As a project manager, no day looks the same compared to the last. I’m not only wearing many hats myself, but I’m also overseeing and involved in every aspect of a project from well before a contract has been signed by the client to the very last deliverable has been provided.

Typically, an average workday for me includes staying on top of every detail of multiple projects by meeting with my team, reporting critical updates to our client, and managing very strict project timelines to ensure each project is meeting important deadlines.

Meetings with my team cover the following:

• Status Progress
• Schedule
• Budget
• Verifying completion of tasks

I am also constantly monitoring important aspects of each project such as Permitting and Design Documents, and updating reports on each project to keep track of team tasks and deliverables on a daily basis.

Behind the scenes, I review and approve invoices and create Project Proposals when new clients or additional contracts come in. I begin and end each day by tackling a very busy inbox as part of my daily communication to give clients and our leadership the confidence that the job is being done well and on time.

Pros:

• Every day presents a new challenge and no two days are alike.
• Constant and ongoing collaboration with team members.
• It’s very rewarding to find solutions that help the client get their jobs done and save money along the way.

Cons:

• Project management is all about timelines and budgets. Sometimes we find ourselves operating under very tight schedules with compressed workloads, which can be a bit stressful.
• There are many factors outside of your control that will impact your project timelines such as Permitting, Environmental Approvals, and Obtaining Easements. This is where preparation, training, and the ability to be flexible comes into play.

Teresa Oquendo
AVIVV, a professional services engineering firm in San Diego serving the utility and energy sector in the United States

My typical day revolves around current project team check-ins and project progress. It involves connecting with clients on current bid opportunities and future bid events and technical work such as project invoicing, subcontracts, purchase orders, and vendor invoicing approvals. I check in with my boss to provide a daily update.

Weekly, typical functions include owner/client meetings, business development meetings, specific gas infrastructure meetings, mentoring committee meetings, and various safety meetings both internally with the company and externally with clients.

Monthly, I work on project projections and status reviews with senior leadership and conduct project-specific site visits.

Pros: The pros of my job are my interactions with clients and creating and maintaining relationships. In addition, seeing the growth of my direct reports is very gratifying.

Cons: The cons of my job are the tough conversations that are required and my removed involvement in the technical, day-to-day activities I went to school for.

Tony Dinnocenzo
Graycor Industrial Constructors, Inc.

I am the owner and Project Manager at RenosGroup, a renovation company with over 35 years of experience. It is a family-owned and operated renovation team that is dedicated to making your house feel like home. Specializing in residential renovations, mobility renovations, and hand-holding the nervous homeowner, they cater to you and your every need.

My day consists of handling email leads, meeting with potential clients at job sites, taking accurate measurements, creating detailed quotes, meet with clients again to explain/review their quotes. Visit each job site every day or two to review projects with our contractors and clients. Pick up supplies/materials/fixtures and deliver to job sites.

The task that takes up the most of my time is creating detailed, professional-looking quotes. This is especially important for us to do because it’s the perfect opportunity for us to close the deal with our potential customers. We focus on leaving a good impression, and without a well-structured and professional quote, it can really have a hit.

Pros: Flexible working hours and income potential. I feel that this has helped attract and retain high-performing employees.

Cons: Quotes that do not lead to a sale and trying to find qualified contractors with decent customer service skills as well.

Keith Melanson
RenosGroup.ca

At our “Plan of the Day Meeting,” we review important safety and quality topics with all project staff, supervision, and subcontractor representation. We set expectations and create directives for the day ahead and discuss any outstanding engineering concerns or obstacles which need to be addressed to maintain the schedule. We review each trade set of objectives for the day and provide coordination, where necessary. We address all concerns or questions which arise.

At morning safety meetings, we participate in morning Stretch & Flex with the labor force and provide morning announcements or project updates related to the upcoming workday or lessons learned from previous events. I join, observe, and provide input on a task safety analysis (TSA) for a crew of my choosing.

Each morning, following the TSA participation, I walk the site to observe current conditions before any crews begin work. I recognize and address any conditions which cause concern for the schedule or are immediate safety hazards. I provide directive to supervision on the resolution of any identified concerns or any deviation from the plan based on new findings.

At the office, I review any new project information or contract documents to maintain a thorough understanding of the job. I note any changes from the original agreement and generate necessary documentation for notice to the client. I also check in with each department to ensure they are performing their roles and responsibilities to the Graycor policies and procedures, offering direction, suggestions, or assistance, when necessary. I hold and participate in various daily meetings. Including coordination, safety, cost and productivity reviews, schedule updates, forecasting, and various forms of project-related issues.

