what is a site manager?
As a site manager, you supervise the construction of a project from start to completion. The role involves working with other construction workers to ensure the project is completed on time and within the stipulated budget. You conduct regular inspections to check for safety issues and ensure the building matches the structural drawings.
Site managers are responsible for an entire site or parts of a project in larger schemes. When you work on a construction section, you report to the senior site manager and coordinate with other site managers to ensure work continues as expected.
what does a site manager do?
Before construction work commences, you prepare the site, hire personnel, and plan the work schedules. You supervise the installation of temporary offices for staff. During construction, you monitor progress on site, oversee materials delivery and use, conduct safety checks and resolve any problems arising on the site. You also update clients on the construction project's progress and ensure the contractors receive any project adjustments from the clients.
As a site manager, you mainly work in the construction industry. However, the projects differ since you can work on commercial, residential or industrial projects.
Would working as a site manager suit your decision-making and leadership skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a site manager role
site manager jobsaverage salary of a site manager
According to National Careers Service, your average salary as a site manager ranges from £27,000 to £65,000 per year. When you are a trainee, the compensation package starts at £25,000 to £35,000 annually. As your skills improve and you gain experience, your earnings increase to £45,000 per year. Since your expertise improves with experience and educational qualifications, your compensation package goes up to £65,000 per year at the senior level. Chartered and senior site managers usually earn the highest salaries in the field.
how to increase the salary of a site manager
Salaries depend on your location, individual qualifications and level of responsibility. When you work in large cities like London, your earnings are higher than site managers in smaller towns. Most employers adjust the compensation package to match the cost of living. The high demand for senior site managers in cities also increases your salary prospects.
The employer you work for determines your earnings. Working for a large construction company raises your salary expectations since they have greater resources and can pay more than smaller companies. You also earn more when you take on additional responsibilities in the company.
types of site managers
The types of site managers vary depending on the construction projects they work on. Some include:
- residential site managers: as a site manager, you supervise and monitor the construction of residential buildings. That means you plan the construction process, find raw materials and hire construction workers for the project. You ensure the architectural drawings are adhered to and conduct regular safety inspections.
- commercial site managers: as a site manager, you oversee the construction of offices and industrial sites. Your job is to manage the workers and ensure the project meets the client's specifications. Commercial projects are large-scale, and you may be responsible for a small section of the entire project.
working as a site manager
Working as a site manager requires resilience and critical thinking to deal with any issues that occur on the construction site. Read on to find out site managers' daily activities, work schedules and job outlooks.
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duties and responsibilities
Some of the tasks of a site manager include:
- supervising construction work: as a site manager, you ensure the construction site and the building work are well managed. You monitor the construction project's progress by organising daily work activities and weekly or monthly milestones. You evaluate staff performance based on the milestones set. You also make sure the construction site is compliant with safety regulations.
- acting as a client liaison: as a site manager, you report the project's progress to clients. You also relay any adjustments to the schedule or budget and ensure you have the approval to effect any changes to the construction plans. You communicate the changes to the construction team. As a link between the construction crew and the client, it is important to be informed on all aspects of the project to provide detailed reports.
- selecting materials and tools: as a site manager, you are responsible for procuring the materials and tools to be used. Your job is to find suppliers and ensure the materials delivered meet quality standards. Effective tools help minimise project delays.
- site inspections: construction sites must follow building regulations to meet the required quality standards. As a site manager, you are responsible for site safety and compliance with building regulations. You conduct regular inspections to ensure the workers adhere to regulatory practices.
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work environment
As a site manager, you work on construction sites. Sometimes, you perform administrative tasks and spend time in an office environment. However, you mainly work outdoors on the project site. You work in all weather conditions and on risky sites, so you wear protective clothing to avoid accidents. Expect to work at height, especially during roofing inspections. While there is minimal travel when a project commences, you travel between sites for different projects.
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who are your colleagues?
Site managers work in the construction industry. Therefore, your colleagues might include cost planners, quantity surveyors and contractors. You also work with architects, building engineers, building surveyors, and other specialists, including project managers, construction managers and accountants.
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work schedule
The typical working hours of a site manager are 41 to 43 hours a week. You spend the whole day on the construction site until the crew leaves. You also spend a few hours in the office completing paperwork. Most site managers work full-time, but short-term contracts and part-time work are also available. You cannot work from home since you closely monitor the projects' progress.
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job outlook
A site manager starts as a construction worker or an assistant site manager. With experience and additional qualifications, you progress to senior roles in the construction industry. For instance, site managers are usually promoted to project managers or construction managers. Some specialise in cost estimation to become quantity surveyors.
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advantages of finding a site manager job through randstad
Finding your site manager job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a site manager is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the routes for becoming a site manager include:
- university degree: to become a site manager, complete an undergraduate degree, foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND). The course you pursue should be related to construction and approved by The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Some courses include building studies, construction engineering, construction site management or civil engineering.
- apprenticeship: degree apprenticeship programmes in construction site management or design and construction management are also available. The apprenticeships require 4 to 5 GCSEs and take between three to four years.
Skills and competencies
In addition to knowledge of construction practices, you require transferrable skills to excel in your role. Some of the qualities of a site manager include the following:
- communication skills: as a site manager, you work with various construction professionals, from general labourers and surveyors to designers. You also discuss budgets and construction plans with clients and rely on your communication skills to explain project details in simple language. Therefore, it is essential to communicate effectively to ensure the construction project proceeds as planned.
- decision-making skills: as a site manager, your primary role is to deliver a construction project within the stipulated time and budget. The construction process involves making various decisions, from the best materials to the construction methods. Good decision-making skills help you weigh the pros and cons of a decision and determine the best plan.
- problem-solving skills: construction projects can carry risks, and your problem-solving ability and critical thinking skills will be tested. Problem-solving skills help you find cost-effective and innovative solutions to problems.
- commercial awareness: as a site manager, you ensure the construction project sticks to the budget, so industry knowledge and commercial awareness are important. Commercial awareness helps you develop ways to cut costs and optimise the project schedule.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a site manager
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what is the role of a site manager?
As a site manager, you liaise with clients on the project's progress. You supervise construction workers and contractors to ensure the job proceeds within the stipulated timeline. You are also responsible for procuring construction materials for each project phase and monitoring the building costs. Want to learn more about working as a site manager? Then check out this article.
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what do you need to be a site manager?
You require a foundation degree, HND or an undergraduate qualification to become a site manager. You can pursue any degree course related to the construction industry, like building studies, construction management or civil engineering. The CIOB should accredit the degree courses. You also require a CSCS card to work at a construction site. Want to learn more about working as a site manager? Then check out this article.
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what is the difference between a site manager and a project manager?
A site manager's typical responsibility is to ensure a construction project is technically sound. You perform regular inspections and supervise the construction workers to ensure the project meets strict construction guidelines. A project manager performs a broad range of tasks, and they don't supervise the project directly. A project manager's job begins long before the construction commences. Want to learn more about working as a site manager? Then check out this article.
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what makes a good site manager?
A good site manager requires extensive knowledge of construction. You interpret architectural drawings and direct the construction crew to follow building regulations. A good site manager is also attentive to details and keeps a close eye on everything. Good people management skills also help you motivate construction workers. Want to learn more about working as a site manager? Then check out this article.
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is site manager a good career?
Working in construction provides exciting career prospects. You have excellent opportunities for career progression. You also earn an attractive salary. Want to learn more about working as a site manager? Then check out this article.
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how do I apply for a site manager vacancy?
Applying for a site manager job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our site manager job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
