17 Subcontract Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Subcontract managers are responsible for the procurement and management of subcontracts for construction projects. This includes reviewing and approving proposals, negotiating terms and conditions, and managing the subcontractor relationship.

In order to be successful in this role, you need to be able to answer common subcontract manager interview questions. Review the questions and answers below to help you prepare for your interview.

Are you familiar with the construction industry?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working in construction and whether you are familiar with their company. It is important to show that you understand what it takes to work in this industry, including the challenges of managing a subcontractor team.

Example: “I worked as a subcontract manager for five years before moving to my current position. I started out as a project manager at a small construction firm where we only had one main contractor and two subcontractors. We were able to complete most projects on time, but there were times when our subcontractors would fall behind schedule. I learned how to manage these situations by communicating with all parties involved and finding solutions to get the job done.”

What are some of the construction projects you’ve managed in the past?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your experience as a subcontract manager. You can use this opportunity to list some of the projects you’ve worked on and how they helped you develop your skills in managing construction projects.

Example: “I have managed several large-scale construction projects, including one where I was responsible for overseeing the entire project from start to finish. This included hiring subcontractors, making sure all materials were delivered on time and that the job site was safe for workers. Another project I managed involved working with a team of subcontractors to build an apartment complex. In both cases, my role as a subcontract manager helped me learn more about what it takes to manage a project from start to finish.”

How would you manage a construction project that’s behind schedule and over budget?

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific examples of how you managed similar projects in the past.

Example: “In my last role as subcontract manager for a construction company, we were working on a project that was behind schedule and over budget. I met with all the subcontractors to discuss what could be done to get back on track. We decided to hire more workers to help speed up the process. This helped us meet our deadline but also increased the overall cost of the project. However, by hiring additional workers, we were able to complete the project within the client’s budget.”

What is your process for selecting and hiring subcontractors?

Subcontractors are an important part of the construction process, so it’s essential that you have a strong hiring process. Your answer should show your interviewer that you know how to select subcontractors who will be successful on the job and help you meet project deadlines.

Example: “I start by looking at the qualifications listed in the bid documents. I then call references provided by the subcontractor and ask about their work ethic, communication skills and ability to complete projects on time. If they pass these initial screening questions, I schedule them for an interview with my team. During this meeting, we discuss our expectations for the job and what resources they’ll need to succeed.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to manage a difficult or challenging employee.

Subcontract managers often have to manage employees who are not performing well or causing problems. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle these situations and ensure they don’t happen on their job site. In your answer, explain how you would approach the situation and what steps you would take to resolve it.

Example: “I once had an employee who was consistently late for work. I met with him privately and explained that his behavior wasn’t acceptable. He apologized and promised to do better. However, he continued to be late. I then spoke with him again and told him that if he didn’t improve, I would need to let him go. After that conversation, he improved and no longer came in late.”

If you could change anything about the way subcontractors are currently managed, what would it be?

This question is a great way to determine how much you know about the current subcontracting industry and whether you have any ideas for improvement. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something that you’ve seen or experienced in your career that you would change if you had the power to do so.

Example: “I think one of the biggest issues with subcontractors right now is communication. I feel like there are many instances where subcontractors don’t communicate well enough with each other, which leads to problems on construction sites. If I could change anything, I would implement a system that makes communication between all parties involved easier.”

What would you do if you noticed that a subcontractor was consistently producing low-quality work?

Subcontractors are often hired to complete specific tasks, so it’s important that they’re able to do their job well. An interviewer may ask this question to understand how you would handle a situation like this if it ever arose on your team. In your answer, try to show that you value quality work and will hold subcontractors accountable for their actions.

Example: “I’ve worked with many different subcontractors in my career, and I have seen some who consistently produce low-quality work. When I notice this, I first meet with the subcontractor to discuss what we expect from them. If they continue to produce poor results, I’ll let them go and hire someone else to take their place.”

How well do you understand the requirements of general contractors?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the construction industry and how you can apply it to your role as a subcontractor manager. You may have experience working with general contractors or other subcontractors, so consider sharing that information in your answer.

Example: “I’ve worked for several different general contractors over my career, which has given me valuable insight into their needs and expectations. I understand what they look for in subcontractors and how we can work together to meet those goals. For example, I know that some general contractors prefer to hire subcontractors who are able to complete projects on time and within budget. As a result, I make sure my team understands these requirements and works hard to ensure our company meets them.”

Do you have any experience working with government contracts?

