DACUM: What We Learned About the Role of the Construction Manager

What does a Construction Manager really do?

That’s the question the DACUM process—Developing A Curriculum—was designed to answer. This February, the Construction Center of Excellence (CCE) hosted three DACUM sessions, bringing together experienced Construction Managers from across Washington State. Their insights are helping educators and industry leaders better understand the evolving demands of the role—and how we all must adapt training and education programs to meet them.

🔍 What Is DACUM?

DACUM is a structured, collaborative process that brings expert workers together to define the duties, tasks, and skills required for a specific role. The result is a detailed chart that serves as a roadmap for curriculum development, workforce training, and career pathway design.

After the sessions, CCE Director Christina Rupp and DACUM facilitator Jason Petrait reviewed the findings to identify key challenges, opportunities, and next steps for construction management education.

🧩 The Role Is Complex—and Critical

Construction Managers are the linchpins of successful projects. They coordinate people, processes, and regulations to ensure that builds stay on time, on budget, and above all, safe.

The DACUM chart revealed just how multifaceted the role is—balancing technical expertise with leadership, adaptability, and decision-making across every phase of a project.

10 core duties and 145 tasks were identified, ranging from safety oversight and regulatory compliance to managing subcontractors and resolving on-site conflicts.

As Jason Petrait noted:

“That’s the sweet spot for a successful chart—but I suspect there’s even more beneath the surface. Many people are doing the work of a Construction Manager without the title, especially in smaller shops.”

🌍 Diversity Strengthens the Process

The DACUM subject matter expert (SME) panel included men and women from their 30s to 60s, representing union and open shop environments from companies across the state. SME educational backgrounds ranged from formal degrees to decades of hands-on experience.

As construction work begins early each day, the 6:30 a.m. start had panelists fully engaged. They understood how their input would shape curriculum and career pathways—and they brought the same professionalism and collaboration to the DACUM process that they bring to the job site.

🧱 Subcontractor CMs Offer a Unique Perspective

While many picture a Construction Manager overseeing an entire job site, subcontractor CMs manage specific trades and jobs—like electrical, plumbing, or concrete. They juggle schedules, crews, materials, and quality control within their scope of work, while coordinating with general contractors and other trades.

DACUM panelist Jodi Martinez of AllStar Glass in Spokane shared how this specialized role demands sharp coordination and communication, deep trade knowledge, multi-tasking, and constant adaptability.

🔁 Retention and Training: Ongoing Challenges

Construction Managers often move from project to project, region to region. This mobility makes durable skills—like communication, critical thinking, and adaptability—essential for long-term success.

Panelists emphasized that while technical skills are vital, it’s these transferable competencies that help professionals thrive in a dynamic industry.

They also highlighted a gap in training. Many new hires arrive on-site without prior field experience or a clear understanding of expectations. More internships, job shadows, and real-world learning opportunities are needed to bridge the gap between classroom and job site. And we’re not talking about a couple of days in the role – 6 months to a year give an individual foundational experience that cannot be taught in a classroom environment.

🎓 A New Approach to Training

The DACUM sessions made one thing clear: the path to becoming a Construction Manager isn’t always linear. Many professionals work their way into the role through experience rather than formal education.

That’s why the CCE is advocating for portable, stackable credentials—small, focused certifications that build toward the broader skillset required for construction management.

These credentials can support both newcomers and experienced workers looking to advance. Combined with hands-on experience, they offer a flexible, accessible way to build a future-ready workforce.

🚀 What’s Next?

Starting this fall, the Construction Center of Excellence—working with Aspect Works, industry and education partners—will begin developing career pathways and durable skills credentials tailored to the needs of modern construction sites. To learn more about this specialized workgroup – the Construction Education Community of Practice, visit their landing page here. These credentials will be:

• ✅ Stackable – Building toward larger qualifications

• ✅ Portable – Recognized across employers and regions

• ✅ Relevant – Grounded in real-world job demands

We shared the DACUM findings and recommendations live via Zoom Events on June 27, 2025.
👉 Click here to download the full presentation (5.3Mb PDF).

Interested in joining the CECoP? Fill out the interest form here.

🛠️ Aligning the 9 Durable Skills with Construction Industry Competencies

Durable Skill	Construction Competency
Critical Thinking	Analyzing project risks, interpreting blueprints, resolving conflicts on-site
Collaboration	Coordinating with subcontractors, architects, engineers, and clients
Communication	Leading meetings, writing reports, giving clear instructions to crews
Creativity	Solving unexpected problems, adapting plans to site conditions, innovating with materials
Digital Fluency	Using project management software, BIM tools, and digital scheduling platforms
Empathy	Understanding team dynamics, supporting worker well-being, managing diverse crews
Mindset	Embracing continuous learning, staying resilient under pressure, adapting to change
Resilience	Managing setbacks like weather delays, supply issues, or labor shortages
Self-Awareness	Recognizing leadership style, seeking feedback, managing stress and workload