Construction Project Manager Resume: Examples, Skills & Template
In construction, your resume is like a project bidβit needs to demonstrate capability, experience, and value before you get the contract. And just like in bidding, the details matter.
I've placed construction project managers on $100M+ projects at ENR Top 400 contractors. The resumes that win interviews have one thing in common: they demonstrate you can deliver projects on time, on budget, and safely. "Managed construction projects" tells them nothing. "Delivered 12 commercial projects totaling $65M with average 5% cost savings and zero OSHA recordables" proves capability.
This guide shows you how to build a construction project manager resume that demonstrates your project delivery track record and construction expertise.
What Construction Executives Look for in PM Resumes
For comprehensive strategies on optimizing your resume language, our professional impact dictionary covers the exact verbs and metrics.
Construction hiring involves technical evaluation from operations leaders who understand the business. They're assessing whether you can deliver their projects.
Here's what matters:
The biggest mistake? Listing job duties instead of project outcomes. "Responsible for project management" is meaningless. "Led ground-up construction of 150,000 SF office building, delivering $28M project 3 weeks early and 4% under budget with zero lost-time incidents" demonstrates execution capability.
Essential Skills for Construction Project Manager Resumes
Construction PMs need a comprehensive skill set spanning project execution, technical knowledge, and business acumen.
Project Management Skills
These demonstrate delivery capability:
Technical Knowledge
These show you understand construction:
Software Proficiency
These tools are essential:
Understanding ATS optimization mattersβlarger contractors use applicant tracking systems for initial screening.
How to Structure Your Construction PM Resume
Professional Summary: Lead with Project Value
Your summary should immediately establish your construction expertise and scale.
Strong Example:
"Senior Construction Project Manager with 12+ years delivering complex commercial and healthcare projects for ENR Top 100 contractors. Managed project portfolios exceeding $150M annually. Track record of on-time, on-budget delivery with zero OSHA recordables across 2M+ man-hours. Expert in ground-up construction, tenant improvements, and occupied renovations. PMP and LEED AP certified."
Weak Example:
"Experienced project manager with strong construction background seeking challenging opportunity to grow my career."
The strong example quantifies scale and demonstrates safety leadership.
Certifications Section: Prominently Display
Construction certifications matter. Create a visible section:
Certifications & Licenses
- PMP: Project Management Professional, PMI (2019)
- CCM: Certified Construction Manager, CMAA (2021)
- OSHA 30: Construction Safety & Health
- LEED AP BD+C: Green Building Certification
- First Aid/CPR: Current
Work Experience: Show Project Outcomes
Structure achievements around project delivery:
Senior Project Manager
National General Contractor, Dallas, TX
January 2019 - Present
Project Highlights Section
Create a dedicated section for signature projects:
Signature Projects
| Project | Type | Value | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Corporate Campus | Class A Office (250,000 SF) | $45M | 10% under budget, LEED Gold |
| Regional Medical Center Expansion | Healthcare | $38M | Zero incidents, early completion |
| Downtown Mixed-Use Development | Retail/Residential | $28M | 5% under budget, on schedule |
Construction Project Manager Resume Template
Here's a proven structure:
Header
Robert Martinez, PMP, CCM, LEED AP
Dallas, TX | (555) 456-7890 | robert.martinez@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robertmartinezcpm
Professional Summary
Senior Construction Project Manager with 15+ years delivering complex commercial, healthcare, and industrial projects for ENR Top 50 contractors. Managed project portfolios exceeding $200M annually with consistent on-time, on-budget performance. Zero OSHA recordables across 3M+ man-hours. Expert in ground-up construction, tenant improvements, and design-build delivery. PMP, CCM, and LEED AP certified.
