How to become a Construction Manager
There is a growing number for skilled professionals across the UK construction industry. If you’re considering a career in site leadership, understanding how to become a construction manager in England is a good place to start.
This guide covers everything you need to know, from qualifications and skills to salary expectations and career progression.
At Morson, we are specialist recruiters for the construction industry. Explore our latest construction manager role to see where your career could take you.
Rates
£40-80k
Hot Spots
Hinkley Point C / HS2
Qualifications
HND/HNC, Degree
What does a construction manager do?
A construction engineer or manager, sometimes referred to as a site manager, is in charge of pretty much everything that occurs on a building site. One of the most senior people to be found on-site, you’ll be expected to oversee and direct the specific operations within a building project.
You’ll manage both people and processes, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget and to the required standards.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Planning and scheduling construction work
- Managing and and supervising site teams
- Overseeing day-to-day site operations
- Monitoring quality and inspecting work in progress
- Coordinating with engineers, architects and surveyors
- Acting as the main point of contact for subcontractors and stakeholders
- Resolving on-site issues and delays
- Reporting progress to senior management and clients
- Promoting and enforcing health and safety standards
- Attending client and stakeholder meetings
You are the person who keeps everything moving on site.
What is the average construction manager salary?
As a construction manager, your salary can vary, depending on the area, project and employer you’re working for. At the start of your career you can expect to earn between £27,000 and £33,000 per year, with this increasing to £40,000 – £60,000 as you gain more experience.
Construction managers at the peak of their career, especially senior or chartered managers, can often see their salary go up to £80,000 per year.
The average construction manager salary in London is typically higher than the UK average, reflecting the scale and complexity of projects in the capital.
*These figures are intended as a guideline only.
Skills and qualifications
What skills do I need?
First and foremost, a successful construction manager needs excellent communication and leadership skills, as you’ll be interacting with a number of different people and need the ability to motivate a team.
You’ll also need a good understanding and awareness of health and safety procedures to ensure a safe work environment is maintained.
Planning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills are essential, in order to handle the day-to-day running of a construction site and to overcome any potential obstacles you may face throughout a project.
With technical understanding of construction methods, maths and IT skills can also help. Additionally, you’ll need an in-depth knowledge of various building methods and be competent using project management and financial computer software.
What qualifications do I need?
Most construction manager roles require formal qualifications alongside practical experience.
Construction manager jobs usually need a HND/HNC, a foundation degree or degree in a relevant area, such as building engineering, architecture studies, civil engineering, construction management, or construction engineering.
If you’re looking to become a certified construction manager in the UK, you’ll typically need a mix of education, experience and professional accreditation.
Alternatively, you can apply for a Modern Apprenticeship through the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), after studying a number of subjects such as English, maths, science, and technology. You can then study part-time for an HNC/HND.
You’ll also need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site, and will need to have passed a health and safety test. At Morson Nexus, we offer convenient construction courses suitable for all learners.
What are the hours and conditions?
You’ll usually work around 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Sometimes you may need to work overtime in evenings or weekends to meet tight deadlines as and when the project requires it. You’ll spend a lot of time traveling between job sites and meeting contractors and clients, so be prepared for long days on the road and time spent away from home.
Working on-site can be dusty, noisy, and dangerous. A lot of your time will be spent outdoors, meaning you’ll face all manner of different weather conditions.
As with any on-site work, you’ll be required to wear protective clothing, such as hardhats, safety boots, ear protection, and goggles.
Career progression in the construction industry
With time, experience, and additional training, there are a number of opportunities for progression in your career. You can either grow within the organisation or seek a new role. Some people choose to move into contract management or consultancy, while others move into senior or project management positions.
Alternatively, you could move into support services, such as health and safety or building inspection.
An excellent way to improve your career progression prospects is to attain chartered status. The Chartered Institute of Building is an industry body that offers a number of different membership options to help you boost your career.
Alternatively, you can start the NVQ Level 7 Construction Senior Management course to obtain the Black CSCS Card (Manager Card), ideal for experienced construction sites or senior managers.
Morson is a specialist recruiter for the construction sector. Click here to view construction jobs.
