Construction Management Leadership Institute

The construction industry is growing at a historic pace—and it needs leaders who can keep up. The Construction Management Leadership Institute is a three‑day, high‑intensity program designed for professionals ready to advance into stronger leadership roles in heavy civil, commercial, or industrial construction.

Developed by the University of Missouri’s College of Engineering and the Missouri Training Institute, this program delivers practical, industry‑aligned leadership training that helps you manage people, projects, and change with confidence. If you’re aiming for your next promotion or want to lead more effectively in a rapidly evolving field, this institute gives you the tools to get there.

Who should attend?

• Work in heavy civil, industrial, or commercial construction, for a general contractor or specialty-contracting firm, or in public works.
• Currently have supervisory responsibilities or working towards supervisory role.

Upcoming program dates

• December 15–17, 2026 from 8:30-3:30 each day
• Day Three will be extended by one hour to accommodate lab activities. It'll conclude at 4:30 p.m.

Program highlights

Day One: Foundations of Leadership and Industry Insight

• Overview of Legal and Regulatory Structure
  Gain a clear understanding of the legal frameworks and regulatory structures that shape the construction industry.
• Project Delivery
  Explore various project delivery methods, including design-bid-build, design-build, and CM-at-risk, and learn how to select the right approach for different project types.
• Global and Regional Workforce Trends
  Examine current labor market dynamics, including workforce shortages, generational shifts, and the impact of workforce trends on construction talent.
• Leadership Best Practices: Understanding Effective Leadership
  Define what effective leadership looks like in today’s construction environment and apply to your own leadership style.

Day Two: Financial Acumen and Emotional Intelligence

• Construction Cost Control and Estimating
  Learn essential techniques for accurate cost estimation and budget control, including manpower utilization rates and productivity benchmarks.
• Construction Contracts
  Understand the key components of construction contracts, risk allocation, and how to navigate common legal pitfalls.
• Leadership Best Practices: Emotional Intelligence (EQ 2.0) & Team Building
  Dive into the EQ 2.0 framework to assess your emotional intelligence. Learn strategies to enhance self-awareness, empathy, and team cohesion for more effective leadership.

Day Three: Risk, Safety, and Conflict Resolution

• Construction Liability and Risk Management
  Explore the fundamentals of liability, insurance, and bonding. Understand the cost implications of claims and how to mitigate risk.
• Construction Safety
  Review OSHA standards, workers’ compensation, and regulatory compliance. Learn how to foster a proactive safety culture that protects your team and your projects.
• Leadership Best Practices: Conflict Resolution & Goal Setting
  Examine how assumptions influence decision-making and team dynamics. Develop practical skills for resolving conflict and setting actionable leadership goals.

Professional development hours

Participants will be awarded 21 Professional Development Hours (PDHs). MU Extension will issue a digital badge and certificate.

Program instructors

• Dr. Carlos Sun, Director of the Construction Management Programs: Dr. Sun is a licensed attorney and professional engineer and has specialized in transportation and construction for over 30 years. His research areas include construction management, work zones safety, contracting, and legal issues.
• Bryana Larimer is a Business Trainer and Consultant with nearly a decade of experience designing and delivering customized learning experiences for public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Through her work with the Missouri Training Institute (MTI), part of the University of Missouri Extension and Engagement, she has supported hundreds of teams across Missouri and in Arizona, California, and Washington, D.C., addressing frontline, supervisory, and leadership needs. 

Registration process

Registration for the 2026 Institute is open and will close on November 13, 2026. 

The registration fee is $1,550, payable online or via invoice for organizations. There is an early bird discount of $100 if you register prior to August 31st using code EarlyBird100. 

Discounts are available for bulk enrollments and Mizzou alumni. Please contact us for more information on available discounts.

Contact the MU Career Accelerator, careeraccelerator@missouri.edu, for more information about the Construction Management Leadership Institute.