Construction manager
Construction managers organise building projects to make sure they're completed safely, within budget and on time.
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
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
- you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
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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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.