I do “Meet & Greets,” introducing myself and the company to all new hires. I provide an overview of the project, talking in detail of the goals and what we are building. I discuss the company and my own expectations for their safety and wellbeing and address any questions or concerns they have and welcome them to the team.

In the field, I perform site walks randomly throughout the day to note progress since the start of day. I perform supervisor safety audits, observe a crew or individual for safety practices, and provide feedback on improvements or hazards to address. I provide direct supervision on any items of concern.

Back at the office, when necessary I communicate with union officials regarding upcoming scopes of work, hiring, manpower, or trade concerns. I lead engineering and project controls in managing the budget for all work activities and project purchases. I review detailed purchase orders and contracts and coach and train staff to issue them. Once issued, I review and approve related invoices and change orders for processing. I report financial status back to corporate regularly, identifying concerns and resolutions. I interface with clients by attending all meetings. I report and discuss daily progress updates including but not limited to safety, quality, production, and coordination. I negotiate contract changes and maintain goodwill for future repeat business. I work to find opportunities to train and develop new talent to coach and develop future leaders and also provide an environment the team enjoys working in each day to keep everyone motivated and on task.

At the end of each day, I walk the site to observe current conditions. I instruct the crews to clean up or address any areas which need attention before departing for the day, make note of the progress made, and generate a list of items to address in the next morning’s “Plan of the Day” meeting.

What tasks take up the most of your time?

Most of my time is spent overseeing the execution of the project through means of directing supervision and subcontractors by ensuring everyone is following procedures appropriately and not deviating. I help supervision and subcontractors resolve any irregularities by offering guidance to settle the issues on their own. I monitor and guide the team’s progress to confirm a positive outcome while still maintaining each team member’s own development.

Pros: Pros are the opportunity to create important infrastructure for society and be a part of large and interesting projects. Every design is unique, which can often create complex puzzles and constructability problems that require resolution, therefore I retain enthusiasm for each new day. There is joy in seeing the progression from an empty lot to a massive structure containing hundreds of complex systems and moving pieces of equipment, all working in unison to create a product for the client.

Cons: The work/life balance can be difficult to maintain, especially when traveling. We tend to work a lot of hours and there are not many opportunities to leave important projects. Distance from loved ones can be difficult if they do not travel with you.

Matthew E. Bero
Graycor Industrial Constructors Inc.

I would say you can describe my life as a construction manager in just a few short words, which would be demanding, rewarding, and teamwork.

A project only fails or is successful because of the way that you’ve handled the project throughout. People are looking for answers from you all the time. You need to be able to think outside the box, adapt quickly, and execute a plan when things don’t go the way they are planned. This is going to happen on every project. At the end of the day, it was your thought process that made this job work. It was your ability to adapt to the problems and solve them. When everything comes together at the end, it should be something that you’re proud of. If it’s not, you learn from the mistakes you made and adjust them on the next project. On the rewarding side of things, when it is finished you can look back and see the rewards. You had a hand in making this all work, your leadership helped mold this project along with your team’s ability to execute your vision. Your team is who carries out your plan. Never forget that without your team your just another person holding onto a pen. A good team can make a manager look really good; I have been fortunate to have a great team so far.

Work-life is busy, there is no doubting that. Things start early and sometimes end late. Sometimes you have to take calls when it’s supper time, but that’s what happens when you care about your company and you care about your work. I will be the first person to tell you that it’s important to make time for your family also. My company has always encouraged it as well. Be prepared to work a few weekends, expect to be spread a little thin and not know how you’re going to get everything done; but trust me it all comes together in the end. Then you look back and wonder why you stressed about it so much, but it ended up not being as bad as you thought. It is all worth it at the end of the day.

The pros of this industry, though not always popular, provide millions of jobs not only in the United States but worldwide. It helps lower energy costs. Although we only have a small part to do with it, it feels good to know that what we are doing helps keep our house heated in the winter, keeps our cars going on the road, as well as thousands of other products that are made by it. Also, this industry is a good life experience. In this industry, you are expected to work hard, be dependable, and most importantly be safe while doing it. That’s just a good life lesson that you can take anywhere and be successful. Work hard, show up on time, and do what’s asked of you in a safe manner.

Nick Randall from Fortress Development Solutions.

Between planning, hiring, haggling over budgets and contracts, inspecting new construction and a plethora of other jobs, a Construction’s manager’s day often begins way before the rest of the world starts out. We’re typically the early birds.

