What are GCs looking for when they hire a PM?

The Daily Dig:

When a GC hires a project manager, they’re not looking for a resume. They’re looking for risk control.

First, they want someone who can run the financials without surprises. That means understanding cost reports, buyouts, change management, and forecast accuracy. A PM who can’t see a problem coming a month out will always be reacting instead of managing.

Next is communication under pressure. Good PMs don’t just relay information, they filter it. They know what the owner needs to hear, what the subs need clarified, and when an issue needs escalation versus quiet correction. This is where a lot of PMs fail. Too much noise or too much silence both cause problems.

GCs also look hard at subcontractor management. Can the PM enforce scopes, push schedules, and resolve disputes without burning bridges? The best PMs hold the line while keeping teams working. That balance matters more than personality.

Then there’s documentation discipline. RFIs, submittals, meeting minutes, and change logs aren’t admin tasks, they’re legal protection. PMs who stay ahead here save companies real money.

Finally, GCs want PMs who understand the field. You don’t need to be a former super, but you do need jobsite credibility. PMs who respect sequencing, manpower realities, and constructability make better decisions and earn trust fast.

In short, GCs hire PMs who reduce chaos, protect margins, and keep projects moving, not just people who can “manage.”