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Construction

Construction Project Manager

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A construction project manager is responsible for planning, organising, and overseeing building projects from start to finish. This includes managing budgets, timelines, resources, and ensuring that construction work complies with regulations and safety standards. Project managers coordinate between clients, architects, engineers, and construction teams to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. They often work on-site as well as in offices, and strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are important in this role. Typical projects can range from residential developments to commercial buildings and infrastructure projects, offering a varied and dynamic working environment.

Construction Project Manager

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary Range

Construction project managers in the UK typically earn between £35,000 and £70,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Market

There are over 30,000 construction project manager roles across the UK, with strong demand in major cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Job Growth

The construction sector is projected to grow by approximately 3 percent per year, leading to increased opportunities for project managers.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Residential Site Manager

Oversees construction projects for new homes and residential developments, managing workers, budgets and timelines on site.

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Commercial Fit Out Project Manager

Coordinates refurbishment and interior fit out projects for offices, shops, or hospitality venues, ensuring work is completed to specification.

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Sustainable Construction Project Manager

Focuses on managing building projects with an emphasis on environmentally friendly materials and energy efficient practices.

Build Your Foundation

Complete Secondary Education

Achieve at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including Maths, English, and Science.

GCSEs are essential for progressing to further education or an apprenticeship in construction. Science and maths are particularly important, as they provide a strong foundation for understanding construction principles and project calculations.

Choose Further Education or Apprenticeship

Select either A-levels (preferably in subjects such as Maths, Physics, or Business) or a Level 3 Diploma in Construction or the Built Environment. Alternatively, consider a construction-related apprenticeship.

A-levels or a relevant diploma can lead to university, while an apprenticeship will provide hands-on experience and a salary. Both routes are respected by employers in the construction industry and can help you progress towards management roles.

Gain Professional Qualifications

Pursue Higher Education or Advanced Apprenticeship

Obtain a degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field, or complete a higher-level apprenticeship in construction management.

A university degree typically takes three to four years and provides in-depth knowledge and skills. Higher and degree apprenticeships let you earn while you learn, combining study with practical experience. Employers highly value both routes for project management roles.

Achieve Professional Membership

Work towards becoming a member of a professional body, such as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Gaining professional membership demonstrates your commitment to high standards and ongoing development. It can enhance your career prospects and may be required for some senior project manager positions. Membership usually involves passing an assessment and meeting experience requirements.

Develop Industry Experience

Secure Entry-Level Position

Start as a trainee or assistant site manager to gain hands-on experience in construction projects.

Working on site allows you to understand the practical aspects of construction and learn from experienced managers. You'll develop skills in project coordination, health and safety, and team leadership, which are all crucial for a project manager.

Progress to Project Management Roles

Take on more responsibility by leading small projects or assisting with larger ones. Continue professional development with short courses or qualifications in project management.

Experience is key to progressing in this career. As you demonstrate your ability to manage budgets, teams, and deadlines, you can move into full project manager roles. Additional qualifications such as PRINCE2 or NEBOSH can be valuable.

🎯 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

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Construction Project Manager and a Construction Manager both oversee construction projects, coordinate teams, manage budgets, and ensure projects are completed on time and within scope. They require similar skills in planning, leadership, and technical knowledge related to construction processes.

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

More Information

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.

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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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