Comparing Construction Manager and Project Manager Roles and Responsibilities in Kenya

The construction industry in Kenya is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic sectors in the country, contributing to about 7% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and employing about 1.5 million people. The industry is also undergoing rapid changes and challenges, such as increased demand for housing and infrastructure, technological innovations, environmental sustainability, regulatory reforms, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. To successfully deliver complex and diverse construction projects in this context, there is a need for effective management and coordination of various resources, processes, and stakeholders. This is where the roles of construction manager and project manager come in. These are two related but distinct professions that oversee different aspects of a construction project. However, there is often confusion and misunderstanding about their roles and responsibilities, especially in the Kenyan market where the profession of construction project management is not yet fully recognized and regulated. In this article, we will explain the difference between construction managers and project managers in terms of their definitions, scopes, duties, skills, qualifications, and career paths. We will also highlight some of the benefits and challenges of each profession in the Kenyan construction industry.

What is a construction manager? A construction manager (CM) is a professional who oversees the execution of a specific construction project on behalf of the client or the contractor. A CM is directly involved in the management of staff and subcontractors, procurement of materials and equipment, implementation of quality and safety standards, monitoring of progress and costs, resolution of issues and disputes, and delivery of the final product. A CM typically works at the construction site, where they supervise and coordinate all the activities and operations. A CM may also work in an office, where they prepare reports, schedules, budgets, contracts, and other documents. A CM may work on one or multiple projects at a time, depending on their size and complexity. A CM may have different titles depending on their employer or contract type. For example, a CM may be called a site manager, site agent, site engineer, or site supervisor when working for a contractor. A CM may also be called a resident engineer or clerk of works when working for a consultant or a client. What is a project manager? A project manager (PM) is a professional who oversees the entire process of a construction project from inception to completion. A PM is responsible for defining the project objectives, scope, budget, schedule, quality, risk, communication, and stakeholder management. A PM also coordinates and integrates all the resources, processes, and parties involved in the project. A PM usually works in an office, where they plan, organize, direct, control, and evaluate all aspects of the project. A PM also communicates with various stakeholders such as clients, developers, contractors, consultants, suppliers, regulators, and end-users. A PM may visit the construction site occasionally to monitor the progress and quality of the work. A PM may work on one or several projects at a time, depending on their size and complexity. A PM may have different titles depending on their employer or contract type. For example, a PM may be called a project director, project coordinator, project engineer, or project administrator when working for a contractor. A PM may also be called a client representative, project leader, or project consultant when working for a consultant or a client. What are the differences between a construction manager and a project manager? Construction manager and project manager are two related but distinct professions that oversee different aspects of a construction project. Here are some of the key differences between them:

• Scope: A CM has a narrower scope than a PM, as they only focus on the construction stage of the project. A PM has a broader scope than a CM, as they cover all stages of the project life cycle, from initiation to closure.

• Duties: A CM has more operational duties than a PM, as they manage the day-to-day activities and operations on the site. A PM has more strategic duties than a CM, as they manage the overall direction and performance of the project.

• Skills: A CM requires more technical skills than a PM, as they need to have knowledge and experience in construction methods, materials, equipment, and standards. A PM requires more managerial skills than a CM, as they need to have knowledge and experience in project management methodologies, tools, and techniques.

• Qualifications: A CM usually has a bachelor’s degree or diploma in civil engineering, building science, construction management, or a related field. A CM may also have a professional certification from a recognized body such as the Association of Construction Managers of Kenya (ACMK) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)4. A PM usually has a bachelor’s degree or diploma in project management, business administration, engineering, or a related field. A PM may also have a professional certification from a recognized body such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) or the Association for Project Management (APM)5.

• Career path: A CM usually starts their career as a site engineer or supervisor and progresses to become a site manager or agent. A CM may then advance to become a construction manager or director for a contractor or a consultant4. A PM usually starts their career as a project coordinator or engineer and progresses to become a project manager or leader. A PM may then advance to become a project director or consultant for a contractor, a consultant, or a client5.

What are the benefits and challenges of each profession in the Kenyan construction industry? Construction management and project management are both rewarding and challenging professions in the Kenyan construction industry. Here are some of the benefits and challenges of each profession:

• Benefits: A CM can enjoy the benefits of working on diverse and exciting projects, being involved in the creation of tangible products, having a direct impact on the quality and safety of the work, and having opportunities for career growth and development4. A PM can enjoy the benefits of working on complex and challenging projects, being involved in strategic planning and decision-making, having an influence on project outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction, and having opportunities for career growth and development.

• Challenges: A CM can face the challenges of working under tight deadlines and budgets, dealing with unpredictable site conditions and issues, managing multiple subcontractors and suppliers, and complying with various regulations and standards. A PM can face the challenges of working with multiple stakeholders with different expectations and interests, dealing with uncertain project risks and changes, coordinating and integrating various project resources and processes, and ensuring the project meets its objectives and scope.

Conclusion Construction manager and project manager are two related but distinct professions that oversee different aspects of a construction project. A CM oversees the execution of a specific construction project on behalf of the client or the contractor. A PM oversees the entire process of a construction project from inception to completion. Both roles are important and require different skills and qualifications. Both roles also offer benefits and challenges in the Kenyan construction industry. By understanding the difference between these two professions, you can choose the one that suits your interests, abilities, and career goals.