Construction projects are complex, requiring a balance of resources, coordination and commitment from construction teams – far beyond the necessary materials and equipment. From individual professionals to suppliers and organisations, each team member will contribute their own knowledge, skills, and expertise to help move the project forward. Your construction team’s size and structure depends on various factors including project scope, complexity, time frame, and risk involved.
We’ll explore the different responsibility levels you can expect to find on a construction site, and some of the roles you might need to hire for the running of a successful construction site. Let’s see how you can recruit a good construction team!
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, execution, management, and delivery. A Project Manager will usually lead a construction project team and ensure the client’s expectations are met. They should have a good knowledge around compliance to ensure projects will meet legal requirements and regulations. They should also have an understanding of the business case, strategy, and importance of the projects they work on.
Project Managers are responsible for the following:
- Overseeing the project objectives and scope of work
- Organizing project timelines and schedules
- Leading budgets, resources and procurement
- Managing the project environment
- Overseeing planning and execution of activities
- Managing and analyze risks
- Monitoring and evaluating performance and impact of the project
- Ensuring agreed deliverables are met
They should be able to:
- Communicate well with clarity and timeliness
- Manage change and complexity with confidence
- Manage projects and navigate any challenges using a range of tools and techniques
- Motivate project members
- Keep clear and objective goals in mind
How to hire a construction project manager
Hiring a construction project manager needs to align with your recruitment plan’s goals and objectives. Here’s how to do it:
- Understand the required skills and qualifications required
- Write an engaging job description
- Use different sourcing strategies (job boards, social media, recruitment agencies)
- Screen and shortlist your candidates
- Start the interview process
- Check references
- Present an offer and onboard your new Project Manager!
Construction Superintendent
Construction Superintendents share some similarities to the role of a Project Manager, but they have a specialized function. With experience in and knowledge of different trades, tools, techniques and equipment needed for construction, superintendents are a specialized role who often manage multiple projects.
They are responsible for:
- Safety and management of the construction site
- Timely completion of all project work
- Efficient communication
- Being a central point of coordination for project members
- Daily planning and supervision on the construction site
- Maintaining standards of safety and quality
Coordinating with the project management team for budgeting
They also:
- Participate in pre-construction planning and logistics
- Create project schedules
- Coordinate plans with Architects and Engineers
- Mentor and train personnel and help develop talent
Construction superintendent vs project manager
Let’s clarify the construction superintendent vs project manager debate! How are these roles different?
The Construction Superintendent, experienced in managing multiple projects, oversees safety, timely completion, and daily operations on-site. They also play a key role in developing personnel within the construction team.
The Project Manager takes on broader strategic responsibilities including overall planning, execution, and client satisfaction, ensuring adherence to legal requirements and budgetary constraints. They navigate challenges, mitigate risks, and facilitate the successful completion of construction projects within specified timelines and budgets.
Architect
The design team for every construction project is usually led by an Architect. They will hold the main responsibility for designing new buildings and landscapes, including renovation or retrofitting projects. During the design phase before construction begins, Architects will work to transform a client’s vision into technical drawings and documentation needed for you to construct spaces.
Architects also help with:
- Getting approvals and building permits
- Developing cost estimations
- Developing budgets
- Procuring resources for design and construction
- Advisory services and certifications during the construction phase
- Preparation of final reports and as-built drawings
Architects can take on different levels of responsibilities depending on their involvement in product design, feasibility studies, project development, and training.
Structural Engineer
Structural Engineers, either registered or chartered, are essential within construction site teams. They specialize in the design and construction of buildings and structures. Unlike Architects who are focused more on form and aesthetics, Structural Engineers tend to look at applying principles of math, physics and engineering to a building. They will usually keep performance, safety and cost-effectiveness in mind.
Pre-construction, Structural Engineers will work to tailor building structures to fit into the design delivered by the Architect. If a structure already exists, they will conduct assessments and testing before any building modifications go ahead.
Further responsibilities include:
- Analysis and review of the performance of structural elements and materials
- Working closely with design teams to coordinate detailed drawings
- Ensuring engineering specifications and necessary documentation is provided to suppliers, contractors and service providers involved in the construction project
During construction, they may also:
- Provide technical advice and guidance
- Provide solutions to challenges
- Address RFIs (Requests for Information)
- Inspect works on the construction site
- Ensure quality standards are maintained during the construction project
After construction has taken place, Structural Engineers also provide approvals, sign-offs, and as-built drawings.
Construction Estimators
Construction Estimators play a vital role throughout the construction process, working with the client and project teams to manage finances and ensure a successful project. Their expertise helps to eliminate risk and keep projects on budget, while meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations.
Before construction Construction Estimators will:
- Conduct feasibility studies
- Prepare cost estimates and specifications
- Review and evaluate bids from subcontractors and suppliers
- Develop project budgets
During construction, they’ll be responsible for:
- Monitoring project spending and report on progress
- Preparing cost forecasts and updates
- Managing changes to the project scope (change orders)
- Measuring and value completed work
- Assisting in resolving cost-related issues or disputes
After construction, Estimators will have to:
- Issue final invoices and accounts
- Help finalize payments to contractors and suppliers
- Prepare final cost reports
By effectively managing the financial aspects of a construction project, estimators are essential for ensuring a project’s success
VP, Construction
The VP of Construction oversees a company’s construction activities. They manage operations and finances for the organization, while also providing personnel management, outbound marketing and customer relations as relevant.
Their responsibilities include:
- Meeting and working closely with other executives
- Negotiating agreements and contracts
- Analyzing reports and financial statements
- Hiring managers and department heads
- Providing ideas to improve performance
Your Vice President of Construction job description should also include:
- OSHA Safety Certificate
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
How to hire a construction project manager and more
In construction projects, diverse roles like architects, engineers, project managers, and contractors work together to realize a shared vision, resulting in buildings that embody their collective creativity and commitment.
To sustain a construction project, you need an experienced and motivated team to deliver projects on time and within budget. When everyone knows their specific responsibilities, and how their roles align with others, it’s much easier to complete a construction project according to plan.
About We Search People
We Search People are leading Construction and Engineering recruitment specialists serving the US and Canada. Our expert consultants know the market inside out, and know how to find the best candidates for the job. After all, a company is only as good as its people.
Hiring for your team? Whether you are looking for a Project Manager in Las Vegas, an Estimator in New York, or a Software Developer in Chicago, get in touch today!
