People And Stories: Building a career as a construction manager

Building a career as a construction manager

Three construction workers from Exyte, wearing high-visibility jackets and safety helmets, are standing on a construction site. One worker is pointing ahead, while another is holding a clipboard, and the third has their back to the camera.

In this feature, Oliver Pommerenke gives insights into his role as construction manager at Exyte.

Oliver Pommerenke has been implementing projects for Exyte in Germany for four years now. Working as a senior construction manager in a company that builds high-tech production facilities is a demanding task. Pommerenke gives his personal take: “The construction of clean rooms and controlled manufacturing environments requires expertise and diligence. It is my responsibility to ensure that the construction work is of high quality and that it is carried out on schedule and on budget.”

Right now, a lot is happening in the industries served by Exyte. Well-known chip and battery manufacturers as well as pharmaceutical companies are investing worldwide to meet the increasing demand for their products. Many projects are currently being implemented or planned, especially in Europe and the USA. "As the company is growing fast, there are always new projects that I, as an ambitious employee, can take on," says Pommerenke.

Tasks of a construction manager

The work as a construction manager begins long before the actual construction begins. Construction managers at Exyte are responsible for reviewing the planning and design of the facility and ensuring that all technical requirements are met. "I make sure that all permits are in place before the construction site is opened," explains Pommerenke. One of the most important responsibilities is to keep an eye on the project budget and schedule.

During the construction process, managers like Pommerenke monitor construction activities and ensure that work steps smoothly transition into each other. In close communication with subcontractors, Pommerenke certifies that all work is carried out according to the plan and technical specifications. He is also responsible for compliance with all safety and health regulations.

Focus on high-tech industries

What sets the work at Exyte apart from other companies in the construction industry are the technical intricacies involved in the construction of controlled manufacturing environments such as dry rooms and clean rooms. This work only begins after the buildings are erected – always under strict hygienic conditions. "This requires special training of the personnel on the construction site. Having these trained personnel available and ensuring flawless quality is always a challenge - but one that makes Exyte a very interesting company," says Pommerenke.

Another aspect of his work as construction manager is the collaboration with subcontractors. Pommerenke and his team ensure that clients are transparently informed about the project's progress and that all adjustments from the client’s side are appropriately considered. They also take care that problems that arise during the construction process are resolved quickly and effectively.