{"id":20068,"date":"2025-02-12T16:50:37","date_gmt":"2025-02-12T22:50:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arch.tamu.edu\/?p=20068"},"modified":"2025-02-12T16:50:40","modified_gmt":"2025-02-12T22:50:40","slug":"a-day-in-the-life-of-a-construction-manager","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.arch.tamu.edu\/news\/2025\/02\/12\/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-construction-manager\/","title":{"rendered":"A Day in the Life of a Construction Manager"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Construction managers thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments, where they can make the most of their vast skill sets while embracing an ever-changing array of challenges. This is a truly unique field, linking the hands-on satisfaction of construction with the joy of developing and seeing grand visions play out \u2014 all while working with diverse teams of passionate professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Jason Schroeder of Elevate Construction<\/a>\u00a0explains, despite the many unique challenges associated with construction management, this field is wonderfully empowering and can drive impressive career satisfaction. He also, however, acknowledges that this field calls for exceptional planning and coordination, which means bringing a deeply purposeful approach to every task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Routines and regimens can help, offering structure in what could otherwise feel like a chaotic environment. No two days look exactly alike, but the right strategies can help construction managers rise to the occasion, no matter which challenges they face on the site or in the office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this day-in-the-life guide, we provide a thorough overview of common construction management workflows and responsibilities, complete with details about daily requirements and opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pre-Dawn Preparation: The Calm Before the Construction Storm<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A few minutes of preparation early in the day can set construction managers up for success in all tasks to follow. Schroeder feels that this is, hands down, the most important aspect of construction management<\/a> for any given project. For this reason, he believes at least one-third of any project’s duration should be dedicated to planning and preparation. Much of this occurs during the early morning hours, long before everyday hustle and bustle begins at the construction site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviewing Project Schedules and Plans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ideally, each day will begin with a detailed review of the project plans and especially core objectives. This brief refresher should produce an instant sense of focus and purpose, helping construction managers<\/a> feel prepared and empowered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quick review of the overarching timeline should reveal whether the project is on track and, if not, what needs to be done to maintain progress. The goal is always to avoid falling behind while also maintaining balance across a myriad of obligations, tasks, and platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, resource allocation should be a priority in construction management at this time, with managers verifying that the necessary materials and equipment are available (not to mention labor to get the job done).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Responding to Emails and Communications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Clients and stakeholders expect that construction managers will keep them in the loop about key developments. While communication is to be expected throughout the day, the morning hours provide a great chance to get a jump on this essential. After all, as construction management expert Jason Schroeder points out, it can be incredibly stressful to fall behind: He says this feels like “always responding and reacting just to catch up.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because construction managers may face an influx of emails in the morning, some may need to prioritize by responding to the most urgent and critical messages first while making a plan to deal with other communications later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prepping for Safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a central aspect of construction safety management, construction managers are often responsible for conducting safety briefings, which keep team members aware of any potential hazards. However, while planning for the day, construction managers may also need to conduct risk assessments \u2014 drawing on insights from previous safety reports or incidents along with integrating up-to-date details gathered during construction site walkthroughs. These walkthroughs should uncover the need for specific control measures, such as installing safety barriers or using personal protective equipment (PPE).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On-Site Hustle: Where the Action Truly Happens<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Planning sets the stage for a successful day, but plans must give way to action. This occurs on the construction site, where managers offer guidance and support while team members tackle a variety of tasks. This dynamic setting can bring about unanticipated challenges, but in general, construction managers will  delegate essential tasks, track milestones, and inspect work quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morning Site Inspection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Construction managers typically perform daily site inspections that include the following areas and concerns:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n