Subcontract managers often work with government contracts, so the interviewer may ask this question to see if you have any experience working in this type of environment. If you do, share your experience and explain how it helped you develop skills that are beneficial for this role. If you don’t have experience working with government contracts, you can talk about other types of contracts you’ve worked on.

Example: “I haven’t had the opportunity to work with government contracts yet, but I am very interested in doing so. In my last position as a subcontract manager, I was responsible for managing all aspects of a contract between a private company and a local business. This included negotiating prices, creating budgets and ensuring the project stayed within budget.”

When is the best time to address issues with a construction project?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage a construction project. Use examples from your experience to explain when it’s best to address issues with subcontractors, clients or other stakeholders in the construction industry.

Example: “I think it’s important to address problems as soon as they arise because it can be more difficult to resolve them later on. In my last role, I noticed that one of our subcontractors was taking longer than expected to complete their work. When I spoke with the subcontractor about the issue, they informed me that they were having trouble finding enough workers for the job. We decided to hire additional subcontractors to help finish the project.”

We want to ensure that our subcontractors are happy and motivated. How would you encourage them to meet our standards?

Subcontractors are an important part of the construction process, and a subcontract manager needs to be able to motivate them. This question helps employers understand how you would handle this responsibility. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure that subcontractors were meeting standards and goals.

Example: “I believe in being honest with my team members. I would hold regular meetings where we discussed our progress and any challenges we faced. During these meetings, I would also give positive feedback when it was deserved. I think it’s important for employees to know when they’re doing a good job so they can continue their work. I would also make sure to provide clear instructions on what is expected from each person.”

Describe your experience with project management software.

Subcontract managers often use project management software to keep track of their projects and subcontractors. The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with using these types of programs. In your answer, describe the type of software you’ve used in the past and what you like or dislike about it. You can also mention any certifications you have for using project management software.

Example: “I’ve worked on several construction projects where we used a program called ProTrack. I found that it was easy to use and helped me stay organized. However, I would prefer a more streamlined program that doesn’t require so many steps to enter information. I’m currently enrolled in an online course to earn my certification in ProTrack.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and why you are the best person for the job. Before your interview, make a list of all your skills and experiences that relate to the position. Think about what makes you unique compared to other candidates.

Example: “I am the most qualified candidate because I have extensive experience managing subcontractors. In my previous role as a project manager, I managed five different teams of subcontractors at once. Each team had their own unique challenges, but I was able to resolve any issues they faced. My communication skills helped me solve problems quickly so we could stay on schedule. I also understand how important it is to work with clients and subcontractors to ensure projects run smoothly.”

Which industries do you have the most experience in?

This question can help the interviewer understand your background and experience. It can also give them insight into what industries you’re familiar with, which may be beneficial if they work in one of those industries. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few industries that are similar to the one you’re interviewing for.

Example: “I have the most experience working in construction and renovation projects. I’ve worked on several large-scale renovations where we had to coordinate many subcontractors at once. However, I’m also comfortable working in other industries like home improvement or commercial building.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of being a successful manager?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to think about what makes you feel like a good manager. You may also want to consider what qualities your previous managers had that helped them succeed.

Example: “I believe that being a successful manager means having the ability to motivate others while still maintaining high standards for their work. I am always looking for ways to help my team members improve their performance while encouraging them to do their best. This helps me create an environment where people are comfortable asking questions and offering suggestions.”

How often do you update your personal development plan?

Subcontract managers are responsible for the development of their team members. Employers ask this question to make sure you have a plan in place to improve your skills and knowledge as a subcontractor manager. In your answer, explain that you keep track of your goals and how often you check in on them. Explain that you use these self-improvement plans to help you grow as a subcontractor manager.

Example: “I update my personal development plan at least once per quarter. I find that doing so helps me stay focused on my career goals. For example, last quarter I set a goal to learn more about project management software. I signed up for an online course and completed it by the end of the quarter. Now, I am able to recommend different software programs to other teams.”

There is a new technology that could improve the way you manage your construction projects. What do you do to learn more about it?

This question is a great way to see how you adapt to new technologies. Subcontract managers need to be able to learn quickly and implement new methods that can improve their construction projects. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to research the technology and determine if it’s something you want to try on future jobs.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my management style. If there was a new technology I had never heard of before, I would first do some research to understand what it does and how it could benefit my team. Then, I would ask my subcontractors about their opinions on the technology. I would also talk with other subcontract managers who have used this technology in the past.”