site supervisor

A site supervisor bridges the gap between senior managers and on-site teams by ensuring workers complete projects on time. As a site supervisor, you create orders on the construction site by assigning duties and responsibilities to various workers. You also organise the work schedules and ensure everyone works their shifts to complete milestones and projects on time.

While the daily activities of a site supervisor are varied, their main role is to monitor the health and safety aspects of a construction site. You conduct regular site inspections to assess health and safety risks. After the assessment, you develop measures to eradicate any hazards and ensure the work site is safe for workers. You also ensure the construction work is completed safely and the project doesn't violate building codes or health and safety regulations.

In your supervisory role, you hold meetings with the construction crew to update them on any changes in the project. You also relay information from the construction manager that affects the construction work. You prepare reports detailing potential health hazards, mitigation measures and safety procedures. The reports convey information to stakeholders and senior management on the project's progress.

Would working as a site supervisor suit your hands-on and organisational skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a site supervisor role.

site supervisor jobs
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average salary of a site supervisor

According to National Careers, a site supervisor earns an average salary of £25,000 per year in entry-level positions. Experienced site supervisors take home a compensation package of £45,000 per year. Apart from the basic salary, most employers also provide annual sick leave and paid holidays. You can improve your earnings with overtime pay and bonuses.

how to increase your salary as a site supervisor

Salary increases are often linked to your experience level and qualifications. You can demand a higher salary when you have worked as a site supervisor for many years. However, entry-level site supervisors earn less due to their limited experience. You can boost your compensation package by improving your skills to make you competitive for higher-paying roles. Being consistent in your performance also earns you good performance reviews that you can use to negotiate for higher pay.

Where you live or work also influences your take-home pay. For instance, working in a large town or city attracts a higher compensation package due to the high cost of living.

blue-collar workers having a break
blue-collar workers having a break
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types of site supervisors

The types of site supervisors depend on the construction project. Some include:

  • construction site supervisor: as a construction site supervisor, you manage the construction site and ensure the project meets the building codes. You supervise construction projects in residential or commercial settings from start to completion. You also coordinate labour and materials at the construction site to minimise wastage.
  • civil site supervisor: as a civil site supervisor, you oversee civil construction projects like road, railway or bridge constructions. You ensure the team has the materials and equipment to complete the project. You also inform stakeholders about the project's progress.
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working as a site supervisor

Working as a site supervisor involves managing construction teams and workers to ensure they complete the job promptly. It is a leadership role that also requires hands-on experience in construction work. Let's explore the duties involved and work schedules.

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education and skills

You can become a site supervisor through the following routes:

  • university: the first step into a site supervisor role is taking a higher national diploma, foundation degree or an undergraduate qualification. You can pursue building studies, surveying, civil engineering, construction management or construction engineering. Your degree course should involve a year of industry placement or internship to help you gain work experience.
  • college: if you have experience in construction work, you can do a college course to become a site supervisor. For instance, you will find a Level 3 and 4 Diploma in construction site supervision or a Level 4 in construction site management.
  • apprenticeship: a higher apprenticeship as a construction site supervisor takes three years to complete. It involves coursework and on-the-job training, but some employers expect you to have prior construction experience to join.

skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of a site supervisor include:

  • leadership skills: as a site supervisor, you oversee a group of construction workers who may be working together for the first time. Leadership skills will help you delegate tasks efficiently and ensure every employee performs optimally. You can also motivate and inspire workers to complete projects on time.
  • attention to details: it is vital to be detail-oriented since you handle a lot of paperwork, from reports to blueprints and technical drawings. Attentiveness to details helps you avoid errors in budgets, site inspection reports and work schedules. You can also ensure that the construction process adheres to the building regulations.
  • technical skills: as a site supervisor, you need knowledge in construction, from civil to building projects. When you know construction guidelines, you can ensure workers maintain high building standards.

 

smiling male, construction site in the background
smiling male, construction site in the background
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FAQs

FAQs about working as a site supervisor

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