How to become a Construction Manager

Do you always seem to end up in charge during team activities? Do you like seeing projects come in to reality as physical outcomes?  Do you like planning things to a timetable and being accountable for making things happen? Learn how to become a Construction Manager and and see if using these skills in a construction context are for you?

What is a Construction Manager?

Construction managers supervise and manage construction projects to ensure safe and on-time completion. They discusses the plans with architects, surveyors and engineers, then hire subcontractors and schedule and coordinate their activities. They interpret and explain contracts and technical information to their team or those working on the project. Construction managers use project management software to prepare cost estimates, budgets and work schedules. They oversee the day-to-day progress of work on the site once building commences, ensuring all health and safety requirements are in place. A large part of the role is monitoring budgets, costs and work quality throughout the project. They regularly report back to the client on progress. Making sure the work meets all building codes and legal requirements is essential. Construction managers are also known as site managers, or in local government, a construction manager may be called clerk of works.

Construction managers are excellent planners and have first rate project management skills. Alongside these are organisational and communication skills. As the role requires managing a team being naturally able to relate to and motivate people is important. Construction managers often work with large complex budgets and need to understanding accounting and be mathematically strong. As with almost every role IT is important, and having an understanding of construction software and accounting software is required.

Hours & Conditions:

Construction managers can be found working in a main office, but are generally working in a field office on the job site. Depending on the days the site is active, they may work Monday to Friday, and possibly on weekends. Overtime may be necessary to meet project deadlines. Construction work happens come rain, hail or shine and managers are out in all weathers. Sometimes working at heights is required, for example when inspecting roofing. Construction sites have strict regulations and require protective clothing be worn, including safety boots and a hard hat.

How to become a Construction Manager: Qualifications

To become a construction manager you generally need a degree in construction management or construction project management. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your senior secondary school certificate or equivalent. English, maths and physics would be good subjects to study at high school.

All those who work in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card or CIC. Authorised training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations. Graduates with an appropriate building degree are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Building.

To look at courses that will help you find a role as a construction manager, check out https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database

Construction managers will be needed to oversee construction and renovation of housing, office and retail buildings, and other commercial structures. As the population ages there is a greater need for healthcare and aged care facilities also.

There is a stronger emphasis on re-purposing and retrofitting buildings to create more housing which will create jobs for construction managers. With such strong demand in the building sector, using a construction manager to make sure projects complete on time and on budget is increasingly the norm.

https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/328/construction-manager

By learning how to become a construction manager, you have the option to work for others or you can also work on your own projects – providing the potential to have the freedom and control to build the developments you like and benefit financially as a business owner.