Construction Site Manager
Tasks & duties
Construction site managers may do some or all of the following:
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consult with building professionals, local councils, architects and clients
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study drawings and instructions
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estimate prices and put in tenders for jobs
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establish and maintain systems that control the purchasing of materials and building specifications
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work out the building programme with building planners
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estimate the number of workers, types of machinery and materials required
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co-ordinate supplies of materials and machinery
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hire and train workers and apprentices
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liaise with subcontractors
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plan and establish efficient health and safety systems and monitor these constantly
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establish traffic management and environmental plans and ensure they are carried out
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work with quantity surveyors and project managers to ensure costs are kept within budget
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ensure machinery and tools are maintained
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ensure construction work meets all requirements, and is done on time
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help establish systems of quality control on the construction site
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keep records of staff and materials
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review construction methods
Skills & knowledge
Construction site managers need to have:
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knowledge of building methods and materials
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skill interpreting drawings and architectural plans, and understanding their specifications
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understanding of building standards and safety regulations
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maths skills, and knowledge of cost control and purchasing for building materials and machinery
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knowledge of health and safety procedures on building sites
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an understanding of quality control systems and how to put these in place
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staff management skills and the ability to motivate teams of workers
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excellent communication skills
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good planning and organisational ability
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administrative skills
Entry requirements
To become a construction site manager you need to have extensive experience in the building construction industry.
Also, construction companies are increasingly looking for construction site managers with one of the following qualifications:
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a civil engineering degree
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a building qualification
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a construction management diploma
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a quantity surveying qualification
Secondary education
There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a construction site manager, although four years of secondary education is preferred. Useful subjects include English, maths and technical drawing.
Registration
On 1 November 2007, the Department of Building and Housing introduced the first stage of the Licensed Building Practitioners Scheme for construction site managers. The scheme will mean that from November 2010, certain restricted work will need to be undertaken or supervised by licensed construction site managers.
To get a licence, construction site managers will have to prove their experience and/or have appropriate qualifications.
Related courses
Building Construction Management
Building Science and Technology
Business Management
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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