How do I become a Site Manager?
The position of site manager is gaining popularity among individuals who have a keen interest in the field of building and construction. One of the appealing aspects of this role is the flexibility it provides to aspiring individuals. Understanding the steps to become a site manager can empower you to make well-informed choices about embarking on a construction career. In this article, we outline the fundamentals of being a site manager, encompassing their duties, obligations, and essential abilities, as well as the pathway to becoming one.
What does a Site Manager do?
- Oversees the direction of an entire project or a specific stage within it to ensure it meets expectations and deadlines.
- Regularly review project progress to assess how closely it’s proceeding to the projected timeline.
- Meetings with surveyors and facilitates their investigations by keeping track of receipts, invoices, resource costs and personnel contracts.
- Communicate about ongoing site work with anybody involved in the project, including clients, other contractors and members of the public.
- Oversee labourers and ensure they’re conducting work to a high standard and in compliance with regulations.
- Source and select materials and tools to use in ongoing projects to ensure they meet goals.
- Conduct regular safety inspections to check that the site adheres to regulations to ensure contractors are safe.
- Write risk assessments for sites and packages.
What are the necessary steps to become a Site Manager?
University Degree
One pathway to becoming a site manager is by obtaining a university degree. You have options such as pursuing a foundation degree, a Higher National Diploma (HND), or an undergraduate degree accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Relevant subjects that can contribute to your qualifications include building studies, construction, civil engineering, surveying, or estimating.
Apprenticeship
Another avenue into the construction industry is through an apprenticeship with a construction firm. Apprenticeships are available to individuals aged 16 and above. As an apprentice, you will be employed by a company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours per week. Your time will be divided between gaining on-the-job experience and attending college or training provided by an institution. You can begin your career as an apprentice in various construction trades, gradually progressing towards the role of a site manager. Alternatively, you may consider applying for a higher apprenticeship specifically focused on construction management. To be eligible, you typically need 4 to 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels (or equivalent qualifications). Our partner brand Apprentice Employment Agency, can help if this is the beginning of your career and construction is your industry of interest.
Work History
If you have experience as an Estimator, Building Technician, Surveyor, or Site Supervisor, you may have the opportunity to apply directly for a Site Manager position within your current business, or at another business. Similarly, if you have management experience in a related industry like civil engineering, you might also be considered for such roles.
Work Experience
Work experience holds significant value when seeking employment in the construction industry. This experience can be acquired during your time in school or through weekend and holiday work with a company or through connections with relatives who work as Site Managers. Including work experience on your CV is always advantageous and tends to be well-regarded by potential employers. This is ideal if you are entering the construction industry as either a Graduate or a school-leaver.
Knowledge of building and construction
- Excellent time management and leadership skills
- Business management skills
- Verbal communication skills
- Good initiative and logical thinking skills.
We can support your job search if you’re interested in pursuing a career as a Site Manager, simply get in touch with our team.
