Behind every successful construction project is a skilled project manager orchestrating the process like a conductor leading a symphony. From the initial planning stages to the final walk-through, project managers ensure every detail is in harmony, bringing together diverse teams and resources to deliver exceptional results.
A “Day in the Life” of a Crain Project Manager
Here are some core responsibilities and tasks that our project managers take on each day:
1.) Ensuring Projects are Set Up for Success
A Crain project manager’s day often includes project preparation and proactive communication. Reviewing schedules, checking project timelines, and touching base with the onsite superintendent are key to ensuring everything is aligned while trusting the expertise of other team members. As Jeff Kurzal, a Crain project manager, describes it:
“I appreciate that the Crain team allows you to do your job without micro-managing every step. The support is there when needed, but there is trust that you are capable of doing the job you were hired to do and accountability within the team that you are performing at your best.”
By setting clear expectations, project managers create an environment where everyone can focus on their roles.
2.) Onsite Problem-Solving and Team Collaboration
Collaboration is central to the work of a Crain project manager. Whether it’s working with superintendents onsite or coordinating with the pre-construction team, project managers ensure seamless communication between all parties.
For James Williams, Senior Project Manager leading the Hilton hotel project at the Nashville airport, this means keeping everyone aligned on a shared goal:
“You’ve got to get across the finish line and get everyone to get across it with you too. I just have to stay out of my team’s way, let them do their jobs, and make sure they have everything they need to do it.”
The collaboration doesn’t stop there. Crain’s project managers also work closely with subcontractors and trade partners to maintain quality and resolve potential issues before they arise. This commitment to teamwork ensures that challenges—whether related to supply chain delays or unforeseen onsite conditions—are met with innovative, practical solutions.
3.) Keeping Projects on Track
At some point in the day, project managers turn their attention to the broader picture. Reviewing budgets, managing project milestones, and addressing client needs are all part of the job. For Chad Thompson, a long-time project manager at Crain, seeing the final product come to life is the ultimate reward:
“There’s no bigger success than handing keys to an owner when that building’s done and seeing that excitement and joy on their face that they’re getting to move into their space.”
For Crain project managers, this sense of accomplishment is built on diligence and attention to detail. They understand that keeping projects on time and within budge
4.) Cultivating a Culture of Collaboration and Care
One of the characteristics that sets Crain project managers apart from other general contractors is their ability to set the tone for collaboration and care. They’re not just task managers; they’re leaders who foster a culture of teamwork and mutual respect. By prioritizing the needs of their teams and creating a supportive work environment, project managers help bring out the best in everyone involved.
“Crain truly prioritizes their employees and fosters a sense of family within the company,” says Don Duong, Assistant Project Manager. “The supportive work environment not only enhances job satisfaction but also fosters personal and professional growth.”
Crain’s culture extends beyond the job site. Project managers build lasting relationships with their teams, clients, and community, ensuring every project is not only completed but celebrated.
Behind Every Project is a Team
At Crain Construction, the role of a project manager is about more than managing budgets and schedules—it’s about building relationships and fostering collaboration. From start to finish, project managers are the glue that holds each project together, ensuring that every detail aligns with the company’s commitment to quality and client satisfaction.
If you’re looking to start your career in commercial construction or are curious about what it’s like to work at Crain, we invite you to explore our current openings or reach out to learn more about joining our team. Together, we can build something remarkable.