Certifications
- Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM), CMAA
- LEED AP BD+C, USGBC
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certified
Technical Skills
Project Management: Scheduling, Budgeting, Risk Management, Subcontractor Coordination, Change Orders
Software: Procore, Primavera P6, MS Project, Bluebeam, BIM 360, Sage 300
Technical: Blueprint Reading, Estimating, MEP Coordination, Building Codes, LEED Documentation
Professional Experience
Senior Project Manager
Major Commercial Contractor, Dallas, TX
June 2016 - Present
Project Manager
Regional General Contractor, Houston, TX
August 2011 - May 2016
Education
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Tips for Different Construction Specialties
Commercial / Office
Emphasize tenant coordination and occupied building experience:
Healthcare
Focus on regulatory compliance and phasing:
Industrial / Manufacturing
Show understanding of process requirements:
Common Mistakes on Construction PM Resumes
1. Listing Every Project
You don't need to list 40 projects. Highlight 3-5 signature projects that demonstrate capability. Provide a complete project list during interviews if requested. Learn what words undermine your resume.
2. Missing Contract Values
"Managed construction projects" says nothing about scale. Always include contract values: "$25M hospital renovation" immediately communicates project complexity.
3. No Safety Metrics
In construction, safety is non-negotiable. Include TRIR, DART, EMR, or man-hours without recordables. Strong safety records are major differentiators.
4. Vague Project Descriptions
"Commercial building" is too generic. Be specific: "150,000 SF Class A office building with structured parking garage and LEED Gold certification."
5. Omitting Delivery Results
Did you finish on time? Under budget? Include outcomes: "Delivered 3 weeks ahead of schedule and $1.2M under GMP."
Salary and Career Considerations
Construction project managers have strong career trajectories with competitive compensation, especially for those with healthcare, data center, or complex commercial experience. Compensation varies significantly by project type, geography, and company size.
Career advancement paths include:
- Project Manager β Senior Project Manager
- Project Executive / Director
- Vice President of Operations
- Division Manager
- Chief Operating Officer
Your resume should demonstrate progression through increasing project values, team sizes, and portfolio responsibility.
For format options, see chronological vs functional resumes.
Building Your Construction Network
In construction, relationships drive careers as much as resumes do. Many project manager positions are filled through industry connections rather than job postings.
Engage with professional organizations like CMAA, AGC, or local construction associations. Attend industry events, project tours, and continuing education sessions. These connections often lead to opportunities with preferred employers or on signature projects.
LinkedIn has become essential for construction professionals. Follow target companies, engage with industry content, and connect with recruiters at contractors you're targeting. Many experienced PMs successfully transition through personal referrals from subcontractors, consultants, or owner representatives they've worked with.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I transition from superintendent to project manager?
Emphasize field leadership, schedule management, and subcontractor coordination. Highlight any office duties like submittals, RFIs, or budget tracking. Show you understand the full project lifecycle beyond field execution.
Should I include projects from a previous employer?
Yes, your project experience travels with you. Include relevant projects regardless of employer, but don't disclose confidential pricing or proprietary methods.
What if my projects had budget or schedule issues?
Focus on what you delivered successfully. If a project had challenges, you can address in interviews. Most professionals have dealt with difficult projectsβproblem-solving experience has value.
How important is PMP for construction project managers?
PMP is increasingly valued, especially at larger contractors and for owner-side PM roles. CCM is equally respected within construction. If pursuing, note "PMP candidate" or "pursuing PMP certification."
Should I include union or merit shop experience?
Include if relevant to target employers. If you have both, highlight based on the contractor's labor model. Flexibility across both is valuable.
How do I show estimating experience on a PM resume?
Include as a skill and highlight in bullets: "Provided preconstruction support including conceptual estimates for $180M project pipeline" or "Performed buyout achieving 8% savings against original estimates."
Next Steps: Build Your Construction PM Resume
You now have the framework for a construction project manager resume that demonstrates project delivery excellence. Here's your action plan:
- Lead with project values: Total portfolio and individual project scales
- Show delivery record: On-time, on-budget, quality outcomes
- Include safety metrics: TRIR, recordables, man-hours safely worked
- List certifications: PMP, CCM, OSHA prominently displayed
- Specify software: Procore, P6, Bluebeam, BIM tools
- Highlight project types: Commercial, healthcare, industrial specialties
- Quantify everything: Dollar values, percentages, team sizes
Build Your Construction Project Manager Resume That Wins Projects
Your resume should demonstrate the same attention to detail and execution capability you bring to project delivery. Show them you can deliver their projects on time, on budget, and safely. That's what gets you the interviewβand the offer. Now go build that resume like you'd build a project: with precision and purpose.