Overview

What is a Construction Manager?

Construction Managers are built environment professionals that are responsible for ensuring building projects are completed safely, within an agreed time frame and on budget. They manage the practical side of the built environment, supervising the trades and contractors as well as working with other building professionals such as architects, surveyors and planners.

Depending on the nature of their work or employer, Construction Managers may go by other, similar titles such as Construction Project Manager, Construction Quality Manager and Pre-Design Construction Manager, which can refer to different specialisms.

How much do Construction Managers earn?

The average salary of a Construction Manager is usually between £50,000 – £80,000 a year.

Slide
Starting salary:
£0k
Higher end:
£0k

Skills

What’s required for the role?

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Commercial awareness
  • Maths and numeracy skills
  • Digital literacy
  • Organisational skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Technical skills
  • Problem-solving skills and creativity
  • Project management
  • Commercial awareness and acumen
  • Comprehensive knowledge of how buildings are constructed
  • Detailed understanding of safety regulations
  • The ability to multi-task

Details

What does a Construction Manager do?

As one of the most significant roles in the construction industry, Construction Managers have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

Point 1

Managing the day-to-day running of a construction site

Point 2

Ensuring all parties in a construction project work to an agreed plan

Point 3

Setting budgets and organise work schedules

Point 4

Supervising subcontractors, inspecting work and reviewing quality standards

Point 5

Monitoring the progress of a project throughout each phase and conducting risk management

Point 6

Taking ownership for the completion of a project coming on time and on budget

Point 7

Producing written reports to keep clients updated on the progress of the project

Point 8

Maintain health and safety standards and promote these continuously throughout the project

Point 9

Undertake contract administration

previous arrowprevious arrow
next arrownext arrow

What is the work environment like?

As a professional in the construction sector, your time will mostly be spent on-site, in offices or at temporary premises. In more senior roles, you can find your time split between working on-site and meeting with clients for presentations. This is a client-facing role which crosses over with various other professions in the built environment, such as architects and construction engineering professionals.

Opportunities

Is construction management a good career?

Skilled construction workers are in high demand. By 2031, 41% of the construction workforce is expected to have retired, adding fuel to the fire of an already dangerous shortage of skills in the built environment.

This is particularly crucial when it comes to net zero and the need to adopt more sustainable practices. According to a UCEM survey of 300 professionals in the built environment, 96% of those that work in construction believe their industry desperately needs more talent.

While both of these issues remain significant challenges for the industry, this shortage can offer professionals with an interest in this area both long-term career security and ample opportunities for progression. What’s more, with the demand for construction leaders and the importance of their role, it can be a lucrative profession.

For individuals motivated to play their part in the battle against climate change and the push for net zero, construction management is an area where you can make a real contribution. By managing the amount of waste generated from a project, reducing energy consumption and adopting innovative construction methods, these professionals can embed sustainability into the construction process and help to address our sector’s impact on the environment.

Become a Construction Manager

Who can work in construction management?

If you’re interested in the inner workings and enjoy seeing your work come to life on a large scale, nothing is stopping you from pursuing a career in construction management. At UCEM, thousands of students from various backgrounds have studied construction and gone on to launch successful careers in the built environment. Find out about their experiences below:

Visit the Be part of the change page >

How to become a Construction Manager

A degree in a relevant subject, such as construction management, is usually required for a career in this area. Degree apprenticeships are another option to obtain professional qualifications, whilst simultaneously giving you valuable experience in the industry.
Construction Managers often seek accreditation with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) as another way to further their credentials.
Along with obtaining degrees, online CPD courses in relevant subjects can boost your chances of employment, such as:

Related