Construction

Construction Project Manager job description

A Construction Project Manager leads building projects from planning to completion, coordinating subcontractors, managing budgets using Procore or Buildertrend, and ensuring OSHA compliance across commercial and residential construction sites.

Published January 5, 2024Updated May 9, 2026657 likes

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Job brief

We are seeking an experienced Construction Project Manager to lead our diverse portfolio of commercial and residential construction projects valued between $2M-$50M. In this role, you will take full ownership of project delivery from preconstruction through closeout, managing cross-functional teams including architects, engineers, subcontractors, and field personnel to deliver exceptional results on time and within budget. You'll leverage industry-leading tools like Procore and PlanGrid while maintaining our commitment to safety excellence and client satisfaction. If you thrive in a collaborative environment where no two projects are alike and take pride in seeing buildings come to life from blueprints to ribbon cutting, this role offers the perfect blend of strategic oversight and hands-on execution.

Key highlights

Develop comprehensive project schedules using Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project, establishing critical path milestones and coordinating trade sequencing across multiple concurrent construction activities
Manage project budgets ranging from $2M-$50M, tracking costs through Procore or similar platforms, processing change orders, and maintaining profit margins within target parameters
Conduct daily safety meetings and weekly toolbox talks, ensuring 100% OSHA compliance and implementing site-specific safety plans for hazardous operations like crane work and confined space entry
Coordinate subcontractor schedules and deliverables, managing relationships with electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, and specialty trade contractors to maintain project timelines and quality standards

What is a Construction Project Manager?

A Construction Project Manager is a construction professional who oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of building projects from groundbreaking to final inspection. Working with project management software like Procore, PlanGrid, or Buildertrend, Construction Project Managers coordinate trades, manage construction schedules using Critical Path Method (CPM), and ensure compliance with building codes, OSHA safety standards, and local regulations. They serve as the central point of communication between general contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and clients, directly impacting project profitability, timeline adherence, and construction quality across commercial, residential, and industrial developments.

What does a Construction Project Manager do?

A Construction Project Manager starts each day reviewing project schedules in software like Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project, conducting morning safety meetings with trade supervisors, and performing site walks to inspect work quality against architectural drawings and specifications. They coordinate daily activities with electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other subcontractors, process change orders and RFIs (Requests for Information), and update project stakeholders through progress reports and budget variance analyses. Throughout the week, they manage material deliveries, review shop drawings, conduct quality control inspections, and ensure job sites maintain OSHA compliance through safety audits and toolbox talks with field crews.

Key responsibilities

Develop comprehensive project schedules using Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project, establishing critical path milestones and coordinating trade sequencing across multiple concurrent construction activities
Manage project budgets ranging from $2M-$50M, tracking costs through Procore or similar platforms, processing change orders, and maintaining profit margins within target parameters
Conduct daily safety meetings and weekly toolbox talks, ensuring 100% OSHA compliance and implementing site-specific safety plans for hazardous operations like crane work and confined space entry
Coordinate subcontractor schedules and deliverables, managing relationships with electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, and specialty trade contractors to maintain project timelines and quality standards
Review and approve shop drawings, submittals, and material samples against architectural specifications, coordinating with design teams to resolve conflicts and maintain design intent
Implement quality control processes including punch list management, final inspections, and warranty coordination to ensure deliverables meet or exceed client expectations and building code requirements
Process RFIs (Requests for Information) and change orders within 48-hour turnaround commitments, maintaining clear communication channels between field teams, architects, and project owners
Generate comprehensive project reports including daily logs, weekly progress updates, and monthly financial summaries for senior management, clients, and bonding company requirements

Requirements and skills

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Architecture, with PMP (Project Management Professional) or CCM (Certified Construction Manager) certification preferred
5+ years of hands-on construction project management experience with commercial, residential, or industrial projects valued at $5M+ demonstrating successful on-time, on-budget delivery
Proficiency in Procore, PlanGrid, Buildertrend, or similar construction management platforms, plus advanced skills in Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, and AutoCAD for schedule and drawing review
Comprehensive knowledge of building codes (IBC, IRC), OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification, and experience with permit acquisition and municipal inspection processes
Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, structural plans, MEP drawings, and construction specifications to identify potential conflicts and coordinate trade installations
Strong financial acumen including cost estimating, budget forecasting, change order negotiation, and understanding of construction contracts (AIA, ConsensusDocs, or similar)
Physical capability to work on active construction sites including climbing scaffolding, walking uneven terrain, and conducting inspections in adverse weather conditions
Leadership experience managing diverse teams including union and non-union trades, with proven ability to resolve conflicts and maintain productive working relationships across all project stakeholders

FAQs

What does a Construction Project Manager do on a typical day?

A Construction Project Manager begins each day with site safety meetings and progress reviews with trade foremen, then spends time coordinating subcontractor activities, reviewing submittals and shop drawings, and updating project schedules in software like Procore or Primavera P6. They conduct quality inspections throughout the day, resolve RFIs and change orders, communicate with architects and engineers about design clarifications, and end with progress reporting to stakeholders. The role requires constant problem-solving as they manage everything from material delivery schedules to weather delays while ensuring OSHA compliance and budget adherence across active construction sites.

What qualifications do you need to become a Construction Project Manager?

Most Construction Project Manager positions require a Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Architecture, combined with 3-5 years of hands-on construction experience. Professional certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or CCM (Certified Construction Manager) significantly enhance career prospects, while OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification is typically mandatory. Essential technical skills include proficiency in construction management software like Procore, PlanGrid, or Buildertrend, plus the ability to read architectural drawings and understand building codes. Many successful Construction Project Managers start as assistant project managers, estimators, or field engineers before advancing to full project leadership roles.

Who does a Construction Project Manager work with during projects?

Construction Project Managers serve as the central hub for all project stakeholders, working daily with subcontractors including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and specialty trades to coordinate work sequences and resolve conflicts. They collaborate closely with architects and engineers to clarify design intent, process change orders, and approve material submittals, while maintaining regular communication with project owners, developers, and end clients regarding progress and budget status. Internally, they coordinate with estimators during preconstruction, work alongside field supervisors and safety managers during construction, and partner with accounting teams for billing and cost tracking throughout the project lifecycle.

What salary can Construction Project Managers expect to earn?

Construction Project Manager salaries typically range from $75,000-$120,000 annually for mid-level professionals, with senior managers overseeing large commercial projects earning $120,000-$180,000 or more depending on geographic location and project complexity. Compensation often includes performance bonuses tied to project profitability and completion metrics, plus benefits packages including health insurance, retirement contributions, and vehicle allowances. Factors influencing salary include project size and type (commercial vs. residential), geographic market, professional certifications like PMP or CCM, and years of experience managing construction teams. Construction Project Managers in major metropolitan markets and specialized sectors like healthcare or industrial construction typically command premium salaries.