Construction manager
Direct operations on a construction project to make sure it's completed safely, on time and within the budget.
Also known as: site agent, site manager
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£519
Entry level
£1,250
Experienced
Monthly
£2,250
Entry level
£5,417
Experienced
Yearly
£27,000
Entry level
£65,000
Experienced
9,600
people are currently employed
High growth
500 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
A day in the life — construction manager
What it's like
You would supervise and direct operations on a construction project to make sure the building or structure is completed safely, on time and within the budget.
You’d manage the project on behalf of another company, your client. You’d lead and motivate the construction team and sort out any problems that arise during the project.
On small sites you might have full responsibility for the whole project. On larger sites you may be in charge of a particular section and report to a senior site manager.
Before the building work starts, you would:
discuss plans with architects, surveyors and buyers
plan work schedules using project management software
hire employees
arrange for materials to be delivered to the site
set up temporary offices at the site
Once construction has started, you would:
work closely with the workforce on site
check progress, costs and quality
make sure the work meets legal requirements and building regulations
report regularly to your client
You would also be the main point of contact for subcontractors and the public.
As a senior manager, you could oversee several projects at the same time.
Hours
Environment
Travel
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Construction and built environment Energy
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- making decisions
- delegating
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- verbal communication
- building relationships
- motivating others
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Practical Craft Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Civil Engineering
Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You need a Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) or degree (SCQF Level 9/10) in a relevant subject:
Construction
Civil engineering
Construction management
Architecture
Building surveying.
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF Level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
For entry to a degree (SCQF Level 9/10) you will require National 5 qualifications and Highers or a relevant HND.
Qualifications that demonstrate an understanding of construction, planning and organising and practical skills, such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts (SCQF Level 4/5).
You must have a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to work on construction sites.
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