Construction Manager
What is the work like?
Construction managers, also known as site managers or site agents, supervise and direct operations on a construction project to make sure it is completed safely, on time and within budget.
As a manager on smaller sites, you would often have full responsibility for the whole project. On larger sites, you may be in charge of a particular section, reporting to the senior manager. If you work as a senior construction manager, you would oversee several projects at the same time.
Your typical duties would include:
- discussing plans with architects, surveyors and buyers before building work starts
- planning work schedules for the job, using project management software
- preparing the site by hiring staff, installing temporary offices and taking delivery of materials
- working closely with the site workforce once building is underway
- monitoring progress, costs and checking quality
- making sure the work meets legal requirements and Building Regulations
- reporting regularly to the client.
As a construction manager, you would also be the main point of contact for subcontractors and the public.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To start as a trainee construction manager, you would normally need a BTEC HNC/HND or a degree, or several years' experience within the industry. There are a lot of courses available that can help to prepare you with the skills and knowledge needed for the job, for instance:
- building studies and building engineering
- surveying and civil engineering
- construction engineering management
- building management.
To search for colleges and universities offering these courses, visit the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website. Please check with the individual colleges and universities for their entry requirements.
You may be able to get sponsorship from an employer to help you with the cost of studying. This normally covers university fees and a grant for living expenses. Once you complete your course, the sponsoring company would normally take you on full-time. You can contact companies directly to find out about sponsorship opportunities.
You may also be able to get into this area of work after gaining industry experience as a building technician or site supervisor (clerk of works). See the related profiles section for more details about these jobs.
ConstructionSkills has information on construction careers and qualifications. The construction trades are also being promoted as a career choice for women through the Know Your Place campaign.
What further training and development can I do?
You would usually start on your employer's own training programme. This is designed to give you experience in a number of work areas, for example estimating, planning, buying and assisting a site engineer. Once you have built up your experience, you would move into construction management and take on more responsibility.
If you are working in the industry and hold a degree unrelated to construction, you may be able to join the Chartered Institute of Building's (CIOB) Graduate Diploma Programme. This allows you to follow a conversion route, aimed at giving you the skills and knowledge to take up construction management jobs.
The CIOB has information on a range of training, covering all aspects of construction management, including project management, contracts, construction law and regulations.
The CIOB, in partnership with the National House Building Council (NHBC), also has information about work-related NVQs, which may be available to you, such as:
- Construction Site Supervision Level 3
- Construction Site Management Level 4
- Construction Contracting at levels 3 and 4
- Construction Project Management Level 5.
If you are working as an assistant manager or technician, you could follow NVQ options at levels 3 and 4 for technical staff, such as estimating, planning or buying. These cover areas of the construction process like tenders, procurement, construction problems and dispute resolution.
Contact CIOB, NHBC and the Association of Building Engineers (ABE) for more details about work-based training programmes.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
By 2010, workers within the construction sector must have a CSCS card or be registered with a related scheme. Many construction firms and their clients already insist that you have a relevant CSCS card to work on site. You can contact CSCS or SkillsDirect for details about how to obtain your card.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 0870 417 8777Billing Brook Road
Weston Favell
Northampton
NN3 8NW
Tel: 0845 126 1058
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577
Chiltern Avenue
Amersham
Buckinghamshire
HP6 5AP
Kings Ride
Ascot
Berkshire
SL5 7TB
Tel: 01344 630700
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are between £21,000 and £26,000.
- Experienced managers can earn between £27,000 and £37,000.
- Senior managers can earn over £40,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work around 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, with some evening or weekend work to meet deadlines. Some of your time would be spent travelling between sites and meeting clients and contractors.
Sitework would be in all weather conditions. You may sometimes have to work at heights, for example when inspecting roofing. You would wear protective clothing on all jobs, including safety boots and a hard hat.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent people skills to work with staff at all levels
- the ability to motivate your team
- excellent organisational and planning skills
- the ability to take on responsibility and make decisions
- good numeracy and IT skills
- an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of building methods
- an understanding of Building Regulations
- a knowledge of health and safety requirements
- an awareness of the environmental issues surrounding carbon reduction in the industry.
What opportunities are there?
Climate change issues are playing an increasingly important role in the construction industry and this is likely to lead to more opportunities for in sustainable development and carbon reduction in materials, the supply chain and building methods.
As a construction manager, you would normally work for building companies and specialist subcontractors. You might also find work with central and local government departments, utility companies and larger organisations like major retailers.
As an experienced manager, you could progress into contract management, consultancy or become a company director. You could also find opportunities in teaching and research, as well as support services, such as health and safety inspection.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
Careerstructure
ConstructionJobsNet
JustConstruction
Construction Manager
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