What Does a Construction Manager Do?
A construction manager is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating building projects from start to finish. They oversee project timelines, budgets, contracts, and coordination between architects, engineers, subcontractors, and clients. Construction managers ensure that each phase of the project progresses smoothly and that teams stay on schedule and within scope.
This role is critical for balancing cost efficiency with quality and safety. Construction managers evaluate risks, resolve conflicts, ensure regulatory compliance, and make key decisions that impact the success of each job. Whether managing residential builds, commercial developments, or infrastructure projects, construction managers serve as the operational and strategic leaders behind every jobsite.
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Construction Manager Core Responsibilities
- Plan construction schedules and coordinate project milestones
- Manage budgets, forecasts, bids, and contract negotiations
- Supervise project teams, subcontractors, and vendors
- Ensure adherence to building codes, zoning laws, and safety regulations
- Collaborate with architects, engineers, and clients throughout all phases
- Monitor project progress and adjust plans as needed
- Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies
- Lead procurement of materials, labor, and permits
- Resolve issues that could delay project completion
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Budgeting and cost estimating
- Project scheduling and sequencing
- Contract negotiation and vendor management
- Blueprint and plan interpretation
- Regulatory knowledge (building codes, permits, zoning)
- Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Procore, MS Project)
Soft skills
- Strategic decision-making and leadership
- Clear communication with multiple stakeholders
- Conflict resolution and issue escalation
- Organization and multitasking across competing priorities
- Adaptability under changing conditions
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, or related field required
Certifications
- OSHA 30 certification required
- PMP or Certified Construction Manager (CCM) preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience managing medium to large construction projects
- Background in both field and office-based project roles
- Familiarity with LEED standards or green building practices
- Bilingual proficiency (especially in Spanish) is a plus
National Average Salary
Construction 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 Manager is:
$85,647
Sample Job Description Templates for Construction Managers
Construction Project Manager
Position Overview
A Construction Project Manager leads the full lifecycle of building projects, from planning and budgeting through to execution and closeout. This role oversees site teams, subcontractors, vendors, and client stakeholders, ensuring every aspect of the project aligns with timeline, cost, safety, and quality standards.
Responsibilities
- Develop and manage construction schedules, budgets, and work scopes
- Coordinate with architects, engineers, and site supervisors
- Oversee procurement of materials, labor, and subcontractor services
- Manage permits, inspections, and compliance documentation
- Conduct risk analysis and resolve issues to maintain progress
- Lead weekly status meetings with project stakeholders
- Track progress using project management software and reporting tools
Requirements
Hard skills
- Project budgeting and forecasting
- Subcontractor and vendor coordination
- Construction sequencing and critical path planning
- Familiarity with Procore, MS Project, or similar tools
- Knowledge of building codes and local regulations
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and delegation
- Clear communication with diverse teams
- Conflict resolution and adaptability
- Accountability and proactive problem-solving
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field
Certifications
- OSHA 30 certification required
- PMP or CCM preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years managing commercial or mixed-use construction projects
- Experience with client presentations and design coordination
- Knowledge of LEED or sustainable construction methods
Preconstruction Manager
Position Overview
A Preconstruction Manager is responsible for leading all front-end activities before breaking ground on a project. This includes budgeting, planning, scheduling, constructability reviews, bid evaluations, and value engineering. Their work sets the foundation for project success.
Responsibilities
- Lead budgeting and estimating processes based on design documents
- Review architectural plans for feasibility and cost implications
- Collaborate with project owners, architects, and engineers during design
- Develop and refine schedules and procurement plans
- Identify value engineering opportunities and scope gaps
- Support bid solicitation and subcontractor selection
Requirements
Hard skills
- Construction cost estimating and takeoff analysis
- Preconstruction software proficiency (e.g., Bluebeam, PlanSwift)
- Contract document review and scope writing
- Building code and permitting knowledge
- Schedule development and phasing
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and attention to detail
- Collaborative communication
- Time management across multiple bids
- Stakeholder negotiation and persuasion
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, or engineering
Certifications
- OSHA 30 certification required
- Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) or similar preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years in estimating or preconstruction roles
- Experience working with design-build or CM-at-Risk contracts
- Familiarity with BIM for estimating and design coordination
Field Operations Manager
Position Overview
A Field Operations Manager oversees all jobsite activities across multiple projects or large construction programs. They ensure crews work efficiently, safety standards are met, and site logistics align with project plans. This role acts as the field-level liaison between project management and trade teams.
Responsibilities
- Supervise site supervisors and foremen across active projects
- Monitor labor productivity, schedule compliance, and material usage
- Conduct safety audits and enforce regulatory compliance
- Coordinate equipment allocation and delivery logistics
- Report field progress and issues to project management teams
- Train and mentor field staff and subcontractors
Requirements
Hard skills
- Jobsite logistics and crew coordination
- Construction safety and regulatory enforcement
- Equipment and labor management
- Strong knowledge of site operations and sequencing
Soft skills
- Field leadership and accountability
- Real-time problem-solving
- Clear verbal instruction and reporting
- Conflict resolution and crew motivation
Education
- High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred
Certifications
- OSHA 30 certification required
- First Aid/CPR certification strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of hands-on field supervision experience
- Experience managing multiple sites or large teams
- Union labor and equipment scheduling background
Senior Construction Manager
Position Overview
A Senior Construction Manager oversees high-value or multi-site construction initiatives. They direct project managers, monitor financial performance, and provide executive-level oversight of safety, quality, and client relationships. This role is essential for strategic leadership and resource optimization.
Responsibilities
- Supervise multiple concurrent projects or large-scale construction programs
- Manage project managers and high-level field leadership
- Review financial reports, budgets, and contract performance
- Lead client communication and escalation pathways
- Oversee company safety and quality programs
- Represent leadership in meetings with owners, developers, and city officials
Requirements
Hard skills
- Construction program oversight
- Advanced budgeting and cost tracking
- Team leadership and coaching
- Contract and legal compliance
- Executive-level reporting and risk mitigation
Soft skills
- Strategic leadership and high-level decision-making
- Strong client and stakeholder communication
- Ability to manage change and ambiguity
- Negotiation and influence
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field
Certifications
- OSHA 30 certification required
- PMP or CCM strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years in progressively senior construction management roles
- Experience leading public or private sector construction portfolios
- Familiarity with LEAN construction and performance benchmarking
Construction Program Manager
Position Overview
A Construction Program Manager leads the coordination of multiple related construction projects under a shared goal, often for a single client, campus, or infrastructure initiative. They align project timelines, budgets, and outcomes with long-term business or development strategies.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the delivery of multiple interrelated construction projects
- Manage overall budgets, schedules, and risk profiles
- Collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, and municipal officials
- Standardize reporting, quality assurance, and safety procedures
- Direct multiple project teams and ensure consistent execution
- Track and report on program milestones and KPIs
Requirements
Hard skills
- Program-level budgeting and contract management
- Portfolio scheduling and resource allocation
- Permitting, compliance, and quality control standards
- Proficiency with enterprise-level project tools (e.g., Primavera, Procore)
Soft skills
- Big-picture thinking and program strategy
- Stakeholder collaboration and diplomacy
- Team alignment and communication
- Multi-project decision-making
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or similar
Certifications
- OSHA 30 certification required
- Program Management Professional (PgMP) or PMP preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience managing large-scale construction programs
- Familiarity with multi-phase campus, government, or infrastructure builds
- Experience standardizing procedures across project teams