A construction site can be a chaotic and complex work environment. Even a small project, like a kitchen refit, might require the contribution of several skilled specialist workers. A large project, like a new leisure centre or a multistorey car park, might require literally hundreds.
If these projects are going to be delivered on time, and to the required specification, then they will have to be well-managed. This is where the contribution of a competent site manager, or a team of them, might make all the difference.
Here, we’ll take a look at a few of the roles and functions performed by a construction site manager, and touch upon the construction manager’s job description.
The Importance of Site Management
Ensure the Project Runs Smoothly
It might seem obvious, but if the project isn’t going according to plan, then the blame can reasonably be pinned on the manager. The smooth running of the project is something that the manager is responsible for. In practice, this might mean a range of things. Practically, managers might need to issue the right instructions at the right time, but they’ll also need to be able to observe and interact with workers effectively. And, Managers took the responsibly if some of the workers meet with an accident in the workplace.
Communicate
A site manager must be an effective communicator. They’ll need to receive instructions from the decision-makers further up the chain, and interpret those instructions before passing them to workers where appropriate. They’ll also need to be able to receive messages in the other direction. It might be that there are developments on site that can be perceived only from a worker’s perspective. Managers should be receptive to these messages. After all, it’s only by being made aware of potential problems that they can act to solve them.
In short, an effective manager will also be an effective communicator. Fortunately, this is a skill that can be built up over time, and practised with the help of training. It’s essential to bear in mind that there’s more than one kind of communication, too. A chatty extrovert might make for a prolific communicator, but that doesn’t mean that they’ll always be an effective one.
Problem Solving
The manager should be able to solve problems. No construction project ever runs entirely according to plan, and therefore a little bit of flexibility is almost a requirement. More experienced managers will have encountered more problems, and will therefore be better able to spot them and solve them.
It’s the manager’s responsibility to check in at every stage of the whole construction process, to identify and anticipate potential obstacles, and to make and execute a plan to deal with them. For example, if an electrician has fallen ill or encounter an accident at work, the manager might look for a replacement – and rearrange other workers so that the project can unfold as intended.