A Career in Construction Management -Complete Guide For 2023

The construction management industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the Indian economy, with investments in infrastructure development, residential and commercial real estate and industrial projects. India has one of the largest construction markets in the world, with the sector expected to attain the $1.4 trillion mark by 2025.

The construction sector in India is poised for a prosperous future. It is anticipated that the real estate sector in India will attain a value of $1 trillion by 2030, and it will contribute 13% to the country’s GDP. The urban population in India is projected to surpass 40% by 2030, creating a demand for 25 million additional affordable and mid-range housing units. As per the union budget 2023, the capital investment outlay will increase by 33% to INR 10 lakh crore. The outlay for PM Awas Yojana will see a 66% increase, totalling over INR 79,000 crore. An outlay of INR 10,000 crore per year is allocated to the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund to develop urban infrastructure in tier 2 and 3 cities.

Here is a complete guide for exploring various aspects of construction management, including the education and skills required, job responsibilities, career paths and much more. Whether you are interested in working on commercial buildings or infrastructure projects, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of what it takes to succeed in this dynamic and exciting field.

What is Construction Management?

Construction management is managing construction projects ranging from planning and budgeting to organising and overseeing the construction process. It can be broadly categorised across three phases.

Pre-construction – The pre-construction phase includes activities such as project planning, allocation of suitable budgets and site selection.

Construction – These activities include allocating the appropriate resources, project scheduling and construction coordination tasks.

Post-Construction – Such tasks comprise project closeout, warranty management, etc.

Functions of a Construction Manager

The role of a construction manager goes beyond the usual. Here are the functions where a construction manager has to be ready in various capacities.

Project Management Planning – Construction managers must be able to define the scope and objectives of a project, estimate the project duration, set suitable budgets, and seek requirements and benchmarks. A good construction plan helps make complex planning and efficient budgeting decisions. A construction manager may be required to coordinate with project managers, engineers, architects and other stakeholders to ensure the project is designed following the client’s requirements and industry standards.

Budget Management – A critical aspect of construction management is handling the associated costs. Construction managers must map the forecasted costs against the budgets and build a payment table to assess the returns from a particular project. This helps determine a project’s returns and maximise resource efficiency. Budget management also includes tracking expenses, negotiating contracts and managing change orders as needed.

Site Management – A construction manager must be able to assess the construction site to determine if the tasks are being carried out efficiently and safely. Site management also includes managing equipment and material, overseeing subcontractors, and ensuring tasks are completed on time and within the allotted budget.

Quality Control – A construction manager must ensure the work is completed per the required quality standards. This involves inspections, tests, reviewing specifications etc., to ensure the work is being conducted per the industry’s best practices.

Safety Management – The role of a construction manager includes ensuring the site is safe for workers and visitors. Safety management tasks comprise developing safety plans, conducting audits, and providing well-trained and equipped workers.

Qualifications – A construction manager must have a bachelor’s degree in construction management/civil engineering or a related field. Some universities offer postgraduate programs in construction management. You can also intern at a construction company to enhance your practical skills.

Courses

Educational institutions offer several courses for students to build a robust career in construction management. Here is an overview of the courses offered by NICMAR.

Advanced Construction Management
The Advanced Construction Management program has been designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of all the necessary aspects required for future construction projects that are both global and sustainable, particularly in complex environments. The program equips students to take on professional responsibilities that require a high level of proficiency in applying the latest technology, such as Human Resource Management, Project Finance, and International Markets, with special emphasis on Infrastructure Development and Real Estate projects.

Engineering Project Management
The PGP-EPM program is designed to transform young and dynamic graduate engineers into mature and knowledgeable professional project managers. The program aims to equip students with the potential to manage large-scale projects in various industries and sectors, such as Construction, Steel, Oil and Gas, Petrochemicals, Power, and Infrastructure.

Real Estate and Urban Infrastructure Management
The PGP-REUIM is a program that encompasses multiple disciplines, including Management, Engineering, Architecture, Land-use, Legal Aspects, Information Technology, Urban Economics, and Financial Aspects. The program blends theory with practical application. Its primary objective is to develop leaders with techno-managerial skills who can manage, drive, and lead real estate and urban infrastructure organisations. The program offers two specializations: Investments and Markets (I&M) and Construction and Development (C&D).

Infrastructure Finance, Development and Management

The PGP-IFDM is a rigorous professional program that offers sector-specific specializations to meet the needs of enterprises. This interdisciplinary program focuses on advanced infrastructure project management approaches, such as Project Organization Management, Construction Planning and Control, Contract Management, Quality and Safety Improvement, Sustainability, Risk Management, Budgeting, Valuation, Asset Management, Project Financing, and Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The program has two specialized tracks in Infrastructure Finance and Infrastructure Development Management.

Certifications

Here are some certifications that can help enhance construction managers’ knowledge and skill sets:
1. Certified Project Manager (CPM)
2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
3. Master Project Manager

Skills

A construction manager must possess the following skills:
(i) Analytical skills
(ii) Time management skills
(iii) Leadership skills
(iv) Customer service skills
(v) Writing skills
(vi) Technical skills
(vii) Business skills
They should be able to manage teams, handle complex technical details, negotiate contracts and understand intricate details related to regulations, construction and safety standards etc.

Career Paths
As a construction manager, you can work for the following:
• Construction companies

• Real-estate developers

• Government agencies

• Consulting firms

Some job titles for you include – civil engineer, project leader, engineer manager, project manager, estimator and contract administrator, and construction superintendent. As you grow, you will gain eligibility to handle more complex roles such as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Construction.

Employment Opportunities
Many construction managers are self-employed workers who work independently.However, construction managers can apply at any manufacturing plant or construction company. Here is a representation of the employment opportunities available for a construction manager.