Now you understand why you need one and how much it will cost, how do you go about selecting the right project manager for your company?
While there are many qualified project managers in the market, some have certain specialties or attributes that differentiate them, and it is important to find the project manager that’s skill set matches your needs.
Here are five key questions to address when interviewing potential project managers:
1. Does the construction project manager work for a reputable firm?
Doing some initial research on a potential project manager’s firm will go a long way. If they are employed by the firm, chances are they share a lot of the values and goals of the company. In order to narrow down your candidates, be careful to choose from trusted firms. Reputation and resources are key components in deciphering if a project manager will fit with your vision.
In most markets, you will run into both national powerhouses and local experts. To help navigate which is best for you, we’ve put together this article highlighting the pros and cons of each of these type of firm.
2. How much experience does my construction project manager have?
Experience in this sense is not limited to how long a project manager has been in the industry. Instead, this question asks how well they know the local construction market, their relationships with industry vendors and the kind of specific work experience you’re looking for.
You should make sure that your project manager has a strong list of connections, clients and unique access to market resources.
3. Have you worked on a project in our field before?
Having specific experience in the type and scope of the project you are looking for should be a determining factor for your project. Because commercial spaces can vary dramatically depending on the intended use, it is important to find a project manager with experience dealing with your industry and the type of specific requirements you need.
For example, imagine the different need requirements between a manufacturing and distribution plant and a Class A law firm space.
4. What was the outcome of your last project?
The biggest predictor of future success is often a history of past successes. Be sure to ask about the project managers previous projects, and dive into what made them successful or what they learned from a recent bump in the road, as failed projects often help people learn from mistakes and not make them again.
5. What certifications or qualifications do you have?
Project management is a highly technical field and requires significant training. Additionally, if you’re hoping to achieve environmental certifications for your project, it’s extremely helpful to have a project manager with training in that area.
Many project managers hold a degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management. Additionally, they may hold special certifications such as:
- LEED Certification
- Project Management Professional Certification (PMP)
- American Institute of Construction Certification (AIC)
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Construction Quality Management for Contractors
Read the full article here: Hiring a Project Manager for Your Construction Project: 7 Must-Ask Questions
30 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Project Manager
We’ve compiled 30 must-ask questions to help make the processes of hiring the right construction project manager for your office build-out or renovation as easy as possible.
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