ADD ADVICE TO FAVSite manager
Site managers take responsibility for all the operations on a site where construction work is taking place.
What site managers do
- ensure that the project is completed within budget, runs to schedule and meets industry quality standards
- liaise with other members of the site team, including the site engineer, the quantity surveyor, the foreman, sub-contractors and the client who has commissioned the building
- conduct regular safety checks and ensure that health and safety procedures are carried out
- resolve any unforeseen problems that may cause delays to the project’s completion.
Key skills
- a thorough understanding of the issues involved in large building projects
- a practical, logistical mind
- numeracy
- ability to develop good relationships with other professionals
- a good grasp of IT applications and how they can be used in a site-management context
- excellent organisational skills.
Training to be a site manager
Many degrees can lead to a career in construction management, including building studies, building engineering, construction engineering management and building technology.
Students often find out more about the role of a manager by doing some industrial experience as part of the course. This may even be compulsory, linked to a subject option or piece of coursework.
Salaries
Starting salaries for new graduates vary from £18,000 to £22,000, depending on the employer and the geographical area. Experienced site managers can earn between £35,000 and £45,000.
It is possible to progress quickly from the role of site manager to the role of project planner or contracts manager where salaries can be much higher.
