Overview

What is a Construction Project Manager?

Construction Project Managers are built environment professionals that are central to the successful completion of construction and development projects. With their expertise they lead the project team and plan, develop and project manage works all the way from inception to completion.

Due to the diverse nature of construction, this role can often merge with other functions in the sector. Site Managers and Construction Managers may also be referred to as the project manager within a project context or take on similar responsibilities.

How much do Construction Project Managers earn?

The average salary of a Construction Project Manager is usually between £27,000 – £55,000 a year.

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Skills

What’s required for the role?

  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Project management skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Creativity and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent organisation and planning skills
  • IT skills and digital literacy
  • Maths and numerical skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Data analysis skills
  • Effective communication
  • The ability to multi-task and handle conflicting deadlines
  • Leadership and people management
  • Technical skills and construction knowledge
  • A practical, logical and methodical mindset

Details

What does a Construction Project Manager do?

Construction Project Managers play a key role in the construction process, and as such they have a broad range of responsibilities, including:

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Understanding and translating the client's requirements into a successful construction project and end product

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Planning and overseeing multiple projects at once from start to finish, including budgets, timescales and schedules of work

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Following through the full construction programme and working closely with clients, contractors, consultants and other stakeholders

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Providing advice to clients throughout the planning process

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Leading a project team along with individuals from different disciplines (e.g. quantity surveying and architecture)

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Producing regular updates, written reports and presentations and delivering these to clients and stakeholders

Point 7

Leading communications between all involved parties

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Assuming responsibility for the completion of a construction project on time and within budget

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Enforcing health and safety measures and ensuring safety regulations are being adhered to throughout the project

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What is the work environment like?

While project managers in construction should expect to spend a significant amount of time on site, office work and meetings are also key aspects of this role. As you could be managing multiple different projects simultaneously, you may be asked to travel to different sites and locations.

Professionals in this area may work for a consultancy, servicing multiple clients, be self-employed or work in-house for architects, local authorities and major contractors. The working week of a project management professional in construction is usually a typical 9 to 5 (outside of travelling), although as deadlines approach, overtime could be necessary.

Opportunities

Is construction project management a good career?

Despite being a key industry for the global economy and one set to play a crucial role in the push for net zero, construction companies are in a battle for talent. By 2031, 41% of the industry’s workforce is expected to have retired, and according to a survey by UCEM of 300 built environment professionals, 98% agree that the sector is in desperate need of sustainability talent.

For aspiring professionals considering a career in construction, this shortage presents an exciting opportunity. Project management can offer long-term job security, attractive salary opportunities and multiple pathways for progression and development. Plus, if you’re drawn to a career that requires ownership, responsibility and people management, you could be well suited to a construction project management role.

A career in project management can also be an opportunity to have a positive impact on the environment. With demand from clients, growing resource constraints, new technology and the prominence of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, sustainability is a key factor for all project managers in construction. To balance the needs of the environment with the requirements of stakeholders and clients, Construction Project Managers now need sustainability literacy as much as they do technical knowledge and familiarity with construction techniques.

What’s more, as a broad industry, you have the freedom to work on a wide range of different projects across several different categories:

  • Residential
  • Commercial
  • Environmental
  • Industrial
  • Infrastructure

Become a Construction Project Manager

Who can become a construction project manager?

If you’re considering a career in construction project management, don’t let anything stop you. At UCEM, thousands of students from various backgrounds have undertaken their studies and found success in roles across the built environment. Find out about their experiences below:

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How to become a Construction Project Manager

Most employers will look for a relevant construction-related degree or similar qualifications, whether obtained through traditional study or via a degree apprenticeship. Often, Quantity Surveyors or Construction Managers transition to a role in project management and find their experience beneficial in terms of employment opportunities. 

Many Construction Project Managers will work towards professional membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and/or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). 

Along with obtaining degrees and memberships, online CPD courses in relevant subjects can strengthen your employment credentials, such as:  

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