Overview
What is a site manager?
Site Managers are built environment professionals that oversee and organise day-to-day operations on construction sites from start to finish. They are responsible for looking after teams, liaising with clients and monitoring activities such as labour schedules, staff inductions, sub-contractor management, risk management, health and safety compliance and safe storage and coordination of materials. Site Managers have a significant focus on ensuring that a building project is completed safely, within an agreed time frame and budget.
Owing to the broad nature of construction projects, Site Managers can also go under various alternative job titles, including Building Site Managers, Site Inspectors, Construction Site Managers, Construction Site Supervisors and Clerk of Works.
How much do site managers earn?
The average salary of a Site Manager is usually between: £25,000 – £45,000
Skills
What’s required for the role?
- Effective communication skills
- Leadership skills and management experience
- Project management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of building and safety regulations
- Planning and organisational skills
- Commercial awareness
- Practical skills and knowledge
- Perceptual skills
- Creativity
Details
What does a Site Manager do?
As the person responsible for the successful running of a construction site, there are a wide range of tasks Site Managers undertake in their roles, including:
What is the work environment like?
A Site Manager should expect to spend the majority of their time on site, as well as in offices and even temporary premises during the construction process.
As a project-based role, many Site Managers are self-employed, moving from one contract to another, while some work for one employer.
As a project nears completion, you may need some flexibility on working hours, and as a busy, demanding role, you will need to have the ability to work under pressure.
Opportunities
Is Site Management a good career?
Working as a construction professional in this area can provide you with ample opportunities for progression and development. As one of the largest and most prominent sectors in the built environment, Construction Site Managers can pursue promotion opportunities in a wide range of areas, including:
- Health and safety
- Estimating
- Building inspection
- Commercial strategy
The construction sector is also suffering from the consequences of an ageing workforce. 41% of the construction workforce is expected to have retired by 2031 and the average age of a construction professional in the UK is now 50 years old.
On top of this, a survey by UCEM of 300 built environment professionals found that 96% of those working in construction feel the industry desperately needs more talent with sustainability skills. Having these skills and an interest in sustainability can put professionals in a strong position for employment and progression in the construction industry.
Become a site manager
Who can become a site manager?
Site management can be an exciting career for anyone, regardless of their background. In fact, at UCEM, students from across the world are undertaking their studies and launching successful careers in this area every year. Find out about their experiences below:
How to become a site manager
You don’t need a degree to work in construction site management, but this could help you stand out in the eyes of many employers. This qualification could be in a closely related field, like construction management or a more general, construction-related subject such as civil engineering or building studies.
Apprenticeships are an alternative to traditional university education and another pathway to a career in construction site management. This route can give aspiring professionals (or existing construction workers looking to upskill) the opportunity to earn practical experience alongside relevant qualifications.
Beyond higher education, many construction firms will expect staff to have Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) certification, First Aid training and health and safety certification. Some other CPD courses that could strengthen your employment credentials include:
