Construction manager
Site manager
Construction managers organise the work on building projects, making sure it’s completed safely, within budget and on time.
Salary Range: £27,000 to £70,000
How to become a construction manager
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
You’ll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building in a subject like:
- building studies or building engineering
- surveying or civil engineering
- construction engineering
- construction site management
- estimating
Courses are likely to include project management, economics, IT and accounts.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More information
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
Apprenticeship
You may be able to complete a higher or degree apprenticeship in construction management, or design and construction management.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More information
Work
You could move into this job if you’re working as an estimator, building technician, surveyor or site supervisor and have several years’ experience in the building industry.
Direct application
You may be able to apply directly if you’ve got several years’ management experience in a related industry like civil engineering.
More information
Registration
- you’ll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a construction manager from Go Construct and The Chartered Institute of Building.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- knowledge of building and construction
- maths knowledge
- the ability to organise your time and workload
- leadership skills
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- business management skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and requirements
You’ll usually need a driving licence to travel to different sites.
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day activities may include:
- checking plans with architects, surveyors and engineers
- hiring staff and buying materials
- planning work schedules
- monitoring building progress and costs
- checking quality
- reporting to clients
- maintaining and promoting health and safety
Working environment
You could work on a construction site or at a client’s business.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height and you may spend nights away from home.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could progress into contract management or consultancy. With further training, you could move into support services like health and safety and building inspection.
You can improve your career prospects by getting chartered status, through an industry body like the The Chartered Institute of Building.