create and manage project timelines, with activities and dependencies. (e. g. Microsoft Project)
Cost Estimating Software. A tool used to create and manage project cost estimates. (e. g. CostMine)
Change Order Management Software. A tool used to track changes in a project and the associated costs. (e. g. Procore)
Risk Management Software. A tool used to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with a project. (e. g. Deltek Risk Analysis)
Document Management Software. A tool used to store and organize project documents and data. (e. g. Microsoft SharePoint)
Design Review Software. A tool used to review and approve the design of a project. (e. g. Autodesk Design Review)
Construction Management Software. A tool used to manage the entire construction process from start to finish. (e. g. Procore)
Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software. A tool used to create 3D models of a project and visualize the construction process over time. (e. g. Autodesk Revit)

Professional Organizations to Know

Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
American Institute of Constructors (AIC)
American Council for Construction Education (ACCE)
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
Association of General Contractors (AGC)
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
Professional Construction Estimators Association (PCEA)
Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA)

We also have Construction Superintendent Assistant, Construction Maintenance Technician, and Construction Laborer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Pre-Construction Planning. The process of analyzing, designing, and budgeting for any project prior to the start of construction. This includes the development of plans and specifications, the selection of contractors, the estimation of costs and schedules, and the coordination of project stakeholders.
Construction Estimating. The process of estimating how much a project will cost to build, including materials and labor. Cost estimates are used to inform decisions on budgets, schedules, and project scope.
Value Engineering. A systematic process that evaluates the cost and performance of a design element or system and identifies opportunities for improvement. Value engineering aims to create savings while maintaining or improving the quality of a project.
Bidding and Negotiation. The process of obtaining bids from contractors, evaluating them based on criteria such as cost and quality, and negotiating a contract. This process is used to select the most qualified contractor for a project.
Risk Management. The process of identifying and mitigating risks in a project. Risk management involves analyzing potential risks and developing strategies to minimize their impact on the project.
Design Management. The process of overseeing the design of a project, from conception to completion. This includes coordinating with various design professionals and ensuring that the design meets all requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What qualifications does a Pre-Construction Manager need? A1: Pre-Construction Managers typically need a bachelors degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field. Additionally, experience in the construction industry and knowledge of relevant laws and regulations is often required. Q2: What activities does a Pre-Construction Manager oversee? A2: Pre-Construction Managers are responsible for overseeing the pre-construction phase of a building project, which includes preparing the budget, scheduling, and contracting the necessary workers, materials and services. Additionally, they may manage the design team, review plans and specifications, and survey the site. Q3: How many hours per week is a Pre-Construction Manager typically expected to work? A3: The number of hours a Pre-Construction Manager works per week will depend on the size and scope of the project they are managing. Generally, they are expected to work between 40-60 hours per week. Q4: What is the average salary for a Pre-Construction Manager? A4: According to PayScale, the average salary for a Pre-Construction Manager is $76,931 per year. Q5: What is the typical career path for a Pre-Construction Manager? A5: Pre-Construction Managers typically start in an entry-level role, such as Project Engineer or Estimator. With experience, they may advance to a Construction Manager or Project Manager role. Some may also choose to become a Construction Consultant or Real Estate Developer.

Web Resources

Pre-Construction Manager | NC State Online and Distance online-distance.ncsu.edu
Construction Management | Renton Technical College rtc.edu
Construction Management - University of Washington www.washington.edu