Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Field Construction Manager

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a seasoned construction leader with a passion for building excellence from the ground up? We're looking for a dynamic and results-driven Field Construction Manager to be the on-site commander for our most critical projects. In this pivotal role, you will be the driving force behind all field operations, translating blueprints into reality. You will lead teams of skilled professionals, manage subcontractors, and uphold the highest standards of safety and quality. This is your opportunity to take ownership of complex projects, solve real-time challenges, and deliver landmark structures that leave a lasting impact. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and excel at orchestrating the multifaceted dance of a construction site, we invite you to join our team.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Construction Superintendent
Senior Project Engineer
Assistant Construction Manager

Advancement To:

Senior Construction Manager
Director of Construction Operations
General Superintendent

Lateral Moves:

Senior Project Manager (Office-Based)
Pre-construction Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Spearhead the end-to-end management of all on-site construction activities, ensuring the project is executed in strict accordance with contract documents, plans, and specifications.
Develop, maintain, and drive the master project schedule, meticulously tracking milestones and implementing recovery plans to mitigate delays.
Command全 project financial health by managing the on-site budget, controlling costs, tracking expenditures, and approving field-related invoices.
Direct and supervise all field personnel, subcontractors, and vendors, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
Champion and enforce a world-class safety program, ensuring strict compliance with all OSHA and company safety protocols to maintain a zero-incident job site.
Conduct daily site walks and rigorous quality control inspections to guarantee workmanship meets or exceeds the highest standards of excellence.
Serve as the primary on-site point of contact, leading all project meetings with clients, architects, engineers, and trade partners.
Proactively identify, analyze, and resolve complex field issues and discrepancies, minimizing impact on the project schedule and budget.
Manage the procurement and logistics of materials, equipment, and temporary site utilities, ensuring timely delivery and optimal inventory levels.
Interpret complex blueprints, specifications, and technical documents, providing clear direction and guidance to the field team.
Oversee the complete project documentation flusso, including daily reports, RFIs, submittals, change orders, and as-built drawings.
Negotiate and resolve conflicts with subcontractors and suppliers to maintain positive working relationships and project momentum.
Coordinate with local municipalities and inspection authorities to schedule and pass all required project inspections and obtain the certificate of occupancy.
Manage the project closeout phase, including the development and completion of punch lists, final inspections, and the successful handover of the facility to the client.
Prepare and present comprehensive status reports to senior management, detailing project progress, financial standing, risks, and safety performance.
⚫️ Mentor and develop on-site staff, including superintendents and field engineers, to build a strong talent pipeline.
Implement and manage storm water pollution prevention plans (SWPPP) and other environmental regulations on site.
Evaluate and approve subcontractor change order requests, ensuring they are valid, fair, and properly documented.
Review and understand the prime contract to ensure all contractual obligations and notice requirements are met.
Drive a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and implementing innovative construction methods and technologies to enhance productivity and quality.

Secondary Functions

Mentor and develop junior field staff, including Project Engineers and Superintendents, fostering a culture of growth and excellence.
Champion the adoption of new construction technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency and quality.
Contribute to pre-construction efforts, including constructability reviews, scheduling, and logistics planning.
Participate in corporate safety committees and continuous improvement initiatives to elevate company-wide standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Construction Management Software: Expert proficiency in platforms like Procore, Plangrid, or Viewpoint.
Scheduling Software: Advanced knowledge of creating and managing complex schedules using Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project.
Blueprint & Specification Interpretation: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex architectural, structural, and MEP drawings.
Cost Management & Budgeting: Proven ability to manage multi-million dollar project budgets, track costs, and perform financial forecasting.
Safety Regulations: In-depth knowledge of OSHA construction standards; OSHA 30 certification is mandatory.
Building Codes & Permitting: Thorough understanding of local, state, and national building codes and the permitting process.
Quality Control/Quality Assurance: Expertise in implementing and managing a rigorous QA/QC program.
Contract Management: Skill in understanding and administering prime contracts and subcontracts.
Documentation & Reporting: Proficiency in creating detailed daily logs, RFIs, submittals, and progress reports.
Digital Plan Review: Experience with Bluebeam Revu or similar markup and collaboration tools.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Influence: The ability to command a large, diverse team and inspire high levels of performance and accountability.
Problem-Solving: Exceptional critical thinking skills to rapidly identify issues, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions under pressure.
Communication: Clear, concise, and professional communication skills, both written and verbal, for interacting with all levels of project stakeholders.
Negotiation & Conflict Resolution: Adept at negotiating contracts and resolving disputes with firmness and fairness.
Time Management & Prioritization: Masterful ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Decisiveness: Confidence in making timely, well-informed decisions that drive the project forward.
Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with clients, design teams, and subcontractors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent combined with extensive, verifiable field leadership experience.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

Construction Management
Civil Engineering
Architecture

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

8-12+ years of progressive experience in commercial, industrial, or institutional construction, with at least 5 years in a lead Superintendent or Field Management role.

Preferred:

Experience managing ground-up construction projects valued at $20M+.
A stable work history with demonstrated project success and career growth.
Experience in a specific sector (e.g., healthcare, data centers, higher education) may be highly valued depending on the project.