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Construction manager

Alternative titles for this job include Site manager

Construction managers organise building projects to make sure they're completed safely, within budget and on time.

Average salary (a year)

£27,000 Starter

to

£65,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

41 to 43 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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 in a subject like:

  • building studies or building engineering
  • surveying or civil engineering
  • construction engineering
  • construction site management
  • estimating

Find out about courses and universities accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building.

Courses are likely to include topics like project management, economics, IT and accounting.

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

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:

  • Construction Site Management Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Design and Construction Management Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These typically take between 3 and 4 years to complete, and are a mix of learning in the workplace and studying at an approved university.

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 degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You may be able to move into this job after gaining several years' experience in another construction industry role, such as:

  • estimator
  • building technician
  • surveyor
  • site supervisor

Direct Application

You could apply directly for jobs if you've got several years' management experience in a related industry, like civil engineering.

More Information

Registration

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Chartered Institute of Building, for professional recognition, to build your network of contacts and to hear about professional development opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a construction manager from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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
  • the ability to work well with others
  • 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 confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a full driving licence

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a construction manager, you'll:

  • review plans with architects, surveyors and engineers
  • hire staff and make sure the site has the materials it needs
  • organise work schedules
  • monitor building progress and costs
  • check the quality of the work your team has done
  • report progress to clients, partners and local communities
  • maintain and promote health and safety

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a construction manager to be a green job, you could:

  • oversee the installation of energy efficiency measures on retrofit projects
  • use sustainable materials on sites, like recycled steel or reclaimed wood
  • educate stakeholders and colleagues about working sustainably

Find out more about green careers

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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into contract management or consultancy. With further training, you could work in support services like health and safety or building inspection.

You might also work towards chartered status, through the Chartered Institute of Building, which could improve your career prospects.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Higher & Degree Apprenticeship in Construction- Manchester

  • Wage: £23,500 a year Annually
  • Location: Towers Business Park, Wilmslow Road, Manchester

Higher & Degree Apprenticeship in Construction- Leicester

  • Wage: £23,500 a year Annually
  • Location: Forest Business Park, Bardon Hill, Coalville
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

HNC Construction Management

  • Provider: NEW COLLEGE DURHAM
  • Start date: 15 September 2025
  • Location: Durham

HNC in Construction Management

  • Provider: MILTON KEYNES COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Milton Keynes
Find courses near you

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