FMI Releases Final Report on the Evolving Role of Project Managers in Construction
FMI Corporation has released the third and final installment of its 2026 Project Management Study, focusing on how the project manager role is evolving within the built environment. The research highlights that project managers are increasingly viewed as a trifecta of planner, communicator, and businessperson, serving as the primary point of contact for customers in 85% of cases. The study identifies a direct correlation between workload and performance, noting that managers with one to three active projects achieve on-time or ahead-of-schedule results 76% of the time, compared to 64% for those managing six or more. Additionally, the report points to a significant gap in professional development, as only 7% of firms rate their current in-house project manager training as highly effective. Looking forward, executives identified communication, client relationships, financial management, and AI fluency as critical capabilities required over the next decade. FMI suggests that companies must better define role expectations and leverage technology to allow managers to focus on high-value decision-making.
Topics: Construction Industry Operational Efficiency Project Management Workforce Development