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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Construction Quality Manager

💰 $85,000 - $140,000

ConstructionQualityEngineeringManagement

🎯 Role Definition

The Construction Quality Manager (also commonly titled QA/QC Manager) is responsible for planning, implementing and continuously improving the quality management program across one or multiple construction projects. This role combines field inspection, technical review, contractor and vendor oversight, documentation control, audit and testing programs, and client liaison to ensure all construction deliverables meet contractual, regulatory and industry standards (ISO, ASTM, ACI, AWS, API, etc.). The Construction Quality Manager works closely with Project Management, Engineering, HSE, Procurement and subcontractors to prevent non-conformance, drive corrective actions, and deliver defect-free projects on schedule and budget.

Primary SEO keywords: Construction Quality Manager, QA/QC Manager, quality assurance, quality control, construction inspection, ISO 9001, NCR management, testing and inspection, subcontractor quality.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • QA/QC Engineer or Site Quality Engineer with 2–5 years of field experience
  • Construction Superintendent or Site Engineer with quality responsibilities
  • Materials or Testing Laboratory Technician promoted into QA/QC functions

Advancement To:

  • Senior Quality Manager / Regional QA/QC Lead
  • Construction Operations Manager or Project Director
  • Director of Quality, Compliance or Construction Excellence
  • VP of Construction or Head of Program Delivery

Lateral Moves:

  • HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) Manager with a quality focus
  • Project Controls or Commissioning Manager
  • Quality Systems Manager (corporate-level ISO/IMS oversight)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, implement and maintain the project Quality Management Plan (QMP) aligned to corporate quality policy, contract requirements and applicable codes and standards (ISO 9001, ACI, AWS, ASTM, API), ensuring the plan is distributed, understood and enforced across the site, subcontractors and suppliers.
  • Lead and manage the QA/QC program on site including scheduling and performing inspections, functional testing, hold point verification, witness points, and final acceptance approvals to ensure work meets approved drawings, specifications and workmanship standards.
  • Create, maintain and enforce a robust Non-Conformance Report (NCR) and Corrective/Preventive Action (CAPA) system: log NCRs, lead root-cause investigations, propose corrective actions, verify effectiveness and drive closure with documented evidence.
  • Prepare and manage inspection and test plans (ITPs) for civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and architectural scopes, coordinating laboratory testing, third-party inspectors and vendor quality plans to confirm compliance prior to installation and handover.
  • Conduct regular site quality audits (internal and third-party) and supplier/subcontractor audits, produce audit reports with clear findings, recommendations and action items, and track corrective actions through to completion.
  • Review and approve construction and vendor submittals, material certificates, welding procedures (WPS/PQR), welder qualifications, and calibration certificates to ensure full traceability and specification conformance.
  • Supervise, coach and mentor a team of QA/QC engineers and inspectors: set objectives, assign responsibilities, review performance, and provide on-the-job training to maintain consistent quality enforcement across the workforce.
  • Interface with Project Management and Engineering teams during design changes, requests for information (RFIs) and change orders to assess quality impacts and update QMP and inspection strategies accordingly.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive quality documentation and records: daily inspection reports, test reports, hold point records, material traceability logs, calibration registers, and final quality dossiers for project turnover.
  • Coordinate and witness concrete, soil, aggregate, weld, coating, NDT (UT, RT, MT, PT) and mechanical tests; interpret laboratory data and implement immediate remedial actions when test results are outside acceptance criteria.
  • Manage subcontractor and vendor quality performance: evaluate quality plans, perform shop and site audits, ensure non-conforming materials are quarantined and replaced, and hold suppliers accountable to contractual obligations.
  • Drive defect prevention and continuous improvement initiatives using data-driven methods (trend analysis, Pareto, root cause analysis, CAPA implementation), and lead lessons-learned sessions to reduce recurring quality issues.
  • Prepare and present regular quality reports and KPI dashboards to senior management and clients showing NCR trends, test pass rates, audit outcomes, corrective actions status, and quality risk register updates.
  • Ensure regulatory and client compliance for environmental and workplace quality requirements, coordinate with HSE on material handling, storage, handling procedures and ensure quality controls do not conflict with safety protocols.
  • Oversee final inspection, punch-list resolution, quality closeout packages and handover documentation ensuring that as-built records, certificates and test reports meet client and statutory requirements for final acceptance.
  • Establish and maintain calibration and measurement programs for field instruments, gauges and lab equipment; ensure traceability to national standards and that calibration schedules are adhered to.
  • Implement and manage hold points and witness statements in coordination with discipline leads, ensuring that critical activities are not performed without required inspections and approvals.
  • Participate in pre-construction quality reviews and support bid-phase quality scope and pricing input; advise on constructability and risk mitigation measures from a quality perspective.
  • Collaborate with procurement to evaluate supplier quality systems, set inspection frequencies at receipt, and define supplier corrective action requirements when incoming materials fail to meet specification.
  • Manage the interface and quality expectations for testing and commissioning activities, ensuring systems are handed over in fully verified condition and that operational acceptance tests are documented and authorized.
  • Maintain and improve the site quality management system to support corporate ISO/IMS objectives, participate in certification and surveillance audits and ensure timely closure of audit findings.
  • Ensure accurate, searchable and secure electronic/document control for all quality records using project document management systems (Procore, Aconex, SharePoint), and train staff on proper record submission and retention practices.
  • Act as the client’s primary quality contact when required, conduct quality review meetings, and respond to client quality notifications and observations in a timely and professional manner.
  • Provide technical guidance on materials, welding, concrete placement, surface treatments, and installation best practices to site teams to minimize rework and warranty exposures.

