Site Manager

Introduction

Site Managers are in charge of the day-to-day organisation of a building site. The work involves checking health and safety regulations are being met, recruiting staff and organising sub-contractors. Also known as

Building Manager Site Manager Project Manager - Construction Contracts Manager - Construction Construction Manager Construction Site Manager Work Activities

As a Site Manager, you will supervise, control and co-ordinate the construction of building, civil engineering, engineering and architectural projects on site. Because you work on site, Site Managers are sometimes known as Construction Site Managers or Construction Managers.

Site Managers might have to carry out some or all of the following tasks:

recruit local staff or sub-contractors when required order materials and machinery at appropriate times write statements of how each job on-site is to be done arrange vehicle access for construction sites write health and safety procedures for the construction site work with people at head office

Site Managers work from a site office that is usually a portable cabin. On a large site, Section or Assistant Site Managers may assist Senior Site Managers.

You will have to work outside some of the time and wear all appropriate safety clothing.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales. Personal Qualities and Skills

To become a Site Manager, you will need:

knowledge of the construction industry good communication skills, as you'll have to deal with a wide variety of different people to work well within a team, but also have the confidence to lead the people within that team excellent planning skills and the ability to spot problems before they occur to feel comfortable working under pressure awareness of all the health and safety regulations related to the industry IT skills Pay and Opportunities

Pay

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Hours of work

Site Managers work 40 hours a week. However, you may have early starts, late finishes and you may need to work at weekends.

Where could I work?

Employers are general building firms and building and civil engineering contractors.

Opportunities for Site Managers occur on construction sites in towns, cities and rural areas throughout the UK.

This career can involve working for an agency.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, on Find a Job, and at Jobcentre Plus. Entry Routes and Training

Entry routes

Many Site Managers enter the job with a degree in construction management, or a closely-related subject.

If you have a higher national certificate (HNC)/ higher national diploma (HND) or a foundation degree in a subject such as building studies or construction management, you could enter construction management at higher technician level.

A great way to get into this career is through an internship. Take a look at our information article 'Internships', for more details.

An apprenticeship is also a great place to start. Take a look at our information article 'Apprenticeships – How do I apply', for more details about applying for apprenticeship positions.

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)

You need a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card to work on site. These cards show that you are qualified to do the work you've been employed for.

Training

If you would like some training, BTEC offer a level 2 qualification in construction and the built environment.

Other courses could be available in your area.

Work experience

Some entrants have the relevant experience to be an Site Manager. Previous experience in construction or a management position will help you get into this career. Qualifications

To get onto an apprenticeship, you will usually need at least five GCSEs at A*-C or 9-4, including English and maths, and possibly two A Levels.

For entry to a degree course in construction management, the usual requirement is:

2/3 A levels

Other qualifications are often acceptable as alternatives to A levels, for example:

BTEC level 3 qualifications the International Baccalaureate Diploma

However, course requirements vary, so please check college/university websites very carefully.

To get onto a Degree Apprenticeship, you will usually need at least two A levels.

Some universities accept the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate as equivalent to one A level. Adult Opportunities

Age limits

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Skills/experience

Entrants with skills gained in the construction industry, including those who enter as craft apprentices, can work their way up to construction management posts.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) course, a college or university Access course could be the way in.

These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

The University College of Estate Management offers a BSc in Construction Management, by distance learning.

The Chartered Institute of Building offers three routes for those with relevant skills and abilities, but who lack formal qualifications:

candidates working at contracts manager/director level, often with no academic background, can work towards NVQ level 5 in Construction Management candidates with ten years' experience at senior level can undertake the Experienced Practitioner Assessed Report (EPAR) route Experienced Practitioner Assessment Programme (EPA) accepts candidates with five years' experience in management

Postgraduate degrees in Construction Management are available from numerous institutions, by distance learning.

Funding

Sponsorships are available from the larger construction companies for higher education study in construction management.

ConstructionSkills runs the Inspire Scholarship Scheme, which gives awards of up to £9,000 to students wishing to complete relevant degree courses. Further Information

Apprenticeships: Get In. Go Far National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) Tel: 0800 015 0400 Email: [email protected] Website: www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Address: Englemere, Kings Ride, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7TB Tel: 01344 630700 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ciob.org.uk

CITB-ConstructionSkills Skills for the construction industry Address: Bircham Newton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE31 6RH Website: www.cskills.org

CITB NI Northern Ireland Enquiries Address: Nutts Corner Training Centre, 17 Dundrod Road, Crumlin, County Antrim BT29 4SR Tel: 028 9082 5466 Email: [email protected] Website: www.citbcsni.org.uk

Construction Employers Federation (CEF) Irish enquiries Address: 143 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 6SU Tel: 028 9087 7143 Email: [email protected] Website: www.cefni.co.uk

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Address: Bircham Newton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE31 6RH Tel: 0844 5768777 Website: www.cscs.uk.com

bConstructive Publisher: CITB-ConstructionSkills Tel: 0344 994 4010 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bconstructive.co.uk

Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) Address: Lutyens House, Billing Brook Road, Weston Favell, Northampton NN3 8NW Tel: 01604 404121 Email: [email protected] Website: www.abe.org.uk

Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Address: Blue Court, Church Lane, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8JP Tel: 01923 260000 Email: [email protected] Website: careers.ecitb.org.uk

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Address: One Great George Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3AA Tel: 020 7222 7722 Website: www.ice.org.uk

Careers Wales - Welsh Apprenticeships Tel: 0800 028 4844 Website: ams.careerswales.com/

Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) - Northern Ireland Enquiries Website: www.citbni.org.uk/home.aspx Related Careers

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