If you’re new to construction, you might be wondering What does a project manager do in construction? and What does a construction manager do?
At first, the difference between a construction manager vs project manager might seem a bit confusing.
Aside from the similar titles, construction managers and construction project managers both work in the building industry doing managerial roles.
But each of these roles had different tasks, duties and responsibilities and different qualification requirements.
Here we look at some of the differences to help you choose the right career for you.
What does a project manager do in construction?
As a construction project manager, you’d manage building projects.
These can be small or large building projects depending on your skills, qualifications and experience.
As a project manager, you would do a variety of tasks each day including:
- organise workers
- get materials, machines and supplies delivered
- discuss plans with architects, engineers and others
- work alongside building owners, property developers and subcontractors
- make sure projects run on time and within budget
- read architectural plans and specs
- bid for contracts and tenders
- create work schedules and plans
- make sure everyone sticks to the laws and quality standards
- submit building plans to local authorities like councils
- watch over the workers and subcontractors
- arrange building inspections.
What does a construction manager do?
A construction manager manages the work going on at a construction site.
As a construction manager, you could work on residential buildings like houses or commercial buildings like warehouses depending on your interests, skills and experience.
A construction manager performs tasks including:
- follow building drawings and specifications
- work out budgets for workers pays, materials and tools required for the job
- recruit and supervise tradespeople and labourers
- submit plans to councils
- order materials and equipment
- meet with architects, engineers and other stakeholders like owners
- run and attend building inspections
- check the quality of work
- make sure building works are on time and within budget
- make sure work is done according to safety and environmental standards.
What’s the difference between a construction manager and a project manager?
Project managers have a greater scope of work and level of responsibility compared to construction managers.
A project manager works on a building from the earliest stages of ideas and planning right through to handover to the client.
On the other hand, a construction manager works specifically on just one stage of the building project: the construction phase.
Project managers and construction managers often work together on the same projects with the project manager overseeing the construction manager.
On smaller jobs, a project manager may perform the role of a construction manager by themselves.
Construction manager vs project manager career
If you want to get off the tools and become a manager or supervisor in the construction industry, then both construction manager and project manager are great choices.
Choose your preferred career—construction manager vs project manager—by looking at factors like salary, qualification level and work conditions.
As a more advanced role a construction project manager has the potential to earn more than a construction manager.
However, you might prefer the more hands-on role of a construction manager working on site alongside other tradespeople.
While there are different paths to getting qualified, it usually takes longer to become a qualified project manager vs construction manager.
If you’d prefer to do less schooling and start earning sooner then construction manager would be a good choice for you.
How to become a construction manager
There are many different ways to become a construction manager.
A lot of people choose to become trades people first so that they can experience what it’s like on a construction site.
After a few years of working on the tools you might then choose to up your game by becoming a site manager or supervisor.
To become a construction manager, you need a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220).
This fantastic qualification allows you to continue working full-time during the day while you study just a couple of nights a week.
When you do your Diploma of Building and Construction with a reputable school like Builders Academy Australia, we also give you free mentorship to help you pass your builder’s licence, which you’ll need to become a construction manager.
How to become a project manager
Just as with the construction manager role, you can become a qualified project manager by doing a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220).
While it’s very hard to get a builders licence, most of our diploma graduates are successful thanks to our free mentoring throughout the course.
You can then work your way up the ranks as you work in the construction industry.
Another way to become a construction project manager is by going to university.
If you don’t have the grades to go to university, then you can use your Diploma of Building and Construction as a university pathway.
When you do your diploma from Builders Academy Australia, you could get entry into one of these victoria university courses:
- Bachelor of Building Surveying
- Bachelor of Building Design
- Bachelor of Building (Construction Management)
Should I become a construction manager or a project manager?
To become a construction manager, you need a Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) or a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220).
Just as with the construction manager role, you can become a qualified project manager by doing a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220).
With just a Diploma of Building and Construction, you could be a construction manager on a building site within two years. Or up your game and become a project manager by following your diploma with a bachelors degree at Victoria University.
Thinking of doing a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220)? Chat to a course advisor about your options on 1300 534 363 (LEGEND) or request a callback today.