Construction managers coordinate and oversee construction projects of all kinds. They manage budgets and work closely with architects, civil engineers and tradesmen to ensure that projects are running smoothly. 

What Construction Managers Do

Construction managers and contractors need well-rounded skill sets, as their work spans multiple disciplines. On top of having a strong technical knowledge about construction, they also need to be familiar with legal requirements like contracts and safety codes, and with financial tasks such as cost estimating and budgeting.

There are many levels on which construction managers can work. Some oversee all aspects of a project from start to finish, while others specialize in more focused aspects of a project. Large and complex projects generally require several managers to coordinate different tasks. For example, a high-level construction manager may hire other managers to oversee the structural foundation or plumbing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, industries hiring the most construction managers include residential and nonresidential construction and civil engineering construction. Specialty trade contractors are also in high demand, and many construction managers are self-employed.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of construction managers is projected to grow steadily over the next decade (about 9%), driven by infrastructure investment, population growth and the need to modernize aging buildings. 

What’s Changing in Construction Management

Today’s construction management professionals are increasingly expected to work with digital tools and data-driven processes. Industry reports, like PWC’s What’s next in engineering and construction, highlight increased adoption of digital tools, sustainability standards and integrated project delivery models across the construction sector. Advanced technologies such as AI and robotics are being used to capture data and automate workflows, transforming everything from project scheduling and risk forecasting to measurement and digital modeling. Sustainability, climate resilience and global supply chain pressures are influencing how projects are designed and delivered. These trends reflect a broader shift in the industry that is reshaping the role of the modern construction manager. 

According to Hitesh Dewan, an associate senior project manager at Stantec and an instructor in UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education’s Construction Management Program professionals looking to enter or advance into construction management need to be ready to adapt and innovate. 

“Look around at the industries that are adjacent to us. See what we can adapt and bring in those innovations,” said Dewan. “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.”

Core Skills for Today’s Construction Managers

Construction managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in construction, business, engineering or a related field, or an associate’s degree in construction management or technology, along with industry experience. Several hard and soft skills are also essential. 

Analytical skills are crucial for any coordinator position that needs to plan strategies and address obstacles. Contractors also need excellent technical skills and an applied knowledge of technical concepts like construction technologies or drawings. 

Soft skills like communication and leadership are just as important, as construction managers often collaborate with other construction professionals and need to be able to delegate tasks and concisely explain technical concepts to others. High-demand skills with strong projected growth over the next two years include: project management (19.8%), subcontracting (9.4%), quality control (11.9%), procurement (13.8%) and cost estimation (23.7%).

Certifications That Can Boost Your Construction Management Career

Construction management offers opportunities for advancement, often moving from a specialized or subcontractor role into broader project oversight and leadership positions. Though certification is not necessary for a career in construction management, it can be a helpful step in growing professionally and demonstrating skill level and knowledge to potential employers. Common certifications include Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Associate Constructor (AC) and Certified Professional Constructor (CPC), which vary in skill level and years of experience.

Preparing for Construction Management Roles Through Continuing and Professional Education 

Earning a certificate in construction management is an effective way of gaining credibility and developing skills needed for the job. Designed for prospective construction management professionals, UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education’s Construction Management Certificate Program provides you with the business, managerial and technical skills to succeed in the industry. 

Get practical, hands-on experience in construction management, including construction methods, applying blueprints to final construction, strategies for monitoring construction and using cost estimation principles. Courses are taught by industry veterans and the curriculum is endorsed by the region’s top industry associations, including North State Building Industry Association (BIA), Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange (SRBX) and the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE). You’ll also earn academic credit through the UC Davis Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering that can be applied toward a construction management degree.

Program Details

• Complete in 12 months
• 6 online courses
• $5,250 (Pay in full and save 10%)