As a construction manager, getting a work-life balance is a delicate balance. More often than not, work-related challenges will creep into your me-time. Receiving a work-related call on a Sunday afternoon is nothing new in our lives. Since our work is extremely hands-on, we often have no option but to put on the helmet, jump in the truck, and head for the site.

Typically, I’m at the site office by 06.00 Am. I have my breakfast on the go, or at the site office quite frequently. Arriving earlier than everybody else gives me the time to plan out the day, schedule meetings, appointments, and calls.

At around 07.00 AM, you will find me on the phone confirming supplies, and any new developments in the plan.

Once the rest of the site employees get in at eight, I meet with the personnel. Typically, we have to plan out everything about the construction for that day. We also have to set our goals clearly.

Once the mini-conference is done, I usually go back to the office to sign documents, reply to emails and take any new calls concerning the job. In between this drab paper-pishing, I also take breaks on the site. Normally, I do inspections on the progress of the construction between 09.00 and 1.00 pm.

After getting a short lunch break, I often have to hop onto a call with the client. Sometimes, the client visits the site to do a self-appraisal of the project. If not handling the client or any other site visitors, I will probably be filling out the bills, and issuing updates to the subcontractors regarding the invoices they submitted. Given the number of invoices, it may take me the whole afternoon to complete the task.

When the personnel leaves the site at 05.00, I do another round of inspection. Usually, I draft a daily review report on the progress undertaken within the day, and corrections that need to be done pronto on the following day. It takes me an hour or so to go around the whole site. After the inspection, I’m back at the site office to finalize the daily review and wind up any remaining tasks.

What are the pros of the job?

• I’m quite free to make my own decisions- Being a construction manager is a point of pride. It’s a position of leadership. Most clients give us free reigns of the project, so long as we deliver the intended results. This sort of independence is quite crucial for me.
• One on one client handling- Unlike other jobs within the industry, I relate with my clients on a personal basis. I meet them as often as they are available. This means that the job is in fact an opportunity to build more relationships
• A lot of space for growth
• There’s a lot of traveling if you’re up to or it.
• As a construction manager, I’m essentially self-employed.

Any cons? Quite a few

• First, the job is highly stressful. Little wonder, therefore, that most of us are always on the edge. Some clients can be quite demanding.
• There’s little personal time on the job – In retrospect, I think that I’m always working. Due to the tight deadlines, construction-work rarely takes a break. This comes at the behest of spending time with my life or building on my hobbies.
• I can’t forget how detrimental being at a construction site can be to a person’s health. Even with all kinds of protections, it takes a toll on you at some point.

David Sheppard from HVAC Judge.

I enjoy being a Construction Project Manager because I get to help people improve their homes and make their building dreams come true! However, my job requires that I am available 24/7, schedule projects properly, communicate effectively with the homeowner, suppliers, and subcontractors, and understand IRC and local building codes.

My daily activities vary depending on what I have going on. I try to start off my morning the same way by checking emails and responding to customer questions. Some days I spend most of the day on a job site and other days I may spend all day in the office.

Daily activities include:

• Visiting customer sites for estimates
• Writing estimates
• Checking up on job site progress
• Ordering materials
• Drafting invoices
• Social media marketing
• Misc – taxes, ordering office supplies, etc.

My other responsibilities include:

• Generating leads
• Coordinating to have someone go to the job site and check out the job that needs to be done if I am unable to go
• Drafting estimates and submitting them to customers
• Setting payment plans if necessary
• Pulling permits
• Scheduling jobs and overseeing the project to ensure everything is done as agreed with the customer
• Overseeing projects from start to finish
• Submitting invoices at the time of completion and following up on past due invoices

Pros: I am able to oversee an entire project from start to finish, help homeowners achieve their home building/improvement goal, I enjoy having a combination of office and on the road days.

Cons: I need to be available 24/7 and have no set schedule or hours, manage timing, owner, supplies, and subcontractors accordingly.

Cindy Sosa Sanchez
RJC General Construction

You need to like people! A huge part of the job is meeting people with different backgrounds and skills and motivating them to give their best to the team. Through everyone working together efficiently and in harmony, you will deliver the construction of a new building. Being a Construction Manager gives a great variety and no two days are the same. Keeping a project on schedule when things are constantly changing is challenging but also exciting and rewarding.

If you love the outdoors, this is the life for you as you will experience all weather. Site conditions change over the life of the project so you can be walking through thick mud one day and facing a heatwave another day. Each day starts with a team meeting on site to set the targets for the day and to identify any issues that might cause delays to the schedule. Anticipating issues before they happen and implementing solutions mean no loss in productivity.

