Construction manager
Career outlook for construction manager
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£52,000
Currently employed in Scotland
12,900
Average UK salary
£52,000
Currently employed in Scotland
12,900
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would supervise and direct operations on a construction project to make sure the building or structure is completed safely, on time and within the budget.
You’d manage the project on behalf of another company, your client. You’d lead and motivate the construction team and sort out any problems that arise during the project.
On small sites you might have full responsibility for the whole project. On larger sites you may be in charge of a particular section and report to a senior site manager.
Before the building work starts, you would:
- Discuss plans with architects, surveyors and buyers
- Plan work schedules using project management software
- Hire employees
- Arrange for materials to be delivered to the site
- Set up temporary offices at the site
Once construction has started, you would:
- Work closely with the workforce on site
- Check progress, costs and quality
- Make sure the work meets legal requirements and building regulations
- Report regularly to your client
You would also be the main point of contact for subcontractors and the public.
As a senior manager, you could oversee several projects at the same time.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
69%
Part-time
7%
Self employed
24%
Create a qualification route
We’ve found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Building relationships
- Verbal communication
- Problem solving
- Working with numbers
- Attention to detail
- Developing a plan
- Managing resources
- Delegating
- Making decisions
- Motivating others
Skills Explorer
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Use the Skills Explorer toolGetting in
Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.
Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Qualifications
You need a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or degree (SCQF level 9/10) in a relevant subject:
- Construction
- Civil engineering
- Construction management
- Architecture
- Building surveying.
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
For entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) you will require National 5 qualifications and Highers or a relevant HND.
Useful subjects
Most courses require:
- English
- Maths
- science or technologies subjects
You will also need
You must have a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to work on construction sites.
Helpful to have
Qualifications that demonstrate an understanding of construction, planning and organising and practical skills, such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts (SCQF level 4/5).
Related industries
