Construction Project Manager Job in Australia 2022
Listed as the third largest employer in Australia, construction is a field that’s expected to grow at an astounding rate over the next decade. This male-dominated industry requires highly skilled professionals who are computer-literate and have a strong management background. Construction project managers oversee the construction of all types of buildings, from high-rise office buildings in the Perth CBD to schools and hospitals. In addition to this, construction project managers oversee the design, planning, and execution of major construction projects.
Construction is Australia’s third-largest employer
The construction industry is one of Australia’s largest employers, employing more people than any other sector, and contributing $360 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Despite this significant contribution to the country’s economy, the industry faces significant challenges. One of the reasons for this is that construction is one of the three industries slow to embrace data processing, innovation, and digital technologies. Additionally, construction projects often go over budget or over time, which can have a negative impact on the industry’s productivity.
To attract more women to the sector, construction companies need to work on changing the traditional mindsets of young women. By improving the communication of construction roles to women, construction can encourage more female students to consider a career in construction. Construction companies must also work with school career advisers, who often have limited knowledge about the sector and push male students towards the industry. In an effort to address these challenges, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) funded research on the five-day work week in the construction industry.
Despite the importance of diversity and sustainability, the construction industry is not doing its fair share. Without women, this industry could lose out on a substantial percentage of its workforce and suffer from reduced profitability. Some of the reasons that women don’t choose a career in construction include a lack of flexibility, poor parental leave policies, and recruitment practices. In addition, a recent study by Dr Phillippa Carnemolla suggests that parents discourage talented female high school students from pursuing a career in construction.
While the government is asking the construction industry to take leadership in social procurement, many barriers still exist. However, with the government’s support, more workers will be able to get back to work. It is important to note that implementing these policies could improve employee wellbeing. While some policies are good for society, others can harm those most in need. This is why governments should ensure that they award contracts to contractors with reasonable margins.
Construction is a male-dominated industry
The construction industry in Australia remains overwhelmingly male. Although women have seen improvements in the industry over the past few years, it is still far from a gender equality in the workplace. In a recent survey, 75 percent of women believed their voices were heard equally by company leaders, up from 64 percent a year earlier. Moreover, four out of five women reported feeling respected by their colleagues, feeling as if their opinions were valued equally, and believing their opinions were genuinely considered.
The barriers to women’s entry into the construction sector start with the recruitment process. The industry traditionally favours male candidates over females, with informal and word-of-mouth recommendations being the most common routes into the industry. There are also inconsistencies in the way interview process takes place, which disadvantages women. A research associate at UNSW Built Environment, Gail Galea, has never come across a female project director in the last three years.
The industry is largely male, and men usually play the leading roles. This lack of diversity is particularly apparent at the senior levels. Only about one in three CEOs and board directors are women, and the figure is even lower at the senior levels. Women also make up only 2.5% of construction workers in Australia. Despite the increasing proportion of women in the industry, the sector is still overwhelmingly male, with a high level of male-only roles.
The Victorian government has recently announced a policy that will increase the proportion of women in the industry. The Building Equality Policy will come into effect on 1 January 2022. It mandates four percent of labour hours be performed by women. The transition period will last two years, and non-compliance will result in action. If non-compliance continues, the Australian government is likely to step in with a new law.
While the Victorian Government recently passed the Victorian Women’s Strategy, it is not enough to eliminate the underlying issues. The construction industry is notorious for poor mental health outcomes. Suicides are the number one cause of death for males in this age group. The Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention tracks the statistics for this industry and has launched the MATES in Construction program. During that time, project manager Joyce Gales shadowed several construction employees and found that a number of men opened up to her about their lives and their depression.
Construction project managers co-ordinate and oversee large construction projects
Whether managing a small residential home or a massive industrial project, construction project managers must manage a large team and work with stakeholders. They must coordinate the budget, risk management planning, and resources to meet project milestones. They must coordinate the project with teams, set up frequent meetings, and report on progress throughout the project. The scope and complexity of a construction project often determine the type of construction manager needed.
A construction project manager oversees all phases of a construction project from planning and pre-construction to turnover and closeout. This person is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the construction process meet the project owner’s requirements and are within budget. They must maintain the client relationship throughout the construction process to ensure that the end product meets specifications and budgets. Typically, a construction project manager holds a certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Although construction project management requires a wide range of skills, the job also requires a thorough knowledge of modern management. The job also requires an understanding of the construction and design process. Construction projects also have specific objectives and constraints, so the job description for a construction project manager may differ from that of a project manager in a different technology domain. As with any project manager, a construction project manager uses modern management techniques to achieve the objectives set by the client.
Construction project managers must be computer literate
The Construction project manager’s job entails overseeing and coordinating building projects. This position requires a strong understanding of the building process and the ability to deal with complex problems. The construction manager works in close collaboration with contractors and has a range of responsibilities. Despite the technical nature of this role, it remains one of the most rewarding. In addition to their ability to plan and oversee projects, construction project managers need to have good communication skills.