Marcus Richards
In order for any construction project to be completed smoothly, within budget and on time, you’ll need an efficient construction manager at the helm. While the construction industry can certainly be a rewarding and lucrative one to work in, it’s essential that your building project is overseen by a proficient and qualified leader if you want to minimize the risk of injury on-site and ensure that targets are met on schedule. But which qualities or attributes should you be looking for in a good construction manager?
The necessary skills – To be a successful construction manager, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate a wide variety of attributes and qualities, from skills in organisation, planning and people management to financial acumen, problem-solving and technological competency. What are the necessary skills that any good construction manager should display?
Employee health and safety – The construction industry is a relatively dangerous industry in which the risk of serious accidents and injury is very real. As such, it’s essential that any good construction manager is well-versed in good health and safety practices and that they promote a safety-conscious culture in the workplace. This could include supplying high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) like hi vis clothing, safety goggles or hardhats to ensure that workers are adequately protected when carrying out their roles. Managers should also provide comprehensive staff safety training and conduct regular risk assessments of project sites.
Good project management – While a good construction manager should of course display expert knowledge in their field, going with a candidate with demonstratable knowledge of the wider processes of project management could also be a good idea. The traits of a good project manager include the ability to delegate, plan, budget, negotiate, communicate and make crucial decisions. In recent years, we’ve also seen an increasing utilization of new tech like AI in the project management field, which means your leadership team will need to be technologically aware, versatile and adaptable in a changing climate.
Competent with technology – With the use of disruptive technology becoming more prevalent in the building sector, an emerging shortage of tech-focused workers in the construction industry has been revealed. If you want to get the best for your business and hire a project manager who can get the job done without a hitch, you’ll need to invest in a technologically competent individual who’s capable of carrying out a variety of complex tasks using a range of tech, tools and software. A good construction manager will utilize tech to optimize operational processes, keep staff safe and save money on site.
Good time management – With more than 60% of construction and building projects in the UK going over budget and reporting delays due to supply chain issues, it’s essential that your chosen manager is able to get the job completed within the expected timeframe. Failing to meet the project deadline could lead to significant financial loss, so time management skills should be a top priority for any prospective CM.
Having a good construction manager is critical to the success of any construction project, whether it is a small renovation or a large-scale commercial development. Such responsibility ensures that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standard of quality. They are essential for the success of any construction project, and their expertise and experience can save time, money, and headaches for everyone involved.
