Compliance manager

How to become a compliance manager

There are several routes to becoming a compliance manager. You could complete a university or college course, an apprenticeship or apply directly to an employer for work.

You should explore these routes to becoming a compliance manager, to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University

You could complete an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, such as health and safety or business administration. 

Once you have a first degree, you could go on to complete a postgraduate degree to gain more expertise, or undertake further professional qualifications offered by the International Compliance Association (ICA) which specialise in law, compliance, governance and risk.  

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a university course
• Funding advice

Graduate training scheme

If you have a first degree in a related subject, you could apply to join a graduate training scheme. Your employer might support you to complete higher qualifications or do further training with the International Compliance Association (ICA).

College/training provider

You could complete a college course to start you on your journey to becoming a compliance manager, such as an accountancy course or Access to Higher Education course.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

You could complete an apprenticeship to help you on your career path to becoming a compliance manager.

You could enrol on an accounting or law-based apprenticeship. This would not necessarily need to be with a construction company, as you could specialise in compliance within the construction industry once you are qualified.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some previous experience or relevant qualifications, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain experience as a compliance manager. You might start out as an assistant and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a compliance manager. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a compliance manager include: 

• Understanding of legal standards relating to construction
• Excellent communications skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to problem-solve
• Project management skills.

Qualifications

England

To become a compliance manager, the minimum education requirement is a bachelor's degree in law, finance, business administration or other related fields. 

What does a compliance manager do?

As a compliance manager in the construction industry, you will ensure that building projects comply with relevant legislation. Duties may include conducting routine site inspections and collecting evidence to prove compliance.

The role of a compliance manager involves the following duties: 

How much could you earn as a compliance manager?

The expected salary for a compliance manager varies with experience.

• Newly trained compliance managers can earn £30,000 - £35,000
• Trained compliance managers with some experience can earn £35,000 - £55,000
• Senior compliance managers can earn £55,000 - £70,000*

 Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest compliance manager vacancies:  

Career path and progression

As a compliance manager, you could move into a consultancy based role.