Construction Manager: Job Opportunities in Construction Management

The instruction industry offers candidates a host of career possibilities. Among other senior level job opportunities in this field, construction management happens to be one of most profitable as well as challenging. A construction manager is also referred to as construction superintendent, production manager or project manager. The main job responsibility of construction managers is to plan, execute and supervise a construction project, right from the start till the completion of the project. If you aspire to make a career as a manager in the construction industry, you should be well informed of job description, education, training and career outlook. Equipped with all this career information, you will be able to make well informed decisions and make the most of your career.

Job Description
Responsibilities of a construction manager include both general task and specific duties. From the start of a project till the finish, these professionals are responsible for planning and supervising all the construction work. The manager does not only plan the entire project, but they also supervise so that the project is completed within the provided time frame and budget and in the correct manner. The manager is responsible for performing some general as well as specific duties. General work responsibilities of the construction manager include acquiring land, obtaining necessary permits, planning the project and hiring skilled workers for the job.

Apart from the general duties, the construction manager has the responsibility of performing specific duties for a project undertaken. Before work actually starts on a project, the manager does a deep review of the entire project to know the requirements at the beginning and during the construction project. After the project review is completed, the manager will now work for land acquisition. They need to ensure that appropriate type and size of land is acquired for the project.

Hiring of workers for the construction project is an important part of the manager's job. The manager has the authority to hire the right talents and fire those who are not a good match for performing tasks assigned to them. In addition, the manager will offer solutions for any issue related to workers involved in the project.

An important part of the manager's or the construction superintendent's job is to control the supplies of materials for the project. Right from nails to bulldozers, the manager has the work responsibility of ordering supplies and keeping the budget in control. Additionally, they also get paperwork done and signed by the concerning parties. They work closely with other professionals including contractors, architects and material suppliers.

Training & Job Qualifications
Construction management jobs bring multiple challenges to professionals. A bachelor's degree in construction science, construction management or other relevant field is the standard educational requirement to become a construction superintendent or manager. There are several colleges and universities offering courses ion construction science. The typical coursework includes training in areas like site planning, project control, construction methods, cost control, inspection methods and contract administration among others. A master's degree or a doctoral degree in construction science enhances job landing opportunities for candidates.

Job Skills
A degree in construction science will not guarantee a successful career. To become successful, candidates should also possess some essential job skills. These include excellent time management skills, problem solving skills, multitasking ability, team-playing skills, human relation skills, logical thinking capability, motivational skills, goal orientation and strong communication skills. These positive personality traits will lead you along a successful career path.

Employment Opportunities
The construction industry is huge occupational field. Those who possess the right educational qualification and training will have abundant job opportunities. Employment opportunities for managers exist with both giant construction companies to small scale firms. Job opportunities are abundantly available with building contractors and building subcontractors. Mining houses, property development sector and financial institutions also offer good employment opportunities for construction managers. Experienced professionals can choose to get self employed.

Annual Salary
Salaries of construction managers vary according to the project, work location, working experience and the nature and size of the employer. The starting salary offered in this field of management is around $32,000. Experienced professionals earn an annual salary ranging between $35,000 and $110,000. The job also involves multiple employee benefits for professionals.