An electrical project manager is responsible for the success of any construction project; this includes playing an important role on and off the job site. Not only do they oversee and regulate how to plan, organize workers, schedule, materials, and equipment, but they make sure that the budget is efficient for the project. Electrical project managers have lots of responsibilities in electrical construction from the start to the completion of the project. They control costs, estimate, forecast, and schedule the project.
Responsibilities
As an electrical project manager, you are responsible for ensuring the highest quality of work at job sites and being responsible for contracts, subcontracts, materials, submittals, and purchases, as well as change orders.
In fast-paced construction environments, they schedule and plan timelines, lead a multi-disciplinary project team, ensure the work is compliant with strict health and safety guidelines and develop step-by-step project plans. Also, they define the technical requirements and feasibility of a project and outline resources that are needed to deliver electrical projects.
To be an effective electrical project manager, they require technical management skills and liaising with staff at any level. Here are how project managers can improve the delivery of their projects.
1. Follow the Electrical Project Management Checklist
Below is a checklist and steps on how you can maximize the efficiency of your project and make it successful.
- Understand your role in the project. To have a smooth project, construction managers should understand their tasks and responsibilities in the project.
- Write up a plan. A project plan is essential in that it helps with tracking the project. A project plan includes the schedules, critical information of the project, communication, and materials.
- Do your research. Conduct your research to determine the scope and size of the project. Research gives you an idea of how to equip, prepare and manage your team. The more research you do, the better the project will be since more details will be channeled.
- Check-in and reevaluate. Be a familiar face on your project site by checking in and ensuring that everything is going to plan. In case of anything, it might be necessary to make adjustments and take immediate action.
2. Communication
In all construction projects, communication is key. Establishing a seamless flow of communication is important. Even when changes arise, everyone can know. Communication is a two-way street and includes the workers, clients, and stakeholders. Choose a specific day of the week whereby you will be updating everyone and ensure they are on the same page, review their progress and make necessary modifications if need be.
Communication plays a vital role in ensuring that you track your project, communicate with clients and stakeholders, and keep all of them on the same page. To improve communication and collaboration, there are tools that you can incorporate on and off the site. Below are additional tips to help you improve your communication skills in your construction.
- Listening to others
- Provide clear drawings
- Mitigate issues
- Avoid jargon
3. Collaborative Construction Management Software
There is construction management software that allows everyone working on the project to access information and documentation. Software used for construction management help to simplify the work, which has made them popular in the industry.
Cloud-based software helps the project manager easily access and manage their clients from any place and in real-time. Software should be accessible on tablets, computers, and smartphones.
4. Prepare a detailed system drawing for the field and as-built drawings
A detailed system drawing saves labor and materials; it also shows the best plan for cable grouping and conduit routing. Having an accurate system will ensure the electrical systems are installed with great accuracy. Keep a record of everything, including blueprint changes and anything else that happens in the project.
5. Take Care of Even the Less Important Tasks
An effective electrical project manager, before they start on any project, they go through the original estimate and blueprints. Thus they know the equipment and materials needed. One of the ways to classify items is by highlighting the items that are: crucial, extraordinary, special, and the ones that will be delivered in the long run.
Going through the equipment and materials is crucial since it gives you an idea of what materials to order early.
Final thoughts
These tips are only a fraction of how you can become an effective electrical project manager and improve project delivery. For any project to be successful, strong communication is key, and this will result in building your reputation since it will help you achieve great success and have more work.
Author bio:
John Keohane is the owner of JK Services, an industry-leading electrical contractor in Ireland.
