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Project manager vs superintendent roles

By Scavi Company · · 3 min read
Project manager vs superintendent roles

Clear roles between PM and super keep the job moving.

Why it matters

When roles are unclear, both people call the same sub or nobody does. Clear responsibilities keep the job organized.

Project manager

Contracts, budget, changes and billing.

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Superintendent

Field schedule, crews and safety.

Shared

Schedule, quality and owner meetings.

Communication

Daily touch points.

Conflicts

Resolve them privately.

Decisions

Who decides what.

Respect

Both roles are essential.

Where to start

Write a one-page responsibility chart for PMs and supers and review it at your next meeting.

Common mistakes

Overlapping roles, blame and no regular communication.

An example

A company wrote a simple responsibility chart after a sub received conflicting instructions from the PM and superintendent. Confusion dropped on the next projects.

What to track

Track issues caused by miscommunication, change orders delayed and owner complaints.

Questions to ask

Who talks to the owner about schedule? Who approves field changes? How often do the PM and super meet?

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a project manager and a superintendent?

The PM usually handles contracts, budget, procurement and owner communication. The superintendent runs the field: daily work, subcontractors on site, safety and quality.