A site manager takes very important roles on the construction site. They ensure the safety of their personnel from the beginning to the end of any construction project. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the role of this position and how to become a construction site manager.

1. What does a construction site manager do?

Site managers are in charge of preparing building sites prior to the start of work. This includes preparing the location and planning activities. They design projects and ensure that they are completed according to agreed-upon standards, budgets, and schedules. They are present throughout the construction process to assess progress and resolve any issues that may emerge.

Site managers are most commonly seen on construction and development projects. Site managers must have excellent project management abilities, as well as a thorough understanding of building regulations and Occupational Health & Safety guidelines.

what does construction site manager do
A Site Manager has an important role in construction projects

Below are some of a construction site manager responsibilities:

  • Managing overall site performance of the building and construction process, including liaising with subcontractors and suppliers, and coordinating labor activity on the jobsite.
  • Implementing and updating documentation, such as a site journal and incident reports, as needed.
  • Examining construction techniques to ensure that they are in line with projected budgets, project management procedures, and health and safety regulations.

>> Read more: Construction Site Supervisor

2. Construction site manager salary

Construction managers’ starting wages typically vary from £26,000 to £33,000. Construction managers with experience might earn between £33,000 and £55,000 per year. Senior and chartered construction managers can expect to earn between £50,000 and £85,000 each year.

Note that these figures are just meant to be used as a reference. Salaries vary a lot based on where you work, what industry you work in, how big the project is, and who you work for.

3. Working condition of construction site managers

The average working week is 40 to 45 hours, the time can frequently rise when it comes near project deadlines. Some employers will offer paid overtime for their employees. Due to site constraints, such as when a railway line or train station is not in service, certain projects may require to work at night or on holidays. 

Sometimes it is necessary to meet clients and subcontractors, so many construction manager roles require frequent travel. They’ll also travel between places and may have to travel considerable distances, which will need them to work away from home at times.

4. How to become a construction site manager?

In order to become a construction site manager, you need to include excellent skills, experience and equip yourself with some certain qualifications.

4.1. Skills

A site manager needs a wide range of skills in addition to a thorough understanding of construction best practices. If you decide to become a site manager, you may find the following abilities useful:

Communication skills: Site managers need to include excellent communication because they often have to work with a wide range of people, from tradespeople to customers/ stakeholders and supervisors. Communicating effectively is very essential in discussing plans in their work.

Problem-solving skills: Because there are several obstacles involved in a construction project, site managers must be able to think critically and come up with creative and cost-effective solutions on a regular basis.

Decision-making abilities: A site manager is in charge of the delivery of a construction project, which entails making a variety of judgments, including material selection and the optimum method of project completion. It’s critical that they can balance the advantages and disadvantages of a decision in order to make the optimal decision.

Leadership and the capacity to motivate others: Because site managers supervise and guide a diverse group of people, the ability to effectively lead others, including inspiring them to perform their best work, is a valuable skill.

Commercial awareness: A site manager’s role includes making sure that a team completes a project in the most cost-effective manner possible. This demands a high level of industry expertise as well as commercial awareness. A construction site manager with financial management skills can ensure that projects remain profitable and that all costs are in line with client budgets.

how to become construction site manager
To become construction site manager, you need a lot of skills

4.2. Experience

Site managers usually have many years of experience working on construction projects because most of them begin their careers in the construction business as entry-level workers and work their way up to management positions. This allows them to gain experience in various parts of project management while working their way up. Site managers are capable of operating huge machinery such as diggers, concrete mixers, and drills, as well as specialty tools. They’re also knowledgeable with building and construction site rules on a national or state level.

4.3. Education

Although formal education is not required to become a site manager, it may be advantageous. A qualification, such as a Certificate II, III, or IV in Building and Construction, is normally required. These certificates can be obtained through an apprenticeship. A higher qualification, such as a Diploma in Building and Construction (Building), an Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management), or a Bachelor of Construction Management, may be required of site managers.

4.4. Certifications and qualifications

When working in a construction environment, site managers generally need to hold a WHS white card. This card proves that you have finished a brief construction site safety training course. Before becoming a site manager, most site managers hold this card for several years. As long as you continue to work in construction, these cards will not expire.

In terms of qualification, most organizations expect their site managers to provide two main pieces of evidence:

First, you may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site. Second, a Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) may be one of the requirements to work in many construction companies. Come to our website to learn more about CSCS Cards and practice with Free CSCS tests.

Although neither of these credentials is legally required, most construction companies will expect that anyone working in these top roles has at least one, if not both. Both qualifications demonstrate a high degree of knowledge and expertise in a management position on-site.

5. Career path and progression

Construction site managers may advance to the positions of contract manager or project consultant. You could choose to specialize in a field like estimating, health and safety, or building inspection.

construction site manager jobs
Career path for site managers

The position of management is not only for men but women can also apply for this job. The opportunities are endless and the money is good! Challenges are simply being a female in a male-dominated industry. You have to be strong minded and willing to cope with those challenges. 

>> Read also: Female workers in construction

Your position as a construction site manager isn’t restricted to a single area. You have the kind of talents that will enable you to work with people from various sectors all over the world. Other occupations open up as a result of your knowledge and experience in this field, such as architect, engineering manager, civil engineer, property developer or investor, or health and safety officer.