Construction manager

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

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

University

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:

• 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

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a degree apprenticeship in:

• construction site management
• design and construction management

These typically take between 3 and 4 years to complete, as a mix of learning in the workplace and studying at an approved university.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Work

You may be able to move up into this job after gaining several years experience in another construction industry role like:

• estimator
• building technician
• surveyor
• site supervisor

DirectApplication

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

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• 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
• customer service skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• persistence and determination
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to read English
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to motivate and manage staff
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

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

As a 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

Location : You could work on a construction site or at a client's business.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height and you may spend nights away from home.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £27,000
Experienced : £65,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

41 - 43 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends away from home

Career Path:

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 can improve your career prospects by getting chartered status, through an industry body like The Chartered Institute of Building .