Construction Supervisor/Manager

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

• overall health and safety on site
• developing a project programme for contractors to follow
• supervising the building work and site workforce, including preparing the site and hiring the workforce
• forward planning and identifying potential problems
• conducting regular inspections of the site
• reporting on progress to the client.

Construction supervisors/managers communicate with a wide range of people, including professionals such as architects, engineers, estimators and surveyors, and the general public.

The standard working week is around 40 hours, Monday to Friday, but evening and weekend work may be needed to complete some jobs. Construction supervisors/managers travel to sites and may occasionally stay away from home. A large part of the work takes place outdoors on site. Inspections can involve working at heights.

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

A construction supervisor/manager should have:

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

Over 20,000 people work as construction supervisors/managers, or in related professions, for construction companies or specialist subcontractors. Opportunities also exist with local building contractors, central and local government, utility companies, and large organisations.

Construction supervisors/managers normally need a degree or equivalent qualification, or substantial experience working as a construction estimator, buyer or planner or building technician. Students who pursue a construction-related degree can apply for a ConstructionSkills Inspire Scholarship. The Diploma in construction and the built environment may be relevant to pursuing a career in this sector.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) offers a number of training opportunities and work-based NVQs, Levels 3 to 5 in construction site supervision/management.

Experienced construction supervisors/managers can move into contract management or consultancy work. CIOB membership is increasingly important for career progression. In order to achieve a managerial post, it is essential to achieve Chartered Builder status.

Further details