The project manager employed by our committee to oversee the repairs of lot bathrooms has never been on site. Is it usual for a project manager to rely on information provided by the committee?
Our committee employed a project manager to oversee the repairs of lot bathrooms. The project manager has never been on site, and there's just so much misinformation from different committee members that it's becoming unworkable. Is it usual for a project manager to never inspect the site and simply rely on information provided by the committee?
In simple terms, no.
Bruce McKenzie:
In simple terms, no. It's not usual. It would come back to the terms of the project manager's engagement and understanding of the agreement. Were they expected to come to the site, or perhaps it was what we call a light touch arrangement, where they were only assisting at a high level?
Ordinarily, any project manager should go to the site. It's the definition: the project manager is managing the project hands-on, on the ground, and making sure things are right.
You could contact the project manager to clarify whether this is driven by their understanding of the original agreement.
Edwina Feilen:
If you're not getting the service, you shouldn't pay those fees until you actually get that service.
One key aspect of a tendering or project management process is that every time a fee is submitted for payment from a contractor, we need to ensure that the fee for service is for works that have been completed or provided. In this instance, maybe get a second opinion.
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Bruce McKenzie is National Manager for Commercial Services and Major Projects at Sedgwick's Building Consulting Division, the largest claims management corporation in the world. With over 36 years' experience as a licenced building contractor, Bruce has received multiple state building excellence awards and a National Building Award through Master Builders Australia.
Since joining Sedgwick a decade ago, Bruce has led the growth of its Commercial Services Division, managing major building projects nationally across the insurance and private sectors — including property damage, catastrophe events and large-scale remediation. He has acted as expert witness on high-profile litigation matters, most notably the Lacrosse Tower combustible cladding case, and served as Program Director for Cladding Safety Victoria, overseeing the recladding of over 40 buildings as part of the Victorian Government's $600 million rectification program. In 2022 he commenced a secondment as Program Director for Project Intervene with the NSW Office of the Building Commissioner, addressing serious defects in recently constructed buildings.
Bruce is a licensed builder in NSW, QLD, VIC and ACT, and holds an Advanced Diploma in Building & Construction Management and a Diploma of Project Management.
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