Discover the skills that set top construction project managers apart and how we identify them during the hiring process at Group PMX.
In construction, a great project manager (PM) is more than just someone who can read drawings and manage deadlines. At Group PMX, we’ve learned that the most successful PMs are strong leaders, excellent communicators, creative problem-solvers, and focused on building and developing their teams.
As the Talent Manager, I’m constantly evaluating candidates not just for what they’ve built, but how they build. Whether we’re staffing a major ground-up development in Manhattan or a complex renovation in Delaware, here are the core technical and soft skills we look for in every great Project Manager.
1. Strong Communication Skills
Project sites are multi-layered environments with architects, engineers, tradespeople, clients, and city agencies all involved. A PM must know how to tailor communication to each audience clearly, professionally, and proactively. It’s never a one-size-fits-all approach.
How we evaluate this:
- During interviews, we ask about conflict resolution: “Tell us about a time you had to get buy-in from a difficult stakeholder.”
- We listen for clarity in how candidates explain their past projects and team interactions.
2. Scheduling and Time Management
Time is money, especially in construction. Great PMs know how to build realistic schedules and adjust them quickly when the inevitable curveballs arise.
What we look for:
- Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or Procore’s scheduling functions.
- A demonstrated ability to juggle multiple timelines and trades while keeping the project on track.
3. Project Controls
A great PM is as comfortable with a spreadsheet as they are with a hard hat. Budget overruns can sink a project, so cost control is critical.
Key signs we look for:
- Candidates who’ve managed budgets and can speak confidently about value engineering, change orders, and vendor negotiations.
- Case studies or examples of how they saved a project money without sacrificing quality.
4. Leadership and Team Management
In our experience, the best PMs lead with authority and empathy. They know how to motivate teams, hold people accountable, and build a team culture that values safety and productivity.
How we assess this:
- We ask about how candidates manage under pressure and how they’ve resolved disputes on-site.
- References from former team members often reveal their leadership style in real terms.
5. Problem Solving and Adaptability
Construction rarely goes exactly to plan. Between DOB regulations, change orders, labor coordination, and site conditions, unexpected challenges are the norm.
What impresses us:
- Candidates who can walk us through real-world problem-solving examples.
- How do you try to get ahead of these things before they happen?
- A mindset that blends practicality with strategic thinking.
My Final Thought
The ideal PM brings a balance of hard-earned technical knowledge and the kind of soft skills that keep complex projects moving forward smoothly. A successful PM understands that their team is their most valuable asset, and at Group PMX, we embrace and embody our “One Team. Shared Success.” philosophy. PMs who lead with the mindset of prioritizing collaboration while effectively managing project goals will consistently distinguish themselves above the rest.
If you’re a PM who thrives in high-stakes environments, leads with integrity, and loves solving problems in real time, we’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s a transit project or a complex hospital renovation in a growing market, we’re always looking for the people who make progress possible.
Interested in joining our team? Check out our current openings here or connect with me directly on LinkedIn here.
“Project Managers who lead with the mindset of prioritizing collaboration while effectively managing project goals will consistently distinguish themselves above the rest.”
Stephanie Blasi
Talent Acquisition Manager
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