There are two key roles that lead to a successful construction project – the Project Manager and Superintendent. Their roles and responsibilities are different, but the collaboration between the two is the secret sauce.

The Planner: Project Manager

No project gets off the ground (literally and figuratively) without a plan. Who devises the plan? The Project Manager! The PM is responsible for all the “behind the scenes” work and logistics, such as the budget, scheduling, communicating with the project owner, and the overall execution of the project owners’ goals and vision.

The Construction Site Guru: The Superintendent

The conductor of the construction site and crew – the project’s Superintendent is responsible for managing day-to-day operations of the site, ensuring the work is progressing according to plan, and addressing any issues that arise in real-time. No detail is too big or too small, and it is the Superintendent’s responsibility to ensure the work is quality, safe, and correct.

The Secret Sauce: How They Work Together

Think of your favorite superhero duo, except in this scenario there is no “superhero” or “sidekick” – both the Project Manager and Superintendent play equally important roles in the execution of a construction project. The key to success is effective communication. The Project Manager provides the Superintendent with the strategic direction and updates on any changes to the project scope, while the Superintendent offers feedback on daily operations and any issues affecting progress. Many firms hold weekly meetings with the entire project team (PM, Super, Principal, Project Owners) to share insights and any updates to schedules.

Together, the PM and Superintendent can effectively address any unexpected issues – supply chain disruption, weather-related delays, site conditions, change orders, etc. – on the client side and site side. As long as there are clearly defined responsibilities to avoid any overlaps or gaps, the two roles can foster a more productive working environment and keep a project on track.

If you are embarking on a construction project, pay close attention to how the General Contractor you hire staffs your project. Ask about projects the Project Manager and Superintendent have worked together on in the past and how they solve issues. Their collaboration is indeed the secret sauce to achieving a successful, efficient, and high-quality construction project.