Role of a Construction Manager

A construction manager (CM) plays a pivotal role on a construction project by coordinating and supervising the construction process from the initial development to final construction. The CM manages people, materials, and equipment in the execution of the project plans and is responsible for keeping the project on budget. Additionally, he keeps all schedules and contracts and works to ensure the safety of the public and the employees on the job site.

A key responsibility of the CM is cost estimating. The CM will provide the owner with a detailed analysis of the cost for the project, which he may refine and update periodically as the construction plans are drawn. As part of this job function, he may suggest alternative construction avenues that could lower the project's cost.

A CM may be "at risk" or merely serve in an agency role. When "at risk," the CM assumes the same legal liabilities as that of the general contractor for the completion of the project in addition to those liabilities emanating from the pre-construction phase. When serving only as an agent, the CM's liability is limited to that for his own errors and omissions but not for the construction's quality, on-time completion, or cost.

On large construction projects, the role of the CM is oftentimes filled by the general contractor. The general contractor (or developer) contracts with the owner. Thereafter, the general contractor enters into subcontracts with various trades for the completion of the project. The management of the project, then, falls naturally to the general contractor because it is that entity who is in privity with the owner and who will be held accountable to the owner. By taking on the CM role, the general contractor is in a better position to ensure the project's completion as contemplated in its contract with the owner.

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