Secondary Functions

  • Support project claim prevention by providing quality-related evidence, timelines and reports during disputes or claims.
  • Contribute to tender and proposal quality sections, estimating resource needs for QA/QC coverage and specialty inspections.
  • Participate in cross-functional site meetings to align quality activities with schedule milestones and commissioning plans.
  • Maintain relationships with external testing laboratories, certification bodies and third-party inspectors to ensure timely testing and impartial reporting.
  • Assist HSE and environmental teams by ensuring quality controls for environmental protection (e.g., containment of hazardous materials, correct disposal of rejected products).
  • Provide periodic training workshops and toolbox talks on quality awareness, inspection techniques, and specification compliance for site crews and subcontractors.
  • Support the corporate quality team with data for enterprise-level quality metrics, dashboards and benchmarking across projects.
  • Help manage vendor corrective action programs and supplier performance scoring to support procurement decisions and continuous improvement.
  • Participate in the development and roll-out of digital quality tools, mobile inspection apps and checklists to increase inspection coverage and reduce paperwork.
  • Act as a backup liaison for commissioning, start-up and warranty issues post-handover when quality-related defects emerge.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Quality Management Systems: Expertise in developing and operating project-level QMS aligned with ISO 9001 and corporate Integrated Management Systems.
  • Inspection & Testing: Strong knowledge of inspection techniques for civil, structural, mechanical and electrical works including ITP creation and hold/witness point control.
  • Standards & Codes: Working familiarity with industry standards (ACI, AWS, ASTM, API, ASME, IEC) and local building codes relevant to project scope.
  • Non-Conformance & CAPA: Demonstrated ability to manage NCR systems, run root cause analyses (5 Whys, Fishbone), and implement effective corrective/preventive actions.
  • Welding & NDT: Practical understanding of welding procedures, welder qualifications and non-destructive testing methods (UT, RT, MT, PT).
  • Materials & Laboratory Testing: Experience with concrete, soil, asphalt, coatings and materials testing protocols, sample handling and lab coordination.
  • Documentation & Records Control: Proficiency with document management systems (Procore, Aconex, SharePoint) and producing handover quality packs.
  • Statistical & Data Analysis: Ability to interpret test data, generate quality KPIs, and use statistical tools for trend analysis and process control.
  • Digital Quality Tools: Experience using mobile inspection apps, punch-list software and electronic checklists; familiarity with BIM coordination is an advantage.
  • Contractual & Client Requirements: Capability to review and translate contract specifications into quality control tasks and inspection criteria.
  • Calibration & Metrology: Knowledge of calibration protocols for field and laboratory equipment and maintaining traceability to standards.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Understanding of environmental, health & safety interface with quality and client-specific compliance regimes.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership: Ability to lead cross-discipline quality teams, mentor inspectors and influence subcontractor performance.
  • Communication: Clear written and verbal communication skills for reports, presentations, client interactions and audit evidence.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to inspections, record-keeping and acceptance criteria to minimize rework and defects.
  • Problem Solving: Strong analytical and root-cause investigation skills with decisive action planning and follow-through.
  • Stakeholder Management: Skilled at managing expectations among clients, contractors, engineers and laboratories.
  • Time Management: Prioritize activities and inspections to align with construction schedules and critical path milestones.
  • Conflict Resolution: Ability to navigate disputes with subcontractors and clients professionally while protecting quality outcomes.
  • Training & Coaching: Capability to design and deliver targeted training to raise workmanship and inspection competencies.
  • Adaptability: Comfortable working in fast-paced, changing field conditions and evolving project requirements.
  • Ethical Standards: Integrity and impartiality when reporting quality findings and managing third-party audits.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree plus professional certification such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or industry-specific certifications (AWS, API).
  • Additional training in ISO 9001 lead auditor, NDT certification, welding inspection (CWI), or concrete/materials testing is advantageous.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Construction Management
  • Structural Engineering
  • Materials Science / Metallurgy
  • Mechanical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 7 to 15+ years of progressive quality assurance / quality control experience on medium to large construction or infrastructure projects, with at least 3–5 years in a supervisory QA/QC role.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrable field experience on heavy civil, infrastructure, industrial, petrochemical, energy, or large commercial programs.
  • Prior success managing subcontractor quality performance, third-party inspection regimes and delivering project-level quality closeout documentation.
  • Experience with enterprise quality systems, ISO implementations and digital quality tools (Procore, Aconex, BIM/QC platforms).
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