Construction manager

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

In this guide

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

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.

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

Most relevant

  • Mathematics - Construction managers use maths constantly to monitor budgets, calculate material quantities, and check project costs against estimates. They also need to interpret technical drawings and understand measurements, dimensions, and scheduling data to keep projects on track.
  • Design and Technology - Construction managers review building plans and work closely with architects and engineers, so understanding how structures are designed and built is essential. Knowledge of materials, construction methods, and technical drawings helps them assess quality and solve practical problems on site.
  • Business - Construction managers are responsible for hiring staff, managing budgets, organising schedules, and reporting to clients – all core business management tasks. They need to understand how projects are planned and resourced to deliver them on time and within budget.
  • Engineering - Construction managers work alongside civil and structural engineers and need to understand engineering principles to review plans and monitor building work. Knowledge of how forces, loads, and materials behave helps them spot potential issues and ensure construction meets required standards.

Also relevant

  • Physics - Construction managers benefit from understanding forces, structural loads, and the properties of materials when overseeing building projects. This knowledge helps them have informed conversations with engineers and assess whether construction work is being carried out correctly.
  • Economics - Construction managers need to understand how supply costs, labour markets, and economic conditions affect their projects. Being aware of how pricing and demand fluctuate helps them plan budgets realistically and make smart decisions about when and how to source materials.
  • Geography - Construction managers consider factors like land use, environmental impact, and sustainability when planning building projects. Understanding topics like flooding risk, soil types, and urban development helps them make informed decisions about how and where to build.
  • Environmental Science - Construction managers increasingly oversee projects that use sustainable materials, energy efficiency measures, and environmentally responsible practices. Understanding environmental impact and sustainability principles is becoming a key part of managing modern construction sites.
  • Accounting - Construction managers track project spending, manage budgets, and report financial progress to clients and stakeholders. Understanding how to read financial records and control costs is important for keeping large building projects financially on track.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

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

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

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

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

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:

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