The roles of superintendent and project manager are frequently combined, and occasionally one person performs the duties of both positions. In this case, they are simply called construction managers. In contrast, the project manager frequently works with the administrative management staff, whereas the superintendent frequently collaborates with the construction crew.
What is a superintendent?
A superintendent, also known as a foreman or contractor superintendent, works closely with a construction crew and is in charge of all of their day-to-day operations. Any member of the construction team can ask questions or seek advice from the superintendent. As one of the more seasoned workers on a project, they can assist in instructing crew members on how to use their tools effectively and safely to ensure their safety and adherence to project deadlines. Additionally, superintendents may employ construction workers and create work schedules.
What is a project manager?
A project manager is a qualified individual who is in charge of managing the entire construction project from start to finish. They might meet with project stakeholders to get a better understanding of their needs and objectives, obtain a budget, and discover more about the project’s schedule. Additionally, they’ll inquire about deadlines and how frequently stakeholders want project updates, then make sure they collaborate with other project participants to meet expectations.
Project managers schedule the project according to due dates and then monitor it to ensure that it stays on schedule. A project manager may need to address problems that arise during construction to determine how they might affect the budget or schedule and what steps they need to take to prevent the problem from having a negative impact on the project.
Project manager vs. superintendent
Review the following list of distinctions between superintendents and project managers:
Salary
Work environment
Although both project managers and superintendents play a significant role in construction projects, a superintendent spends almost all of their time on the job site in order to manage other construction managers and supervisors who may be present on the job site, perform quality control, and be accessible to the construction crew. Project managers, on the other hand, typically work from an office, whether it be on-site or elsewhere. Even if they are working remotely, they will visit the job site frequently or meet with the superintendent to ensure that the project remains on schedule and within the allocated budget.
Management responsibilities
Superintendents and project managers both have management responsibilities, but they manage different things. Superintendents are responsible for overseeing only the construction-related aspects of a project and ensuring that the crew is punctual, productive, and equipped with the right tools for the job. Project managers oversee every aspect of a project, including planning, site selection, scheduling, and budgeting. They might depend on superintendents to deliver updates from the job site and relay them to other project stakeholders.
Client communication
Typically, project managers are solely responsible for communicating with the client on behalf of the project. Before the project even starts, they’ll start by speaking with the client to gather the data they need to make sure the project is successful. Before starting their work, project managers must be aware of the project’s budget, the client’s anticipated completion date, and any other relevant information. A project manager can effectively communicate with other parties, such as construction superintendents, and keep track of how well the project is progressing by having a thorough understanding of it.
Construction superintendents rarely, if ever, communicate with the client. Typically, superintendents only interact with the crew and give the project manager updates. A superintendent will probably speak with the project manager first if they have a question or concern. If the project manager needs to escalate the problem or query, they can get in touch with the client.
Level of authority
A construction superintendent is in charge of overseeing the members of the construction crew and typically answers to the project manager. They are responsible for ensuring that everything at the construction site proceeds as planned. Project managers, however, control the superintendent and report to the client. Although there may be other managers or project engineers on site who can assist while the superintendent is away, the construction crew may contact the project manager for guidance in the superintendent’s absence.
Distribution of job
A single project manager typically oversees the entirety of any construction project. Although the majority of the time, the project’s construction superintendent is the only one, there are some instances when there are multiple superintendents. Other superintendents who might collaborate with you on a project include:
One or more of these superintendents may be assigned to larger projects, and each is charged with a unique set of duties. Depending on the requirements of the project, project managers may employ these superintendents or rely on the chief superintendent to select candidates for various positions.
Education
Many employers don’t require construction superintendents to have degrees instead choosing candidates based on skill set and years of experience Many superintendents in the construction industry have at least four years of experience. Contrarily, project managers are more likely to possess a bachelor’s degree in business or a closely related field, as well as first-hand experience managing a project or team.
Certifications
Project managers and superintendents can both choose to become certified in their respective fields. Superintendents can obtain OSHA safety certifications for a foundational understanding of safety while project managers can choose to obtain the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. There are other superintendent certifications as well, which will demonstrate to a hiring manager that you possess the necessary knowledge.
What Does a Superintendent Do All Day? – RO at T.A. Brown Elementary | Episode 6
FAQ
Is superintendent higher than a project manager?
A construction superintendent is in charge of overseeing the members of the construction crew and typically answers to the project manager. They are responsible for ensuring that everything at the construction site proceeds as planned. Project managers, however, control the superintendent and report to the client.
What is higher than a project manager?
The highest-ranking employee in a company’s project management department is frequently the director of program management. The company’s long-term planning, as well as all of the projects that are carried out by the company, is supervised by the director of program management.
Which is higher superintendent or foreman?
Typically, superintendents hold a more important position than forepeople because they have the authority to oversee and manage projects. This typically means that project superintendents are responsible for all phases, including the planning, implementing, and submitting phases.
What is the role of a project superintendent?
To ensure the project meets expectations, the Superintendent’s job is to establish and maintain a collaborative partnership with all project stakeholders. From the beginning to the end of projects, you will plan and manage construction activities in a manner that is safe, efficient, and timely.
