Site supervisor
Check that work on building sites is being done well and that the workers are safe.
Also known as: clerk of works, warranty manager, site inspector, building quality officer
About the job
What it's like
You would check that work on a building site is being done properly and that the workers are safe. You'll oversee the quality and safety of work on a construction site, and check that the work matches the building plans and specifications.
You’d make sure that health and safety rules are being followed.
Your tasks might include:Â
inspecting the work on siteÂ
comparing the work with drawings and specificationsÂ
advising on sustainable construction practices and materialsÂ
checking the quality of the building materialsÂ
keeping a record of your findingsÂ
identifying where work is not good enough and suggesting ways to make it betterÂ
dealing with other construction staff, such as contractors, engineers and surveyorsÂ
reporting progress to construction managers, architects and clientsÂ
You might also be responsible for supervising the workforce on the building site during a project.
Green jobÂ
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.Â
Hours
You would normally make site inspections Monday to Friday, working between 35 and 40 hours a week. In some cases, you may have to work weekends or evenings in order to meet project deadlines.
Environment
You would have a site office, but you would spend most of your time outside on site. You could be making inspections at heights from scaffolding or ladders, or underground, for example, in tunnel construction. Your role may also involve attending project progress meetings with the construction team.
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Related industries
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Construction and built environment
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.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- construction design and management (cdm) regulations
- test planning
- industrial relations
- busbar
- pollution prevention
- waterproofing
- integrated service routers
- lookahead
- category 3 cable
- directional boring
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- analysing
- negotiating
- making decisions
- researching
- questioning
- observation
- written communication
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 each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
Engineering Science
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Engineering 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.
There is no set entry route into this role.
Relevant experience is essential. This might be work-based experience through qualifications such as a Modern Apprenticeship in Construction: Technical (SCQF Level 7) which includes preparation for supervisory roles.
In some cases a relevant degree (SCQF level 9/10) is required.
Some employers require you to be a member of The Institute of Clerks of Works (ICWCI).
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to work on a site. You must pass a health and safety test to qualify for this scheme.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Site supervisor'
