What Does a Construction Project Manager Do?
A construction project manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of building projects. They work with architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to ensure that construction meets design specifications, adheres to regulations, and stays within budget and schedule. From groundbreaking to final inspection, they’re responsible for organizing the day-to-day logistics that bring a construction project to life.
These professionals coordinate tasks like procurement, workforce management, risk mitigation, and quality assurance. Their role requires balancing technical knowledge with leadership and communication skills, ensuring that all moving parts operate smoothly to achieve successful outcomes. Whether managing residential builds, commercial structures, or infrastructure projects, construction project managers are essential to delivering projects safely and efficiently.
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Construction Project Manager Core Responsibilities
- Plan project timelines, phases, and deliverables in alignment with client expectations
- Develop and manage project budgets, controlling costs and tracking expenditures
- Source materials, equipment, subcontractors, and labor in accordance with project scope
- Oversee site operations to ensure safety standards and building codes are met
- Serve as the primary liaison between stakeholders including clients, architects, inspectors, and city officials
- Monitor progress and resolve issues to prevent delays or disruptions
- Coordinate inspections, quality checks, and compliance documentation
- Utilize project management software (e.g., Procore, Buildertrend) to track milestones and workflows
- Lead and mentor onsite teams to ensure productivity and accountability
- Ensure timely project completion through proactive scheduling and conflict resolution
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Construction project scheduling and budgeting
- Blueprint and technical plan interpretation
- Familiarity with construction software (e.g., Procore, MS Project, AutoCAD)
- Knowledge of OSHA standards and local building codes
- Contract negotiation and vendor management
- Cost estimation and risk assessment
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and team coordination abilities
- Effective communication with diverse stakeholders
- High attention to detail and organizational skills
- Conflict resolution and decision-making under pressure
- Time management and the ability to multitask
- Problem-solving orientation in fast-paced environments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, or a related field
- Associate degrees or trade credentials may be considered with sufficient experience
Certifications
- OSHA 30-Hour Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
Recommended certifications include LEED AP and First Aid/CPR depending on project type.
Preferred Qualifications
- Five or more years of experience managing mid- to large-scale construction projects
- Experience with both union and non-union work environments
- Familiarity with sustainable building practices or LEED standards
- Bilingual proficiency (especially Spanish) is advantageous in diverse job sites
- Proven success delivering projects on time and under budget
- Prior work with federal, state, or municipal projects and permitting processes
National Average Salary
Construction project manager salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Construction Project Manager is:
$100,683
Sample Job Description Templates for Construction Project Managers
Junior Construction Project Manager
Position Overview
The junior construction project manager provides essential support to senior project leaders, assisting with the coordination of resources, documentation, and communications to ensure construction projects stay on track. This role is ideal for those early in their construction management careers, offering hands-on experience in planning, logistics, and team collaboration.
Responsibilities
- Support senior project managers with scheduling, budgeting, and reporting tasks
- Coordinate with vendors, subcontractors, and site personnel to ensure timely updates
- Help manage permits, inspection schedules, and compliance documentation
- Assist with project meetings and keep detailed records of progress and issues
- Monitor timelines and update project tracking tools
- Contribute to quality control efforts through periodic site visits and reports
- Compile and organize project documentation for final turnover
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic understanding of construction documentation and scheduling
- Proficiency in MS Office and construction tools like Procore or Buildertrend
- Ability to read blueprints and technical specifications
- Familiarity with OSHA safety standards
Soft skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Willingness to learn and take direction
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Problem-solving mindset and attention to detail
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field
- Internships or co-op experience in construction are a plus
Certifications
- OSHA 10-Hour Certification
Mid-Level Construction Project Manager
Position Overview
The mid-level construction project manager leads projects from initial planning to completion, working closely with clients, architects, and subcontractors. This role involves more autonomy, requiring excellent coordination and leadership to deliver projects on time and within budget.
