Construction is a multifaceted industry that involves many elements that need to work together to be successful. It involves working on projects to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and with the required quality standards. Working in this role requires knowledge along with expertise and skills.
Understanding the titles and roles in construction is vital to managing the complexities of the industry. If you are interested in the field and want to expand your knowledge, you have come to the right place. Here you will find a practical overview of construction roles and titles.
Top Construction Job Titles
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that construction sector jobs will grow by 6% from 2020 to 2030. 400,000 new jobs will be created in this sector. The average annual wage in May 2021 was $48,210. Below are some job title descriptions through which you can get more information about this field.
Construction Project Manager
The construction project manager (PM) plays a vital role in a construction project. They liaise with the client and ensure that all work is carried out according to their requirements. Also, they monitor the project process from start to finish to ensure that everything is done as it should be. Their responsibilities include project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, quality assurance, and performance tracking. They must have skills in problem solving, leadership, industry, and technical knowledge, to name a few.
Construction Manager
Site managers are also called construction managers (CM). These professionals are skilled in managing all aspects of the construction phase of a project, including trades, methods, materials, and equipment, making them one of the most senior positions. They are responsible for site management, hiring contractors, supervising and inspecting them, and preparing reports to keep teams informed about the status of various activities. Like project managers, construction managers must have a high level of industry and technical knowledge and leadership skills, time management skills, and problem-solving skills to deal with all unforeseen situations that may occur during the construction phase.
General Contractor
The general contractor (GC) is hired as a professional through bidding to lead the construction work. The subcontractors are responsible for management. The general contractor (GC) is compared to construction management (CM) because of their important roles in management. Construction management (CM) is hired by the client to assist in the design, planning, and procurement of the construction process before the project begins and oversees the work of the GC after work begins. The general contractor (GC) is hired for construction only. They are paid for the construction responsibility only.
Construction Superintendent
The superintendent is called the right hand of the general contractor. The superintendent acts as the voice of the GC on the site and is responsible for managing and overseeing the work to ensure that the job is completed on time and to the standards agreed upon by the client. They are the first ones in the morning and the last ones to leave in the evening. They make sure that everyone has what they need to complete the job, and to do this, they work with engineers and subcontractors to ensure that resources are available for each assignment and there are no delays. The role and responsibilities of the superintendent can vary depending on the job.
Construction Foreman
Construction foreman is also at the top of the list of construction jobs. They work under the superintendent as the leader of their team in a specific trade or specialty. Alshey are called the “eyes and ears” of the superintendent. They are responsible for informing him about any issues in the business. They monitor the work to ensure that their team’s schedule is organized so that the job is done properly.
Construction Architect
The job of a construction architect is to create and manage the design. As leaders of the design team, they work with stakeholders, especially engineers, to ensure that the design complies with safety, health, and building regulations based on the client’s expectations. Their work includes creating drawings, developing specifications, innovation and sustainability in design, etc. For all this, they must have many skills, such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, and technical proficiency, to manage design software.
Construction Engineer
Construction engineers top the list of construction sector jobs. They ensure that designs are being met and comply with safety and construction regulations. Their work involves assessing the feasibility and potential risks of designs based on site conditions and environmental impact factors and advising when adjustments are needed. They help solve problems that arise during the construction process with technical solutions. These professionals must have industry knowledge and experience, technical proficiency, and problem-solving skills that include using professional construction engineering software.
Construction Estimator
Construction estimators manage project costs by estimating them. They gather data about the time, labor, materials, and equipment needed to complete the job and use cost estimation software to determine how much the project will cost. Their role varies depending on which party is hiring them. Their role is different for both the owner and the contractor.
Quantity Surveyor
A quantity surveyor in the construction industry is a professional with extensive experience advising on effective cost management in projects. Among their responsibilities, professionals contribute to value engineering strategies by preparing, controlling, and analyzing bills of quantities, assisting with cost estimating, tendering, and procurement.
BIM Manager
A BIM manager develops, manages, and updates BIM strategies in a company. Implements BIM management software processes and tools in construction projects. They help create and coordinate BIM models. They must have skills such as industry knowledge, leadership skills, understanding of legal and regulatory requirements related to BIM, and thinking skills.
Construction Specifier
The role of a construction specifier is to prepare specifications containing technical and operational requirements for materials and equipment. The specifications prepared by them serve as a guiding manual for the project stakeholders. Specifiers are consultants throughout the project who advise on materials in terms of performance, cost, durability, and other elements.
Conclusion
There are many opportunities available in the construction industry, with many companies looking for you to improve their performance. By learning about the construction roles mentioned above, you can take your career forward by combining them with powerful digital construction technologies.
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