It seems like there should be a pretty simple answer to the question; but there is not! The reason for this is because there are multiple people to whom the job is described as described.
The first of these is the person appointed by the Client to oversee the construction project on their behalf. The second is someone appointed by the Main Contractor to oversee the project and this person may be on site or an occasional visitor. The third party carrying the title will be based on the website, but should more correctly be called “Site Manager”.
Starting with the first, the Client Project Manager: – Has to bring together the entire client team; Architects, Consultants and QS's. They will then have to handle all discussions with those parts of the company department that will be affected by the construction project, if any. They then need to obtain any necessary permissions and complete bid inquiry forms before selecting the main contractor. Once work has started on site, they must supervise it from the Client's point of view; work according to standards, budget and schedule? When the construction project is over, these people may also have to handle a few more related projects; Change Management and IT. Strangely enough, companies often appoint people to these jobs who have absolutely no knowledge or experience in construction! We have to spoil them!
Once work has begun on site, the “main man” is the Main Contractor’s Project Manager. Their first, but often forgotten, task is to make all parties involved in the project (from the client's side, themselves and the subcontractors) feel that they are working together as a Team! Before that, he oversaw the information requests sent to potential subcontractors and finally appointed those whose price, experience and reputation make them the choice for the project in question. Then he needs to ensure that a good and comprehensive Construction Program is drawn up.
Be it a website or a website visitor, he has to supervise absolutely everything that is happening! Is paperwork being processed and filed properly? Is the site manager up to the job and so are the substitutes? Is the work up to standard? Are HS&E standards being met? Is the morale on site good? Is work progressing according to the Program? If there are doubts about any of these matters, he will have to deal with them. This can be done in one of two ways; a kind tip or a bullshit – even determining contracts or firing people!
That just leaves us with the guy titled “ Project Manager ” who should more correctly be called “Site Manager”. He will be responsible for taking care of all the paperwork and passing on the information to those who need to know. He will also pass RFIs to architects or engineers whenever additional information is required by qualified tradespeople. Additionally, your day should be spent on site checking construction progress and labor standards. He must establish friendly relationships with “the guys,” who will then inform him of any possible delays or problems long before he finds out otherwise. Once back at the Site Office, he can update the Construction Program progress so everyone knows where the project is.
The final twist to this job description of a project manager's duties in construction is that there is sometimes overlap in job titles. The main contractor's Project Manager may actually be present to fulfill the functions described above, and also those of the “Construction Manager”. This usually happens, but it has adverse side effects. Often the person indicated is not up to the role he or she must play, so what happens then? The project begins to lag behind the Program and doom and gloom are threatened! The main contractor then needs to hire a freelance project turnaround specialist or he will likely be on the verge of going out of business!
