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Contractor’s Project Management Roles & Responsibilities
Project management roles and responsibilities for contractors are both many and varied. The specific roles depend on the size of the construction company. The typical local contractor, with a couple of employees takes on the role of a project manager, business owner, customer service representative, as well as worker (Carpenter, Plumber, Electrician, etc.). As the scale of the company and scope of the projects increase, the role of a project manager comes more into focus. Below, we’ll discuss some of the major responsibilities that a project manager handles daily, regardless of the company’s size.
Planning
For the construction company to remain viable and for the clients to be satisfied, proper planning is essential. The project manager must have a clear understanding of what the client wishes to have done. They must then lay out the steps required and calculate the materials, costs, manpower, and time to completion. Determining and obtaining the proper permits for the job must be done, as well. In order to keep costs down for both company and customer, it is important at this stage to negotiate with vendors in order to get the best prices and most opportune delivery schedule. A well laid out plan will ensure that costs stay within budget and reduce the risk of lost time, while waiting for equipment and materials to be delivered after work begins.
Set goals
Once the plans are made and the contract is signed, achievable and realistic goals must be met on an ongoing basis. This will keep the customers happy, knowing that things are progressing smoothly. Goals include staying on time and staying under budget. Keeping these factors under control requires a close eye by the project manager, regardless of the company’s size. By monitoring cost and progress on a daily or weekly basis, the project manager can ensure that everything remains on track.
Problem-solving
Things come up. It could be an issue with the job, like bad weather, accidents, or scheduling conflicts with building inspectors or vendors. The project manager often has to think on their feet to modify schedules and other job-related tasks so that the goals are impacted as little as possible. Other times, there could be disputes among employees or subcontractors that can derail progress. A seasoned project manager is able to pick up on these issues early, with hopes of nipping them in the bud. If the dispute is with the customer, the project manager must be tactful in order to ensure the project comes to a successful, peaceful end.
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