Construction project managers in the on-site building, engineering or civil construction industry manage building projects. They may oversee or coordinate construction workers, but their role is broader than direct site supervision. For information about site supervisors and forepersons, see Award coverage for site superintendents, supervisors and forepersons in the on-site building, engineering and civil construction industry.

A construction project manager may have formal qualifications, such as an engineering degree. Their duties may include:

• Collaborating with engineers and architects to determine the specifications of the project
• Negotiating contracts with external vendors to reach profitable agreements
• Planning all construction operations and scheduling intermediate phases to ensure deadlines are met
• Hiring contractors and other staff and allocating responsibilities
• Overseeing and coordinating the work of labourers and other staff
• Evaluating progress and preparing detailed reports

Professional Award

The Professional Award may cover a construction project manager if their duties fall within the classification levels of the Award, and their role requires:

• a degree in engineering, or
• qualifications at least equal to those of a graduate member of Engineers Australia.

These employees will be overseeing and managing professional or technical matters for a construction project and will exercise a higher level of managerial control.

A construction project manager won't be covered by the Professional Award if their role is principally a managerial position.

Building and Construction Award

Generally, the Building and Construction Award won’t cover construction project managers.

However, the award may cover these employees if:

• the employer is in the industry of onsite general building and construction
• the project manager’s work is done on a construction site
• there’s a classification which matches their duties and qualifications.

If the work is done offsite, the Building and Construction Award doesn’t apply.

Award free

Construction project managers who aren’t covered by an industry or occupational award are award free.

Award free employees are entitled to the national minimum wage and the National Employment Standards.