The details of a construction executive’s job description depend in large part on where the executive is within a construction company’s hierarchy. A top-level executive, such as a chief executive officer (CEO) of a construction company, may be charged with keeping the company running by ensuring that lower-level employees know and do their jobs. He also may be the face of the company when it comes to large projects, though the amount of time he spends on an actual construction site might be limited. A lower-level executive might serve more of a construction manager function, overseeing specific projects and acting as a team leader for others working on the project. This lower-level leader may be in frequent and direct contact with the client, ensuring that the completed project meets all requirements necessary to satisfy the client and fulfill the contract.
A CEO typically oversees the operation of the entire construction company, answering to the board of directors and making decisions that affect the day-to-day operations of the business. He may be the company’s public face, meeting with high-profile clients and bringing in new business. Decisions about the overall operations of the company — from salaries to vacation policies to equipment purchases — also may fall to a construction executive at this level.
A lower-level construction executive may go by a number of different job titles, depending on his specialty within the construction industry. He typically is given the job of overseeing projects, however, ensuring that each job is completed in accordance with the client's expectations. To do this, he usually has to lead a team of employees, acting as the main contact between work crews, materials suppliers, the client and his own supervisors. Most construction management positions of this type involve completing paperwork such as invoices, change requests, contracts and permit applications.
One of the most important jobs of a construction executive is to act as a leader to the large team that most construction projects involve. This usually means that a construction executive will determine which people take on which projects, keeping in mind each employee’s skills and interests so the tasks get done correctly. This manager also may have to resolve conflicts within the team of employees, disciplining or reassigning staff members as needed. The construction executive is typically the contact to whom all employees on a project will turn with questions, suggestions and complaints, so the person in this position is usually expected to work well with others and display good leadership abilities.
Many companies also depend on their construction executives to complete all the paperwork involved in each project. For example, the typical construction executive may create a budget for each project and then work with the client and the crew to follow that budget. The executive also usually has to ensure that the company makes a profit from each construction project, which is why he is in charge of invoicing clients and collecting payment as the project progresses. He also tends to process change requests, ensure that contract terms are met and resolve any issues that occur.