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Construction manager

Alternative titles for this job include Site manager

Construction managers organise the work on building projects, making sure it's 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 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

Apprenticeship

You may be able to complete a degree apprenticeship in construction site 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 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

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a construction manager from Go Construct and The Chartered Institute of Building.

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 competently

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 manager, you will:

  • 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 quality
  • report progress to clients, partners and local communities
  • maintain and promote 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

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 can improve your career prospects by getting chartered status, through an industry body like The Chartered Institute of Building.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a construction manager right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Study Programme - Level 3 Construction Management

  • Provider: WAKEFIELD COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2022
  • Location: Castleford

HE PEARSON L5 HND IN CONSTRUCTION& THE BUILD ENVIRONMENT- CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FT

  • Provider: CHESTERFIELD COLLEGE
  • Start date: 13 September 2022
  • Location: CHESTERFIELD
Find courses near you

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