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Site managers are responsible for preparing sites prior to the commencement of construction work. This position requires high levels of organization and attention to detail since the construction site manager needs to ensure that contractors complete their work according to time and budget expectations. Construction site managers liaise with architects, surveyors, and builders to ensure a project is on track and there are enough staff, machinery, and materials to get the job done.

How do I become a site manager?

There are several routes to becoming a site manager. You could do a university course, an apprenticeship, or apply directly to an employer. You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

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University

You could do a foundation degree, a Higher National Diploma (HND) or an undergraduate degree that is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Relevant subjects include building studies, construction or civil engineering, surveying or estimating.

You’ll need:

1 - 2 A levels (foundation degree or HND)
2 - 3 A levels (undergraduate degree).

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

You could start your career as an apprentice in most construction trades and then work your way up to being a site manager over time. Alternatively, you could apply for a higher apprenticeship in construction management.

Similar roles

If you’re an experienced estimator, building technician, surveyor or site supervisor, you may be able to apply directly for a site manager role.

If you have management experience in a related industry (such as civil engineering) you may also be eligible to apply.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. This could have been gained at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a site manager. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone looking to become a site manager include:

Knowledge of building and construction
Excellent time management and leadership skills
Business management skills
Verbal communication skills
Good initiative and logical thinking skills.

What does a site manager do?

As a site manager you will be responsible for looking after the teams on a construction site, as well as liasing with the clients. You could be monitoring costs and budget, and ordering materials for the project.

The job role of a site manager involves the following duties:

Liaising with clients and reporting on progress to staff and the public
Supervising construction workers and hiring subcontractors
Buying materials for each phase of the project
Monitoring build costs and project progress
Conducting quality and safety inspections
Checking and preparing site reports, designs and drawings
Maintaining quality control checks
Motivating the workforce
Day to day problem solving and dealing with any issues that arise
Using specialist project management computer programmes
Working on-site in all weathers, at clients’ businesses or in a site office.

How much could you earn as a site manager?

The expected salary for a site manager varies as you become more experienced.

Assistants/trainee site managers can earn £25,000 - £35,000
Trained site managers with some experience can earn £35,000 - £45,000
Senior or chartered site managers can earn £45,000 - £50,000.*

For more construction job salaries, check out: Highest Paying Construction Jobs UK

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Construction Site Manager Job Description and Salary [2022]