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Construction

Site Manager

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

A site manager oversees construction sites and is responsible for ensuring that building projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget. The role includes organising workers, managing resources, ensuring health and safety standards are met, and liaising with clients, architects, and other professionals. Site managers are often based on-site and need strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. The job can be demanding but is rewarding for those who enjoy leading teams and working in a dynamic environment.

Site Manager

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📊 Statistics

Average salary

Site managers in the UK typically earn between £35,000 and £55,000 per year, with senior professionals earning up to £70,000.

Job opportunities

There were approximately 49,000 site managers employed across the UK construction sector in 2023.

Typical working hours

Site managers usually work 40 to 45 hours per week, often including early mornings and occasional weekends.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Residential Construction Site Manager

Oversees the construction of houses and flats, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to safety standards.

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Commercial Fit Out Site Manager

Manages the refurbishment and fitting out of commercial spaces such as offices, shops, and restaurants, coordinating trades and suppliers.

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Civil Engineering Site Supervisor

Supervises specific civil engineering projects like roadworks, bridges, and public infrastructure, focusing on quality and safety control on site.

Gain Relevant Education

Complete GCSEs or Equivalent

Obtain passing grades in key subjects such as Maths, English, and Science.

Most construction-related careers require at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, particularly in Maths and English, as these are essential for site management roles. Science subjects can also be useful, especially if you aim to understand technical aspects of construction.

Pursue Further Education in Construction

Choose to study relevant A-levels, a BTEC, or an apprenticeship in construction or the built environment.

Many employers value practical experience, so a construction-based apprenticeship can be a great route. Alternatively, BTECs in Construction and the Built Environment or A-levels in subjects such as Business or Construction can provide a solid foundation.

Obtain a Degree or HNC/HND

Consider a university degree or Higher National Certificate or Diploma in construction management or a related field.

Bachelor’s degrees in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Building Studies are highly regarded. HNCs or HNDs are also accepted by many employers and can be studied part-time while working. Entry requirements vary, so check with individual colleges or universities.

Gain Practical Experience

Work as a Trainee or Assistant

Look for entry-level roles such as site assistant or trainee site manager to gain on-site experience.

Hands-on experience is essential for site management. Entry-level roles allow you to learn about materials, site safety, and project timelines under the supervision of experienced managers. Many employers offer structured training programmes.

Develop Leadership and Communication Skills

Take on more responsibility by supervising small teams or specific tasks.

Site managers need strong organisational and leadership abilities. Volunteering for additional duties or shadowing senior staff can help you develop these skills. Effective communication with workers, clients, and contractors is also vital.

Achieve Professional Qualifications

Obtain Health and Safety Certification

Complete the CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) or similar health and safety qualifications.

Health and safety are critical aspects of site management. The SMSTS is a widely recognised qualification in the UK and is often a requirement for site management roles. It covers risk assessments, legal responsibilities, and safe working practices.

Apply for a CSCS Card

Ensure you have a valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card relevant for site managers.

A CSCS card is required to work on most UK construction sites. Site managers usually need a higher-level card, which shows employers you have the necessary training and qualifications.

Consider Professional Membership

Join a professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

Membership of a professional body demonstrates your commitment to the industry and can offer networking opportunities, access to further training, and recognition as a qualified site manager.

🎬 Useful Videos

Expert Film: This is Laura Malone, who works as a Site Manager for Morgan Sindall. Laura talks about the stretchiness of materials.
1:14
Expert

Expert Film: This is Laura Malone, who works as a Site Manager for Morgan Sindall. Laura talks about the stretchiness of materials.

over 1 year ago

🎯 View Apprenticeships

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

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Site Manager and a Construction manager both oversee construction projects, coordinate teams, and ensure work is completed on time and within budget. Their roles require similar technical knowledge, leadership skills, and responsibility for site safety and quality standards.

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

More Information

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.

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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