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.

On smaller sites, they often carry sole responsibility for the whole project; on larger sites, they may be in charge of a particular section, reporting to the senior site manager. Senior construction managers may oversee several construction projects at the same time.

Typical duties include:

• meeting with architects, surveyors, planners and buyers before building work starts 
• planning work schedules for the job, using project management software packages
• preparing the site by hiring staff, installing temporary offices and taking delivery of materials
• liaising with the site workforce
• monitoring progress, quality, legal compliance and costs
• reporting regularly to the client.

Construction managers are also the main point of contact for subcontractors and the public.

Hours and Environment

Construction managers work 39 hours a week, Monday to Friday, but may have to work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines. Some of the time is spent travelling between sites and to meet clients.

As a manager, you will work on site in all weather conditions. Some work may be at heights, for example, when inspecting roofing. You will wear protective clothing on site, including safety boots and hard hat.

Skills and Interests

As a construction manager, you need:

• excellent interpersonal skills to communicate with people at all levels and motivate staff
• 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 and health and safety requirements
• an awareness of the environmental issues, surrounding carbon reduction in the industry.

Entry

To become a construction manager, you normally need a BTEC HNC/HND or a degree to enter as a trainee. You should consider the following subject areas to improve your employment prospects:

• building
• building studies
• building engineering
• surveying
• 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. On completion of the course, your sponsoring employer would normally take you on full-time.

You may also be able to get into this role after gaining experience at technician level or as site supervisor. See the profiles for Building Technician and Clerk of Works for more details.

ConstructionSkills has information on construction careers and qualifications in Further Information; and the Equal Opportunities Commission is promoting the construction trades as a career option for women through its Know Your Place campaign.

Training

You often start work as a trainee construction manager on your employer's own training programme. These are designed to give you experience in a number of roles, for example estimator, planner, buyer and assistant site engineer. Once you have built up your experience, you move into construction management and take on more complex projects.

If you are working in the industry and hold a degree unrelated to construction, you may be eligible 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 positions.

The CIOB also has information on a range of training, covering all aspects of construction management. Areas include construction project management, contracts and law, construction design and management (CDM) regulations, and technical and specification report writing.

The CIOB, in conjunction with the National House Building Council (NHBC), offers information about a series of work-related NVQs/SVQs for those within the industry, including:

• 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 can follow NVQ programmes at levels 3 and 4 for technical staff, including estimators, planners and buyers. These cover aspects of the construction process, such as tenders, procurement, organisation of resources, construction problems and dispute resolution.

Contact CIOB and NHBC for more details about all of the training programmes outlined above.

The Association of Building Engineers (ABE) also offers information on a range of NVQ qualifications similar to those listed above. Contact ABE for details.

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
By 2010, workers within the construction sector must hold a CSCS card or be registered with an affiliated scheme. Many construction firms and their clients already insist that staff hold a relevant CSCS card to work on site. You can contact CSCS or SkillsDirect in Further Information for details about how to obtain your card.

Opportunities

As a construction manager, you normally work for building companies and specialist subcontractors. There are also opportunities with local building contractors, central and local government, utility companies, and larger organisations such as major retailers.

As an experienced construction manager, you can progress into contract management, consultancy or become a company director. There are also opportunities in teaching and research, as well as support services, such as health and safety.

Issues around climate change are playing an increasingly important role in the construction industry. This is likely to lead to more opportunities for construction professionals in sustainable development and carbon reduction in materials, supply chain and building methods.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Initial 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.

Further information

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