Construction Superintendent Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Construction Superintendent, or Construction Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a construction site, from project planning to completion. They create work schedules, coordinate all construction activities and contractors and conduct quality control.

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Construction Superintendent duties and responsibilities

A Construction Superintendent’s duties and responsibilities vary from one company to another. However, they usually include:

Planning and organising project work to ensure all work is done in accordance with the contract
Creating and updating monthly project work schedules
Performing in-depth reviews of designs, drawings and contract
Supervising all the contractor work to ensure timely and cost-effective implementation of projects
Coordinating and liaising with clients, subcontractors, consultants, property inspectors and regulatory authorities
Training and mentoring Assistant Superintendents and Project/Office Engineers
Conducting safety inspections to ensure on-site working conditions and habits adhere to the required standards
Assisting in the preparation of operations/maintenance manuals and project closeout documentation

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What does a Construction Superintendent do?

A Construction Superintendent oversees and manages all phases of building construction or maintenance projects, including on-site personnel, materials and equipment and sub-contractors. They facilitate site inspections and construction activities and ensure suppliers deliver the right materials. They also ensure builders follow the right specifications and that work is done safely, on time and within budget. It’s also their duty to keep an inventory of the site materials. They also coordinate with the logistics department to ensure accuracy in deliveries.

Construction Superintendent skills and qualifications

Construction Superintendents need a range of skills, other than the ability to direct construction personnel. A successful Construction Superintended candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:

Excellent construction site management skills
Understanding of architectural plans, schemas, civil and structural plans
Excellent scheduling and contract management skills
In-depth knowledge on mechanical and electrical, instrumentation and controls systems
In-depth knowledge about Bluebeam and scheduling software (P6 Or Project), or Microsoft Excel
Knowledge on commercial tendering for large construction projects
Excellent technical report writing skills

Construction Superintendent experience requirements

The Construction Superintendent must have at least five years of experience working with building plans within a relevant construction trade. The ideal candidate should have experience with large-scale business contractors or with the civil or construction industry. Since they will be in charge of tradespeople, the Construction Superintendent must have several years of experience overseeing site operations. The right candidate should have a track record of delivering commercial projects on time and budget.

Construction Superintendent education and training requirements

Construction Superintendent positions usually require at least a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). However, due to the increasing complexities of the construction process, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture or a related discipline. They also require candidates to complete on-the-job training and obtain industry-recognised certifications such as the first aid certificate, construction trade certification and construction safety training systems (CSTS) certificate.

Construction Superintendent salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary of a Construction Superintendent in the UK is £83,571 per year. This figure varies depending on factors including the candidate’s experience, job location and company.

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Construction Superintendent job description FAQs

Who Does the Construction Superintendent report to?

The Construction Superintendent works under the supervision of a Construction Manager or a Project Manager in a large construction firm. In smaller firms, they report to the owners or principals, as they’re the ones administering the contract terms and conditions.

Do Construction Superintendents have different responsibilities in different industries?

Construction Superintendents perform different things in various industries, and their duties may vary as well. Quality Assurance Superintendents are in charge of the safety of on-site jobs and operations while Programme Superintendents are responsible for coordinating and completing projects. A Training Superintendent plans, designs, leads and manages all training and development services including policies and programmes. All heavy civil engineering projects are the responsibilities of Project Superintendents.

What should you look for in a Construction Superintendent CV?

Look for the work experience, especially in the civil or commercial construction sectors. Consider applicants with site supervision experience, technical training and industry experience. The right Construction Superintendent has strong project management skills and experience managing construction projects from scheduling to quality control. Companies usually hire candidates with a firm grasp of construction disciplines and safety regulations.

What is the difference between a Construction Superintendent and a Project Manager?

The difference has to do with their work environment and daily roles. The Construction Superintendent works on construction sites together with their construction workers, supervising and directing construction work. The Project Manager typically oversees all the administrative aspects and processes including the project’s progress off-site.