what is an assistant site manager?
As an assistant site manager, you supervise a construction site and run construction projects. You help site managers in developing practical work schedules and procuring construction supplies. You also assist crews with preparing the construction site before the construction project starts. You determine the areas be fenced off during construction to keep the public safe. You also ensure the construction team has the necessary equipment to begin construction.
The assistant site manager prepares contracts with various suppliers and tradespeople. You are the liaison person for all stakeholders involved in the project. You prepare the necessary documentation to make sure the construction process is seamless. For instance, you liaise with architects and tradespeople and acquire the necessary planning permissions from the local council to begin the project.
Your job also involves managing construction budgets and ensuring contractors provide high-quality work. As an assistant site manager, your priority is to control time scales. You keep the site manager informed of any challenges and recommend workable solutions. Another crucial part of your role is risk assessment and management. You will find ways to minimise accidents on construction sites.
Would working as an assistant site manager suit your interest in the building industry and your time management skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an assistant site manager role.
average salary of an assistant site manager
According to ONS, an assistant site manager earns an average salary of £35,000 per year or £17.95 per hour. At entry-level, your compensation package starts at £30,000 annually, but as you gain experience and take on more complex construction projects, you can make up to £44,850 per year. Apart from the basic salary, you also receive transport and medical allowances and additional benefits like paid holidays and overtime pay.
what factors affect the salary of an assistant site manager?
As an assistant site manager, your salary depends on various factors. Your skills and experience level will determine your pay bracket. You are likely to earn a higher salary if you have specialised training or additional transferable skills. The complexity of the project also influences your pay. Supervising complex projects with unlimited resources will earn you more than working on small projects. The location affects your income due to fluctuation in demand and the cost of living. Assistant site managers working in London earn higher salaries than those in the northeast, where earnings are closer to the starting salary.
types of assistant site managers
Assistant site manager roles differ depending on the type of construction they supervise:
- residential assistant site manager: your job is to supervise the construction of residential properties. You assist the construction crew with administrative duties and procurement of construction materials. You also manage budgets and prepare work schedules.
- commercial assistant site manager: as an assistant site manager in a commercial construction project, you work alongside the construction crew to ensure the construction is completed on time. You may be in charge of a small section of the project and report to the site manager on progress.
- restoration assistant site manager: in restoration projects, an assistant site manager liaises with tradespeople and architects to ensure the history of the building is preserved during restoration. You also assist with the acquisition of materials for the project.
working as an assistant site manager
As an assistant site manager in construction, you support the site manager with administrative tasks and ensure construction work continues without glitches. Let's explore the duties and work environment of an assistant site manager.
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assistant site manager job description
Some of the roles of an assistant site manager include:
- assisting with supervision and overseeing construction projects: as an assistant site manager, you help the construction manager meet the client's specifications. You ensure the construction crew meets the employer's specifications, and you constantly review the project's progress.
- liaising with various stakeholders: an assistant site manager is the first contact with project stakeholders. You communicate with the architects and local authorities. If the contractor doesn't have a contracts manager, you liaise with suppliers and prepare contract documents on the supply of materials. You also negotiate contracts and secure permits and licences for the construction work.
- coordinating and supervising workers: your job involves assisting the site manager with preparing construction schedules and selecting tools and materials for the project. You ensure that all workers do their jobs and the project follows the expected timeline.
- ensuring worksite safety: as an assistant site manager, you assist the site manager with site inspections to ensure the construction crew and the general public are safe. For instance, you ensure the construction area is fenced off and keep pathways on the site clear.
- preparing site reports: as an assistant site manager, you'll prepare daily reports on the construction work completed. You also monitor the costs to ensure the construction is within budget. If the costs exceed project estimates, you find ways to limit expenses.
- assessing risks: your job is to identify potential risks on a construction site and communicate with the relevant people. You also solve any issues on the construction site and report them to the managers.
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work environment
An assistant site manager works for construction companies, property development agencies and in the public sector. Most of your roles involve working outdoors in all weather conditions. Since you work on a construction site, you have to wear protective clothes like a hard hat and safety boots to prevent accidents. Sometimes, you have to work at heights when inspecting storey buildings or roofing. When you complete reports and other administrative duties, you may work from a temporary office on-site or a client's business premises.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer, your colleagues are likely to include site managers, project managers, and construction project managers. You also work closely with contractors, quantity surveyors, and specialists like architects, contracts managers, and carpenters.
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work schedule
The typical work schedule of an assistant site manager is 40 hours a week, and you will work between 8 am and 6 pm from Monday to Friday. Your job may involve evening and weekend work if you are behind schedule. Sometimes, you work overtime to complete reports or attend meetings with site managers and construction crews. Most assistant site manager positions are full-time, but you can find part-time opportunities or work on short-term contracts. Your job involves travelling between construction sites and company offices. You also have to visit clients and suppliers to discuss contract terms.
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job outlook
You can progress to a site manager or construction manager role. An assistant site manager position is the first step to joining managerial positions in the construction industry. With additional experience, you could become a project manager or a contractor. Some assistant site managers gain additional training to become quantity surveyors, contracts managers or architects. Alternatively, you can specialise in supervising specific construction projects like residential, commercial or restoration projects.
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advantages of finding an assistant site manager job through randstad
Finding your assistant 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 an assistant 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
There are several routes to becoming an assistant site manager:
- university course: an assistant site manager needs an undergraduate degree approved by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Relevant study subjects include construction, civil engineering, surveying or building studies. You can also pursue a Higher National Diploma or foundation degree in a relevant field to kickstart your career.
- apprenticeship: if you don't have any post-secondary qualifications, start your career with an apprenticeship in a construction firm. As an apprentice, you work 30 hours a week and attend college. You can start an apprenticeship in any construction trade and work towards an assistant site manager position.
skills and competencies
Some of the qualities that benefit an assistant site manager include:
- time management skills: as an assistant site manager, you juggle multiple tasks assigned to you and support the site manager in their responsibilities. Excellent time management skills enable you to do this.
- business and financial skills: an assistant site manager needs business and financial knowledge to negotiate contracts. You need to get a fair price for construction materials and find ways to minimise costs during construction.
- problem-solving skills: when you are in charge of a construction crew, your job involves solving problems that arise during construction. Problem-solving skills help you find creative solutions.
- communication skills: as an assistant site manager, you need to relay information from the site manager to the construction crew. Communication skills help you communicate clearly and concisely.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an assistant site manager
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what does an assistant site manager do?
An assistant site manager helps with the management of the construction crew and the acquisition of construction materials for the project. They also write reports on behalf of site managers.
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how much does an assistant site manager earn in the UK?
An assistant site manager in the UK earns an average salary of £35,000 per year. Your earnings increase as you gain experience and improve your skills.
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what is the median salary for a site manager?
A site manager earns an average salary of £45,858 annually, but the amount can increase to £62,000 per year as you improve your skills.
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what is the job description of a site manager?
A site manager oversees the direction of a project and ensures the client's specifications are met.
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what qualifications does an assistant site manager need?
An assistant site manager needs a degree in building studies or construction management. You can also start with an apprenticeship in a construction company.
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how do I apply for an assistant site manager vacancy?
Applying for an assistant site manager job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply submit us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
