Why hire a project manager?

These situations could have been easily avoided and the projects successfully delivered if only a professional project manager had been put in place right from the start.

Do the benefits of hiring a project manager justify the expense? The answer is a resounding “yes”. On the balance sheet, project managers are typically cost neutral and frequently deliver significant cost savings through improved processes, timely coordination and integration of all project contributors.

A project manager leads and integrates all elements of a building project to maximize overall results – from planning to design and engineering, through to construction and commissioning. The project manager becomes the trusted advisor, solely responsible for coordinating the project and driving performance throughout the process.

As a strategic partner, the project manager provides guidance and recommendations for the design and execution of the project in line with existing buildings, operational restrictions and potential future growth plans. The same processes and procedures that control scope and costs also keep projects on schedule and resolve unpleasant and sometimes costly disputes among individual stakeholders.

Who would you trust your project to?

In-house project management – In-house delegates often lack adequate training or expertise to manage all aspects of a project effectively. When combined with existing responsibilities, their ability to focus on the project is reduced. Unless internal candidates have extensive project management experience and are empowered to commit the required time to the task, they will not be equipped to achieve project success.

Freelance project managers – Freelance project managers bring the experience of a lone individual rather than the collective experience of a company. When more in-depth, specialised experience or established processes are needed, they must go to other external providers. They can also pose a continuity risk in the event that they are unable to finish working on an assignment or should they line up their next job before their current project ends.

Architects and contractors – Architects and contractors are not effective project managers. While extremely capable within their own area of expertise, they can lack objectivity and strategic perspective, given their limited exposure to one aspect of a project. Thus, it can be difficult for them to manage the contributions of various stakeholders or to understand how the project relates to other buildings within a portfolio.

A professional project manager is involved from a project’s inception and helps develop a clear vision and strategy, determining priorities, decision-making hierarchies and a schedule, based on your objectives. The project manager takes an holistic approach, assuming responsibility for coordinating all of the diverse services and activities to deliver the project successfully.

A project manager builds and instills a collaborative process for the most effective delivery and best results from all parties. This value can extend to negotiating fair fee structures for all involved, whilst still providing maximum benefit for the owner. Architects, contractors and other suppliers typically welcome a capable, impartial project manager who can reduce conflict in the often-contentious development process.

Besides peace of mind, a PM delivers tangible value that you likely won’t capture on your own. But a great PM delivers much more than just a project; they transform the spaces where people live, work and play. They deliver solutions and inspire success. Every new building, fit out or design kicks off with long-term goals for the space. A great PM builds business outcome to help your space achieve its goals.

With a nationwide team of designated and expert Property Managers, CS2 will help assign a PM who is confident and experienced in your requirements. If you found this article helpful and would like further information from one of our Project Managers, please contact us on 0333 2000 838 or cs2@cs2.co.uk.