Selecting a construction manager is a crucial decision that can impact a project’s timeline, budget, and overall success. Whether it’s a commercial development, educational facility or healthcare project, having the right team helps ensure smooth execution.
The Role of a Construction Manager
A construction manager (CM) serves as a liaison between the project owner, designers, and subcontractors, overseeing the entire process from pre-construction planning to completion. Their responsibilities include budgeting, scheduling, risk management and quality control. CMs streamline communication and coordination, reducing potential conflicts and delays.
“When choosing a construction manager, many elements should be considered. During any construction project, a strong partner is essential to provide trust, experience, and an understanding of the end goal,” said Mark Cochran, Chief Operating Officer at S. M. Wilson.
Understanding Different Contracting Models
Owners should also consider the construction management contract that best suits their needs. Some firms operate under a Construction Manager as Advisor (CMa) model, where the owner holds contracts with all trades. In contrast, others work as a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), taking on the contractual responsibility of subcontractors. Understanding these distinctions can help owners choose the best structure for their project goals.
Key Factors to Consider When Hiring a Construction Manager
- Experience and Expertise—Look for a firm with a track record in projects similar to yours. Their industry knowledge and past successes can give you confidence in managing complexities.
- Project Approach—A strong construction manager should take a proactive approach to problem-solving, communicate clearly and consistently and be flexible in adapting to unexpected challenges.
- Financial Management—Ensuring cost control and accurate budgeting is critical. The right firm will provide realistic estimates and cost-saving recommendations without compromising quality.
- Collaborative Mindset—Construction projects require teamwork among multiple stakeholders. A construction manager who fosters collaboration can help maintain positive relationships and efficiency throughout the project.
- Community Involvement—Community involvement can be achieved when firms engage local subcontractors and enhance the surrounding areas by incorporating hiring initiatives into bidding and project execution.
- Site Safety and Minimal Disruptions—Expertise and knowledge in logistics planning and minimal disruptions on active campuses and occupied buildings ensure that safety is a priority throughout each project.
- Enhancing Engagement—Educational programs, community tours, social media posts, and job site celebrations keep the community informed and engaged throughout the project.
Experience and Expertise
One of the most critical factors to evaluate when selecting a construction manager is their experience—specifically in projects that mirror your scope, scale and complexity. A firm with a proven track record brings more than technical know-how; it offers insight gained through real-world problem-solving, lessons learned from past challenges, and refined processes that have stood the test of time. Their familiarity with regulatory requirements, materials procurement and local subcontractor networks can help streamline the project and reduce risks from day one.
Experience in managing projects of similar scope and complexity is often a key factor in selecting a construction manager. Kristie Baumgartner, a retired superintendent from Alton C.U.S.D. #11, noted the value of working with a firm that understands public education funding and the constraints associated with such projects.
“S. M. Wilson’s experience working with school districts is critical because they understand the different funding sources and how to efficiently use those to do more with the same amount of money,” said Baumgartner.
Alton CUSD #11 Middle School’s new gymnasium
Project Approach
Every construction project presents a unique set of challenges. Hiring a construction manager with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset is essential. Look for a team emphasizing early involvement, clear and consistent communication and a willingness to adapt when conditions change. Their approach should prioritize collaboration with your team, anticipate potential issues before they arise, and deliver thoughtful, strategic responses to ensure progress is not stalled by avoidable delays.
Financial Management
Sound financial stewardship is the cornerstone of a successful construction project. The right construction manager will not only work within a budget but actively seek opportunities to improve cost efficiency without compromising quality. This includes offering accurate, transparent estimates during pre-construction, identifying value-added alternatives and monitoring costs throughout the build. Their ability to keep finances in check can mean the difference between a project that delivers enhanced value and one that fails to meet financial goals.
Collaborative Mindset
Construction is a team activity involving owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors and suppliers. A skilled construction manager understands the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships across all project stakeholders. They know how to create a collaborative atmosphere that encourages open dialogue, trust, and shared problem-solving. This spirit of cooperation is key to avoiding conflicts, improving on-site efficiency and ensuring that everyone works toward the same goal: a successful, on-time, and on-budget completion.
Transparent communication and collaborative planning are essential components of a successful construction project.
Community Involvement
Some construction managers incorporate local hiring and engagement strategies into their bidding and project execution processes. John Downs, retired superintendent of Hallsville R-IV School District, observed that project teams can be essential in maintaining positive community relationships.
“The project team is incredibly organized, efficient, and has demonstrated a great rapport with everyone involved in the project,” said Downs. These projects achieved 70% local participation.
Hallsville R-IV School District’s Primary School’s new gymnasium
Site Safety and Minimizing Disruption
Safety is a priority for projects on active campuses or occupied buildings. Construction managers with experience in phased construction and logistical planning can help reduce disruptions while maintaining a safe environment for occupants.
One factor to always consider when hiring a construction manager is the company’s Experience Modification Rate (EMR). EMR is a metric used to reflect a company’s safety record and risk profile compared to other firms in the industry. A construction manager with an EMR below 1.0 is considered to be safe.
Enhancing Engagement
Engagement within the community is another key indicator of a firm’s dedication to project success. Construction managers with philanthropic involvement and dedicated education programs provide extra value to a project and engage the community. Consider whether the company offers public relations support through community celebrations such as Groundbreaking and Ribbon Cutting ceremonies and support through social media posts, press releases, and community tours.
“(S. M. Wilson’s) SKILLED and Follow the Build programs bring student engagement into the educational forefront through specific classroom presentations by field experts, and on-site field trips to our own active project sites. This reinforces the ownership component for our students, while also allowing them an opportunity to understand what work goes into building a new facility,” said Stephanie Cann, retired Superintendent of Granite City School District #9.
Granite City High School students participated in an S. M. Wilson SKILLED event while constructing the new turf softball field.
Making an Informed Decision
Conducting thorough research, reviewing past project portfolios and gathering references from previous clients can provide valuable insights when selecting a construction management firm. Many firms offer complimentary consultations to discuss project needs and determine if they are the right fit. By carefully evaluating options and considering different perspectives, owners can confidently choose a construction manager who aligns with their vision and objectives.
Have additional questions about choosing the right construction manager for your next project? Contact Mark Cochran at mark.cochran@smwilson.com.