How to successfully manage a construction project

The construction sector is such an interesting area to work in; the outputs can be seen all around us. Here in the UK we have an esteemed track record to be proud off, with heritage buildings that are world famous.

In spite of the uncertainty of Brexit, construction activity has increased since the beginning of 2016, hitting a seven-month high in October.

BPS World recruit for many global players within the construction sector so we know first-hand the excitement and pitfalls of this sector. As the Recruitment Delivery Manager for BPS World I speak to candidates, colleagues and partners who are experts in this area. One of the biggest challenges they encounter is on time delivery. Construction projects are highly complicated as they typically involve large contract values, more specialised work, tighter schedules and more stringent quality standards.

What defines the “success” of a project? Ultimately delivering on time and on budget will be deemed successful but the project also needs to deliver to the specified quality. If a project is delayed it is either extended or accelerated and will therefore incur additional costs.  The construction process is subject to different issues and many unpredictable factors. The key to delivering a project on time is through planning, time management and costing. Projects can suffer due to slow decision making, poor schedule management or increase in material/machine prices. If construction project overruns it puts massive financial burden on the client.

There are means to overcome these challenges. The project team needs a strong leader to complete a project successfully. The team leader needs to be experienced in all areas from cost and time management through to safety management. In any construction project there what is referred to as ‘particular risk' which includes damage to persons and property. Contract conditions normally make it a contractual obligation to take out insurance cover against these risks. Fundamental risk includes external factors such as nuclear pollution, labour and safety. There are other laws which may include malicious damage; and industrial disputes. Other considerations are speculative risk, which result from unexpected conditions such as unforeseeable shortages of labour or materials. There are also risks of losses of time and money due to delays and disputes, poor direction, supervision or communication and delays in payments.

A construction project is not without many varied obstacles to overcome and strong leadership plays a pivotal role. BPS World understands the skills needed for a strong project manager and has been recruiting in this sector for over 15 years. The company’s knowledge and expertise of the construction industry is a valuable asset we can pass onto our clients. We always look for people with excellent problem solving skills coupled with the ability to create a good working environment for their team.  A good manager needs to be not only capable but adaptable to the changing demands on a project.

For more information on BPS World's vacancies please get in touch with Kelly Laine on 01628 857343 or Kelly.laine@bps-world.com