What does a project manager/design manager do?
Project manager/design manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real project manager/design manager resumes:
- Manage and approve all changes to the project along with all AIA document approvals.
- Involve in Unix shell script development to automate ETL jobs by using Informatica sessions and workflows.
- Manage the schematic phase and generate all the necessary documents to be submit to the structural and MEP consultants.
- Manage internal prototype injection molding operations on a project basis.
- Lead efforts to redesign and convert existing self-pace and instructor-le course materials into eLearning and web-base formats.
- Lead safety compliance by conducting regular safety meetings with subcontractors and strictly enforcing safety policies and procedures, including OSHA regulations.
- Coordinate compliance of zoning laws, fire regulations and building codes with healthcare and governing agencies.
- Design, create project drawings & revit presentation renderings.
- Investigate and prototyped the use of auto-generate JavaScript for the GUI.
- Convert the mainframe Db2 jobs to datastage jobs using ETL tools.
- Develop detailed process piping plans in accordance with ASME and API requirements.
- Continue organize and maintain working inspiration, concept and sketch boards throughout next season projects.
- Utilize sketch abilities to illustrate ideas quickly then transfer ideas to 3D software for customer viewing.
- Develop detailed scope of work and construct RFP documents leading the team through the bidding process.
- Generate new business with external clients, guide design team on FFE specifications, design details.
Project manager/design manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 20% of Project Manager/Design Managers are proficient in Project Management, CAD, and Construction Management. They’re also known for soft skills such as Business skills, Customer-service skills, and Initiative.
We break down the percentage of Project Manager/Design Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Project Management, 20%
Provided project management, conceptual design, and preliminary engineering expertise for large-scale, environmental graphic design and public art projects.
- CAD, 6%
Design fully functional and coordinated fire protection system drawings utilizing 3-Dimensional CAD Software.
- Construction Management, 5%
Provide leadership in design and construction management through all phases of commercial and residential renovation projects.
- Fire Protection, 5%
Coordinated with National Fire Protection Agency and Federal Department of Transportation to insure all federal safety and standards where achieved.
- Project Scope, 5%
Established schedules, assessed project scope and budgets, prepared and made presentations to secure all project internal and civic approvals.
- Revit, 4%
Performed Revit modeling and rendering.
Common skills that a project manager/design manager uses to do their job include "project management," "cad," and "construction management." You can find details on the most important project manager/design manager responsibilities below.
Business skills. One of the key soft skills for a project manager/design manager to have is business skills. You can see how this relates to what project manager/design managers do because "construction managers need to prepare and follow project budgets, hire and manage staff, and coordinate with other workers and managers." Additionally, a project manager/design manager resume shows how project manager/design managers use business skills: "developed cad and microstation drawings for residential/business construction projects"
Leadership skills. project manager/design manager responsibilities often require "leadership skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "construction managers must effectively delegate tasks to construction workers, subcontractors, and other lower level managers to ensure that projects are completed accurately and on time." This resume example shows what project manager/design managers do with leadership skills on a typical day: "provide a budget and leadership for all cad, bim, cafm and gis technology item"
Technical skills. Lastly, "technical skills" is an important element of what a project manager/design manager does. Project manager/design manager responsibilities require this skill because "construction managers must have an applied knowledge of concepts and practices common in the industry, such as construction technologies, contracts, and technical drawings." This resume example highlights how project manager/design manager duties rely on this skill: "reviewed and addressed project rfi s and shop drawings and technical queries/clarifications. "
The three companies that hire the most project manager/design managers are:
- APi Group29 project manager/design managers jobs
- Professional Engineering Consultants16 project manager/design managers jobs
- Western States Fire Protection15 project manager/design managers jobs
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Compare different project manager/design managers
Project manager/design manager vs. Government contractor
The job of general contractors is to oversee the day-to-day operations of projects in the organization. General contractors are considered seasoned experts when it comes to home improvement. They provide the material, equipment, labor, and services for a construction project. Often, they hire specialized subcontractors who will be working on some part of the construction work. They should have attained a bachelor's or associate's degree in construction management. Their experience in the industry is highly coveted.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a project manager/design manager are more likely to require skills like "project management," "cad," "construction management," and "fire protection." On the other hand, a job as a government contractor requires skills like "cost accounting standards," "financial statements," "security clearance," and "logistics." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
On average, government contractors reach similar levels of education than project manager/design managers. Government contractors are 0.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Project manager/design manager vs. General contractor
A construction coordinator is in charge of overseeing the workforce and the workflow on a construction site, ensuring that all operations adhere to the standards, deadlines, budgets, and goals. Typically, it is their responsibility to liaise with clients and other professionals, organize work schedules, delegate tasks, and conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work. Furthermore, as a construction coordinator, it is essential to implement the safety rules and regulations to maintain a healthy and safe work environment for everyone.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, project manager/design manager responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "project management," "cad," "fire protection," and "project scope." Meanwhile, a general contractor has duties that require skills in areas such as "plumbing," "safety regulations," "contract negotiations," and "drywall installation." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
General contractors earn lower levels of education than project manager/design managers in general. They're 6.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for project manager/design managers in the next 3-5 years?
Tasoulla Hadjiyanni Ph.D.
Northrop Professor of Interior Design, University of Minnesota
Project manager/design manager vs. Construction coordinator
A construction superintendent's role is to oversee all construction plans and operations, ensuring quality completion within a specified timeframe. Some of their responsibilities are to inspect all sites, coordinate with contractors and engineers, manage the budget and expenditure, purchase necessary materials and equipment, and make schedules. Aside from producing daily progress reports, a construction superintendent also addresses issues and concerns should there be any. Furthermore, they must implement all safety regulations and policies to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from project manager/design manager resumes include skills like "fire protection," "project scope," "revit," and "design projects," whereas a construction coordinator is more likely to list skills in "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "customer service," and "construction contracts. "
Construction coordinators make a very good living in the energy industry with an average annual salary of $65,498. On the other hand, project manager/design managers are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $85,725.Most construction coordinators achieve a similar degree level compared to project manager/design managers. For example, they're 4.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Project manager/design manager vs. Construction superintendent
Types of project manager/design manager
Updated January 8, 2025
