Construction Supervisor/Manager

Construction supervisors/managers (also known as site agents, supervisors and managers) oversee and direct people to make sure construction projects are completed safely, on time and within budget. They are responsible for making sure that construction projects run smoothly, which may include:

• overall health and safety on site
• maintaining communications with all construction professionals
• developing a project programme for contractors to follow
• supervising the building work and site workforce, including preparing the site and hiring the workforce
• co-ordinating logistics
• forward planning and identifying potential problems
• conducting regular inspections
• reporting on progress to clients.

Construction supervisors/managers usually work normal office hours, Monday to Friday, although flexibility is important owing to deadlines. They may travel to sites, which may entail spending variable periods away from home. Their time is split between office work and site visits. Inspecting building works can involve climbing ladders and scaffolding.

Salaries may range from around £20,000 for trainees to around £38,500 for site managers, potentially reaching £70,000 or more for very senior managers.

A construction supervisor/manager should have:

• excellent interpersonal skills
• diplomacy, with the ability to motivate staff and subcontractors
• problem-solving ability
• good organisational skills
• detailed understanding of building and health and safety regulations.

There are approximately 206,900 UK construction managers and a further 96,050 senior, executive and process business managers. They work for construction companies, specialist subcontractors, local building contractors, central and local government, utility companies and large organisations.

There are various routes into construction management. Many complete a relevant BTEC Higher National Certificate/Higher National Diploma (HNC/HND), foundation degree or degree, although some progress from several years' experience in the building industry. Diploma in construction and the built environment may be relevant for this area of work. Students who pursue a construction-related degree can apply for a ConstructionSkills Inspire Scholarship.

Some complete work-based training, getting experience in a number of different areas, progressing into supervisory and management jobs. Construction supervisors/managers may work through the CSkills Awards NVQ Diplomas Levels 3 to 5. Supervisory and management staff, must have a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.

The professional CIOB Chartered Builder qualification is increasingly important for career progression. Experienced construction managers can become contract managers, company directors, self-employed or move into teaching and research or support services. Large contractors may offer international opportunities.

Further details