What does a Construction Manager do?
Construction Managers work as residential or commercial managers, as an independent contractor or as an employee of a construction company. They oversee building projects of homes, office buildings, bridges, hospitals and more, splitting their workdays between visiting sites and attending meetings. They work from the main office and an on-site trailer in the field at the construction site. The Construction Manager works regular business hours, as well as irregular hours and is on-call or full-time, so frequent travel is the standard. On-site, they encounter a variety of environment and high-risk conditions and various weather conditions.
Construction Manager skills and qualifications
Construction Managers must remain organised and focussed on the project while dealing with failure, risk and chaos. They use a blend of project management, business acumen, risk assessment and financial administration to get the job done. A successful Construction Manager will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:
- Ability to multi-task and handle multiple construction projects, meet tight deadlines and coordinate with other Construction Managers on the job
- Understand construction technologies and methods, interpret contracts and technical drawings and read blueprints, up-to-date building codes and construction practices
- Strong analytical mind for cost management, procuring materials and disposal of construction waste
- Adept with specialised industry software for cost-estimating, planning and transporting materials and inventory
- Strong communication skills to lead a diverse team and the ability to explain blueprints and technical documents
- Expert use of the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs and Capital Management software, strong IT, maths and bookkeeping skills
- Experience in remodelling projects
Construction Manager experience requirements
Employers expect Construction Managers to have either four-eight years or sixteen-twenty years of experience at the same level of management based on their requirements. Previous experience with green architecture and building, proven experience and adherence to the Building Act of 1984 regulations first-hand, is also beneficial. Bilingual ability is a plus. The ideal candidate also has a first-hand experience resolving disputes through mediation, mini-trial and arbitration.
Construction Manager education and training requirements
A Construction Manager needs a Master Degree in Construction Science (MSCM), Civil Engineering or similar field. Increasingly, businesses want certified Construction Managers with certifications such as an Associate Member of the Association of Planning Engineers (ACPENG) and full accreditation with the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). Construction site owners and employers seek-out candidates with a National Construction Certificate (NEBOSH). Smaller companies may only need a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management or Science. Others may accept an HNC/HND and a Foundation Degree in building engineering, surveying or civil engineering and offer an on-site training program in their career progression.
Construction Manager salary expectation
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Construction Manager in the UK is £51,812 per year. Salary may be dependent on experience, location and company.
Job description samples for similar positions
Other job description samples are available if this is not quite what you’re looking for: