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As a construction manager, or site manager, you'll be responsible for ensuring that a building project is completed safely, within an agreed timeframe and budget. Managing the practical side of every stage of the build, you'll work closely with architects, surveyors and other building professionals in planning and delivery.

You'll also supervise and direct a range of operations on a construction site and ensure that all tradespeople and contractors are working together to an agreed plan and that progress is being made. You may oversee a whole site, or a big part of a large-scale, complex project.

Types of construction management

You would typically work in one of the following five project groups:

• residential

• commercial

• industrial

• infrastructure

• environmental.

Responsibilities

As a construction manager, you'll need to:

• plan the work and oversee the buying of necessary materials and equipment

• hire and manage staff for the project

• manage the construction site on a day-to-day basis, including supervising the labour force, monitoring subcontractors, checking materials, inspecting work and overseeing quality control

• ensure the project is delivered on time and on budget by setting benchmarks, agreeing budgets and monitoring progress

• check design documents with architects, surveyors and engineers

• promote and maintain health and safety, including site inspections to ensure safety rules are being followed

• maintain regular communication and attend meetings with clients and their representatives to inform them of progress on the project, i.e. stakeholder management

• write reports

• communicate with any consultants, subcontractors, supervisors, planners, quantity surveyors and others involved in the project

• deal with any unexpected problems that may occur during the project.

Qualifications

Most new entrants to construction management will hold an HNC or degree in a relevant subject, though entry with an HND, foundation degree or BTECH is also possible. Relevant subjects could include construction management, engineering (including civil engineering), building management, project management, surveying and building studies. A postgraduate or professional qualification isn't usually necessary at entry level.

Skills

You will need to show:

• strong communication skills for liaising with a wide range of clients, professionals and workers on site

• leadership skills and an ability to motivate your team to ensure a high standard of work

• excellent planning and organisational skills for writing and monitoring project plans and schedules and utilising time and resources effectively

• resilience and problem-solving skills to overcome unexpected challenges during the construction process

• an ability to make decisions under pressure so that the project can progress

• strong attention to detail for conducting site inspections and managing complex contracts

• an awareness of health and safety procedures and legislation to run a safe construction site

• sound commercial awareness to allocate and manage your budget effectively and to understand client concerns

• Maths and IT skills, including knowledge of relevant building methods and project management software to manage information and finances during the project.

Employers

A significant proportion of opportunities for construction managers are found in the private sector, within large, global employers and local SMEs. Typical employers are construction companies and contractors, specialist sub-contractors, property development and house-building companies. Some construction managers work for consultancies and may be brought in to oversee specific areas in which they have expertise.