Why does the Construction Sector need Project Coordination and Management across MMC Operations?
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) simplifies building logistics in many ways, but MMC projects still require coordination across multiple governance and operational aspects, sites, and teams. Could a new MMC job role focused on technical coordination free up senior construction professionals from time-consuming, day-to-day project execution?
MMC, spanning modern construction techniques, technologies, and skillsets, is revolutionising the Irish building industry and rapidly increasing the opportunity to deliver residential and commercial infrastructure.
As building companies across Ireland investigate and embrace new construction technologies and processes, there is an emerging need for skilled ‘MMC Coordinators’ to link the work of MMC Project Managers spanning onsite and off-site construction.
Given the complex and multi-site nature of construction projects, MMC Coordinators will support the delivery of MMC processes on all projects while being the interface between contractors and internal MMC systems. In this capacity, the MMC Coordinator would travel from site to site while engaging with Project Managers to support decision making. This coordination is crucial at handover points between building stages, ensuring quality is maintained and a project-wide perspective reinforced.
Given the seven different MMC categories, company structures, and operational sizes, the weighting of this role’s specific responsibilities may differ between companies. For example, one MMC Coordinator may have a greater role in BIM coordination while an MMC Coordinator at another company may have more tasks to perform onsite.
There are undoubtedly many skilled professionals already in the industry fulfilling these functions. However, one potential way of developing a new pipeline of talent is by creating national upskilling opportunities for a formal MMC Coordinator, and the subsequent widespread adoption of this role into building operations. A a broad industry consortium, comprised of education providers and industry leaders, has begun working collaboratively on outlining the potential scope of this training.
To get a true sense of how useful this MMC Coordinator role may prove to be, we interviewed three Project Managers working in MMC to get their thoughts.
John McGrath is the Course Chair for the MSc. in Project Management at TU Dublin. He is also a consultant who has worked with 400+ companies across a career in construction and Civil Engineering spanning 30 years. In this time, he has earned notable qualifications in Project Management, Strategic Management and Change Management. His research is focused on developing project management maturity.
John’s experience has illuminated key opportunities for making real improvements.
“For companies to upskill and succeed in MMC, there is an underlying need to develop commercial awareness as well as project management skills. Significant margin erosion happens between signing a contract and breaking ground on a build. Better collaboration between technical and commercial teams will give companies the confidence to take calculated risks on MMC investment.”
ourse Chair for the MSc. in Project Management at TU Dublin
He also identified the need for better communication between different teams on a project: “You can't have a divide between onsite, off-site and the head office. Modern Methods of Constructions require the holy trinity to work collaboratively.”
Lastly, John talked about the need for organisations to develop a more strategic focus.
“The construction companies that will succeed in MMC will take a more strategic focus, recognising they must develop manufacturing skills and capabilities, planning and execution capabilities while not diluting traditional technical construction capabilities”
ourse Chair for the MSc. in Project Management at TU Dublin
Rachael Ryan’s career has always been in design. She started out as a Product Designer before moving into design engineering and project management. In 2022 she moved to off-site manufacturer CPAC Modular, where she now plays a key role in helping to deliver high-quality modular builds from the time units land onsite until project handover.
Her responsibilities include ensuring every project meets its timeline, budget, and quality standards. This means coordinating and facilitating collaboration between clients, architects, engineers, and CPAC Modular’s in-house design and production teams, ensuring seamless progress and alignment across all parties involved.
“Much of my role revolves around anticipating issues before they arise – whether that’s ordering materials in advance, adjusting to delays, or managing site logistics. The shorter project durations common in modular construction mean I’m frequently transitioning between sites, which keeps the work engaging.”
MMC Project Coordinator
Similar to John, Rachael refers to communication and collaboration as important skills for project managers to have. She also references attention to detail as key. These skills will also be important for people looking to transition into a MMC Coordinator role.
“Where I see an MMC Coordinator being useful is in administration. For example, I may need permits for 50+ contractors to work on a project. Someone to help access and share those permits while I oversee the project would help.”
MMC Project Coordinator
Paul Creaby came into his role as a Technical Coordinator with Cairn from an architecture background. After close to a decade as an Architectural Technician and Senior Architectural Technologist with PMCA Architects, Paul decided on a move.
“When the Cairn opportunity came up, I needed the change to keep building my skills. I already had experience in coordinating with designers and teams onsite, which made me a good fit for the Technical Coordinator role.”
Technical Coordinator
Paul’s background in architecture and CAD / Revit design at PMCA Architects, as well as the skills developed in project management and coordinating information flow, helped him adapt to his new role at Cairn. Additional on-the-job shadowing and technical training in concepts such as Passive House helped him grow and develop in the role further while also aligning himself with Cairn’s wider business goals.
The skillsets the MMC Consortium have identified as ideal for an MMC Coordinator align very closely with Paul’s own role. This includes an aptitude for researching new building technologies; commercial astuteness; good spoken / written communication skills; an ability to work with others; and a high degree of flexibility and self-motivation.
"Although I now have more responsibilities than the scope of the role I applied for ... there is definitely a call for MMC Coordinators. No firm I've ever worked in has had this person, formally."
Technical Coordinator
With all the advantages to be gained from Modern Methods of Construction, MMC Coordinators supporting the work of Project Managers could make projects and, indeed, whole companies even more effective.
TU Dubin and LOETB are working with a broad industry consortium, including MMC Ireland, to finalise a proposal for a formal training that can educate MMC Coordinators. Comments are welcome and can be emailed to Joseph Little, Head of Construction at TU Dublin, at joseph.little@tudublin.ie.
