What Is Project Manager in Construction?
Definition
A construction project manager (PM) is the person responsible for the overall planning, coordination, and financial management of a construction project from pre-construction through close-out. The PM manages contracts, budgets, schedules, change orders, and communication between all project stakeholders.
The project manager handles the business side of construction. Their responsibilities include estimating and budgeting, contract negotiation and administration, subcontractor procurement, change order management, schedule development, pay application processing, and client communication. The PM is typically based in the office but visits the jobsite regularly to stay connected to field operations.
Project managers coordinate with the superintendent to align field operations with the project plan. When issues arise in the field that have cost or schedule implications, the PM evaluates the impact and manages the change order or claim process. They also maintain the project documentation, including meeting minutes, RFI logs, submittal logs, and correspondence.
On large projects, the project management team may include a senior project manager, project manager, assistant project manager, and project engineer, each handling different aspects of the work. The senior PM typically manages owner relationships and contract strategy, while assistant PMs handle day-to-day document management and coordination.
Why It Matters
The project manager is the financial steward of the project. They control costs, manage risk, and protect the contractor margin. A strong PM anticipates problems, resolves issues before they escalate, and maintains clear documentation that protects the company in disputes. Projects with weak project management consistently experience budget overruns, schedule delays, and strained client relationships.
How HomeFloorPlan Helps
HomeFloorPlan gives project managers visibility into field operations without being on site. PMs can review open comments and punch list items by trade, track resolution rates, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. The platform centralized comment history also makes it easy to reconstruct what happened on any issue, which is invaluable for change order documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a project manager and a superintendent?
The project manager handles the business, financial, and administrative aspects of the project from the office. The superintendent manages the physical construction operations in the field. Together, they form the core leadership team for the general contractor, with the PM managing the paperwork and the super managing the work.
What software do construction project managers use?
Construction project managers use a variety of software including project management platforms for scheduling and document control, estimating software for bidding, accounting software for financial management, and plan management tools like HomeFloorPlan for drawing review and field coordination.