A typical day would include:

• Tracking the progress of the work against the planned schedule
• Implementing corrective actions to bring back on schedule if required
• Anticipating issues before they happen and implementing solutions to avoid loss of productivity and to keep the project on track
• Spot checking that health and safety guidelines are being followed and are in accordance with risk assessments
• As the work progresses, checking that the Health and Safety plan is being updated
• Undertaking site visits to inspect work and check materials are all meeting quality standards
• Checking that daily / weekly costs are being kept within budget
• Using their knowledge of construction to monitor that the building is being constructed to the drawings and building regulations are being met
• Delegating work to team members and monitoring overall performance of the construction team
• Preparing weekly progress reports and meeting with the client or contract administrator

Cons: The difficult side of being a Construction Manager is the pressure. When things go wrong everything is on your shoulders. So much energy and effort are often wasted to produce some progress on a site. Being able to handle the pressure well, prioritize and create plans to overcome problems is what is needed.  The others go home at the end of their shift but you are already thinking about what you need to deal with tomorrow.

Pros: Inspiring people to grow in their abilities is so rewarding. If people come to work because they want to rather than because they have to that is the sign you are a good leader. Being able to communicate clearly and decisively in an effective manner so that the other person has fully understood is a skill that can be fine-tuned on site. It can help avoid disputes but, if they are unavoidable, they can focus on resolving them effectively. You need to be committed to the job but I wouldn’t do any other role.

Maciej Kisiel is a Construction Manager at Kisiel Group.

As a construction manager who recently finished a house construction project from its foundation to its final fit and finishes including its interior design, here are my thoughts on what’s it like being a construction manager.

As someone who always loved the idea of constructing new things and renovating old spaces into modern elegant and fresh new environments, I love my job of being a construction manager. Although I loved renovations and modern architecture since childhood, I became a construction manager accidentally which was probably the only accident in my life that I couldn’t be glad enough. Being a construction manager is a cool profession because it allows me to take over some critical responsibilities that go in the construction process. From quality, cost, and safety management to every minor supervision and frequent contact with the clients, and their satisfaction after seeing the final product makes me love my job even more.

What is your work life like?

Even though being a construction manager is a satisfying job, however, the fact that it is full of stress cannot be denied. Being a construction manager requires a tight schedule and great time management skills. Usually, workers and contractors start working pretty early so keeping up with them might lead to waking up early and sleeping early which ultimately means less time to enjoy night parties. As the saying goes, there are always thorns with roses. Nonetheless, managing work-life is comparatively easy for workers or other professionals as supervision does not require 24/7 attention.

My day starts super early in the morning around 6 am. Right after I get up, I do my exercises, morning therapy yoga, breakfast, watch some news, and leave for the worksite as I need to be there by 8 am. At the work site, I guide the workers on what and how to do, meet contractors and make sure the work is going just fine. Around noon, I arrange food for almost everyone on-site and double-check the work done so far. If the working site is near my house, I go home for a cup of tea otherwise my tea is with the workers on-site. After everyone leaves at 4 pm, I check the total work done make some important calls to fulfill the resources needed, and plan for the next day ahead.

My key responsibilities include communicating the construction plan with the clients, finding the right person for the right job with the least amount of money, making sure everyone is doing their job perfectly, constant check and balances, signing contracts with various contractors such as painters, electricians, etc., outsourcing certain jobs for example color scheming of the site, managing finances, keeping up with the state laws and taking care of any legal issues and maintaining workplace safety, ethics and peace.

Pros:

• Pay: One benefit of being a construction manager is that you get to enjoy good pay by the end of the month/project compared to other jobs even in the construction industry. Thanks to its high demand and respected field, construction managers are able to earn more than average and steady income throughout the year.
• Authority: One major benefit of construction managers is that they get to enjoy the authority to make some major and crucial decisions in an ongoing project. They not only get to lead a crew of diversely skilled people, but they also make significant decisions based on the project’s requirements.

Cons:

• Stress: With great responsibilities and benefits comes great stress. Sure, a construction manager gets to enjoy leadership but at the same time is responsible for every little to major inconvenience caused within the project. Other than that, they also get to work in dangerous environments with longer than usual working hours that can lead up to more than usual stress.
• Travel: If you do not like travel, construction management is not the right job for you. This is because it requires a great deal of patience and frequent traveling and you enjoy less freedom when it comes to the locality.

Atta Ur Rehman is a construction manager as well as a content manager with Gun Made, a website that started with the hope of educating people about gun-related matters.