In today’s fast-paced environment, the role of a project manager has become more important than ever. In this article, we provide an insight into this concept and some of the benefits you can expect.
What is a client-side project manager?
We act as the client’s expert in the field. A vital link between a client and the project stakeholders. We are the only true independent consultant in the project team. Our agenda is clear; we serve our clients, simplify the process and keep the work on track.
You might like to think of us as a jack of all trades when it comes to development and building projects. We are not architects, or engineers, or designers or builders however, we possess comprehensive knowledge of what each role does and their part in project success.
We are our client’s eyes and ears and are the glue that holds the stakeholder teams together to deliver exceptional project outcomes. We add value to all stages of the project lifecycle in particular, these key areas:
Planning
Meticulous planning is essential for project success. As project managers, we work in close consultation with you to develop a comprehensive plan that aligns with your vision and goals, whilst streamlining processes and guarding against risk.
As your key representative, we handle the planning and execution of your vision so you can focus on your core business. Our plans always include clear milestones, resource allocations, risk management strategies and optimisation opportunities.
We start your project on the correct path, ensuring it’s done right the first time.
Procurement
Well versed in identifying risks, assessing options, streamlining costs, and managing multiple stakeholders, a client-side project manager is one outsourced expert you’ll want to have on your next project team.
Gone are the days where projects are completed based on a few sketches or renders and a loose Design & Construction contract. There are many alternative procurement methods available now other than D&C, which add additional layers of detail, especially ensuring Architects and Builders are held accountable where required. Some examples include ECI (Early Contractor Involvement), GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price), Traditional Lump Sum, DNC (Design Novate Construct) or a hybrid of these. The most suitable procurement method for a project needs to be selected on a project-by-project basis. Choosing the wrong method can lead to unnecessary project delays and significant additional costs.
At Empire, we have the expertise in managing competitive tender processes that yield excellent value for money outcomes for our clients, ensuring the most suitable builder is selected for each project. We are adept at compiling construction tender and contract packages that include relevant scope and requirements to provide the highest assurance of certainty of time, cost, quality and outcomes.
Design
As the client’s representative, we are responsible for assembling the right team for each project, with the right scope, the right timelines and the right agreements that strategically manage risks. This cannot be done with a cookie cutter approach as each project has its own challenges and complexities. Coordinating the right team together ensures that the clients brief is achieved, and their expectations are exceeded.
As project managers, we are also responsible for vetting and challenging the design before it goes to tender to ensure it is in line with the client’s needs and to ensure that the best possible solution has been documented. A bad design, over design or an incorrect design can lead to a project’s failure, extend timelines or impact lifecycle costs with unnecessary expenditure.
Construction
Acting as the project superintendent, we are responsible for administering the Contract during construction. We work independently, with the best interests of our clients leading all our decisions, for example when we need to assess progress claims and variations.
There are multiple moving parts on a construction project. As project manager’s we ensure that any changes that arise during construction will be considered for their own merits and the best possible solution put forward to the client. These changes are coordinated by the project manager and between all project team members to avoid any incorrect work which can lead to delays and additional costs.
We setup systems and processes so that the relevant stakeholders have an ability to have their concerns or constraints effectively incorporated into planning and implementation. We promote high levels of communication amongst the people that matter and truly aim for a “no surprises” approach.
Handover
A smooth transition is essential at the completion of any project and that’s why we manage your processes from beginning to end. As project managers, we are responsible for ensuring that a seamless transition at handover occurs, minimising disruption to operations, and setting you up for success from day one of handover of your new space.
We regularly attend site to identify and resolve issues or deficiencies before they become an issue. We coordinate handover reports that document completed works, verifying their conformity to specifications and ensuring any outstanding defects are rectified.
As part of the handover process, our expert team helps with stakeholder communication, training, coordination and transfer of maintenance, documentation, equipment and systems to the appropriate parties.
Our Expertise
Empire Project Management has helped reduce risk, coordinate excellent project outcomes, and maximise client resources across building and refurbishment projects Australia-wide.
Highly experienced in managing the end-to-end details needed for public and private projects, our team is committed to raising awareness about the importance of the client-side project manager role.
If your organisation is gearing up for a building or refurbishment project and managing these works falls outside of your core skill set, contact Empire to learn more about outsourcing key activities.
Giving our clients back the time, space, and money needed to carry on with their day-to-day lives, our experts are highly trained and equipped to face the many challenges and opportunities associated with building and development projects.