Responsibilities
- Plan and manage day-to-day project operations across multiple phases
- Prepare budgets, allocate resources, and track costs against forecasts
- Lead meetings with stakeholders and ensure accurate reporting
- Manage subcontractor relationships and ensure contractual obligations are met
- Conduct regular site visits to ensure work aligns with plans and quality expectations
- Address schedule delays and resolve project-related conflicts proactively
- Ensure documentation complies with local and federal regulations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong budgeting, scheduling, and procurement skills
- Proficiency with project management platforms (e.g., Procore, MS Project)
- Ability to interpret complex blueprints and engineering plans
- Knowledge of safety and building regulations
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and decision-making abilities
- Effective communication with diverse teams and stakeholders
- Time management and project prioritization
- Conflict resolution and critical thinking
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field
- 3–5 years of experience in construction project coordination or management
Certifications
- OSHA 30-Hour Certification
Senior Construction Project Manager
Position Overview
The senior construction project manager leads large-scale or multiple concurrent construction projects, overseeing strategic planning, execution, and closeout. This role involves high-stakes decision-making, team leadership, and stakeholder engagement at the executive level.
Responsibilities
- Lead multimillion-dollar construction projects from pre-construction to final turnover
- Develop and monitor complex schedules and budgets
- Direct internal project teams and mentor junior managers
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, city officials, and executives
- Ensure strict adherence to safety, code compliance, and contract terms
- Resolve high-level project issues and change orders
- Oversee quality assurance programs and risk mitigation plans
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in construction finance, scheduling, and compliance
- Advanced proficiency with project management and ERP tools
- Contract administration and vendor negotiation skills
- Deep knowledge of construction law and safety standards
Soft skills
- High-level strategic thinking and team leadership
- Executive-level communication and reporting skills
- Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to manage pressure and multiple priorities
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management or civil engineering (Master’s preferred)
- 7–10 years of construction project management experience
Certifications
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- OSHA 30-Hour Certification
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM) recommended
Field-Based Construction Project Manager
Position Overview
The field-based construction project manager is an onsite leader responsible for supervising daily construction operations, enforcing safety standards, and coordinating teams in real time. This role is hands-on and fast-paced, ideal for professionals who thrive in active construction environments.
Responsibilities
- Manage onsite crews and subcontractors to maintain productivity and safety
- Ensure work aligns with blueprints, project specs, and quality expectations
- Troubleshoot daily issues affecting progress or safety
- Coordinate inspections, deliveries, and subcontractor timelines
- Track progress and report updates to offsite stakeholders
- Enforce OSHA standards and safety protocols onsite
- Monitor site conditions, equipment, and material needs
Requirements
Hard skills
- Onsite construction supervision experience
- Familiarity with safety equipment, tools, and regulations
- Competency in construction software for field reporting
- Blueprint and schematic interpretation
Soft skills
- Strong situational awareness and real-time problem solving
- Direct communication and people management
- High adaptability in dynamic environments
- Conflict de-escalation and leadership under pressure
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in construction-related field
- Field experience may substitute for formal education
Certifications
- OSHA 30-Hour Certification
- First Aid/CPR Certification
Remote/Hybrid Construction Project Manager
Position Overview
The remote/hybrid construction project manager oversees planning and progress tracking for one or more projects using digital platforms, with occasional site visits. This role is suited for professionals who manage distributed teams or documentation-heavy projects requiring less frequent physical oversight.
Responsibilities
- Use project management software to track tasks, deadlines, and budgets
- Coordinate virtual meetings with contractors, clients, and engineers
- Review and approve plans, RFIs, and change orders remotely
- Schedule and prepare for periodic site visits for milestone inspections
- Maintain detailed project records and compliance documentation
- Serve as a central hub for communication across locations
- Monitor subcontractor progress through digital reports and updates
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in cloud-based project tools (e.g., Procore, Buildertrend, Smartsheet)
- Construction planning and coordination experience
- Digital documentation and compliance knowledge
- Familiarity with site inspection and permitting processes
Soft skills
- Self-motivation and independent time management
- Clear virtual communication and collaboration
- Analytical thinking and digital adaptability
- Comfort managing across time zones and locations
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management or a related discipline
- At least 3 years of construction project experience with remote collaboration exposure
Certifications
- OSHA 30-Hour Certification
- PMP or equivalent certification recommended