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Construction Project Manager

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Construction Project Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing construction projects from start to finish. This includes managing budgets, schedules, and resources, as well as ensuring that safety regulations and building standards are met. Construction Project Managers work closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget. They may work on a variety of projects, such as residential buildings, commercial developments, or public infrastructure. Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills are essential in this role, as is a good understanding of the construction process.

Construction Project Manager

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a Construction Project Manager in the UK is between £40,000 and £65,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Opportunities

There are over 10,000 Construction Project Manager positions advertised annually across the UK.

Industry Growth

The UK construction industry is expected to see moderate growth, with a projected increase in project management roles of around 5 percent over the next five years.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Residential Construction Project Manager

Oversees the planning and delivery of housebuilding projects, including managing budgets, schedules and teams on residential sites.

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Commercial Construction Project Manager

Specialises in managing the construction of office buildings, shopping centres and other commercial properties, coordinating with clients and contractors.

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Sustainable Construction Project Manager

Focuses on managing environmentally friendly building projects, ensuring that construction meets sustainability standards and uses eco-friendly materials.

Gain Relevant Education

Achieve GCSEs and A-levels or Equivalent

Obtain at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including English, Maths, and Science. Progress to A-levels or equivalent qualifications such as a BTEC in Construction or Engineering.

Most construction project management roles require a solid foundation in maths and science. Taking subjects like Design and Technology or Business Studies can also be helpful. If you are interested in more practical approaches, consider a Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment.

Complete a University Degree or Apprenticeship

Pursue a relevant degree such as Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Building Surveying, or undertake a higher or degree apprenticeship in Construction Site Management.

Many universities offer sandwich courses with a year in industry, which adds valuable experience. Alternatively, apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn, combining study with practical work. Entry requirements for degree apprenticeships can vary, but usually include A-levels or equivalent qualifications.

Build Industry Experience

Work in Entry-Level Construction Roles

Gain experience in construction through roles such as site assistant, technician, or coordinator. This helps you understand site operations and project workflows.

Hands-on experience is highly valued in construction. Entry-level positions give you exposure to site safety, teamwork, and the day-to-day challenges of construction projects. You may also consider internships during your studies, or summer placements with construction firms.

Take on Increasing Responsibilities

Progress to more senior positions such as assistant project manager or site supervisor. Take on tasks like scheduling, budgeting, and liaising with stakeholders.

Demonstrating strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills is essential as you move up. Seek out opportunities to lead small teams, manage subprojects, or act as a point of contact between different trades and professionals on site.

Achieve Professional Certification and Advance

Obtain Professional Membership

Join a recognised professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Membership of professional bodies demonstrates your commitment to the industry and gives you access to resources, networking, and professional development. Achieving chartered status can further enhance your credibility and career prospects.

Apply for Construction Project Manager Roles

With experience and qualifications, apply for roles as a construction project manager, where you will lead entire projects and teams.

Project managers are responsible for the overall success of construction projects, including safety, quality, budgets, and timelines. Continuing professional development is important, as is staying up to date with industry standards and regulations.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Construction Project Manager. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Construction Project Manager and a Construction Manager both oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of construction projects. They require similar skills in managing teams, budgets, and schedules within the construction industry, making their qualifications closely aligned.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

  • building studies or building engineering
  • surveying or civil engineering
  • construction engineering
  • construction site management
  • estimating

Find out about courses and universities accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building.

Courses are likely to include topics like project management, economics, IT and accounting.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

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Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:

  • Construction Site Management Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Design and Construction Management Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These typically take between 3 and 4 years to complete, and are a mix of learning in the workplace and studying at an approved university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

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Work

You may be able to move into this job after gaining several years' experience in another construction industry role, such as:

  • estimator
  • building technician
  • surveyor
  • site supervisor

Direct Application

You could apply directly for jobs if you've got several years' management experience in a related industry, like civil engineering.

More Information

Registration

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Chartered Institute of Building, for professional recognition, to build your network of contacts and to hear about professional development opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a construction manager from:

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