Apprenticeships in England
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Site Manager
Also known as -
Construction manager, site foreman
Site managers organise work on building sites, making sure it’s completed safely, on time and within budget. As a site manager, no two days will ever be the same. You’ll liaise with architects, surveyors and builders to ensure a project is on track and there are enough staff, machinery and materials to get the job done.
Average salary*
£25000
-£50000
Typical hours per week
41-43
How to become a site manager
There are several routes to becoming a site manager. You could do a university course, an apprenticeship, or apply directly to an employer.
You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. If you already work within the construction industry, you may be able to become a site manager by completing some part-time courses.
You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
University
You could do a foundation degree, a Higher National Diploma (HND) or an undergraduate degree that is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Relevant subjects include building studies, construction or civil engineering, surveying or estimating.
Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. 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.
You could start your career as an apprentice in most construction trades and then work your way up to being a site manager over time. Alternatively, you could apply for a higher apprenticeship in construction management.
For this, you’ll need 4 - 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels (or equivalent).
Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.
Work
If you’re an experienced estimator, building technician, surveyor or site supervisor, you may be able to apply directly for a site manager role.
If you have management experience in a related industry (such as civil engineering) you may also be eligible to apply.
Work experience
Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. This could have been gained at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a site manager. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.
Skills
Additional skills which may benefit anyone looking to become a site manager include:
- Knowledge of building and construction
- Excellent time management and leadership skills
- Business management skills
- Verbal communication skills
- Good initiative and logical thinking skills.
Qualifications
To become a Site Manager, you could complete a:
- NVQ Level 6 Construction Site Management
- Level 6 Civil Engineering Site Management (Degree)
- Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Construction or related disciplines
- Higher National Diploma (HND) in Construction Management or related disciplines
- Foundation Degree in Construction Management
- Degree in Construction Management
- Apprenticeship in Construction Site Manager
- Higher Apprenticeship in Construction Site Manager
To become a Site Manager, you could complete a:
- Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Construction or related disciplines
- Higher National Diploma (HND) in Construction Management or related disciplines
- Degree in Construction Management
- Professional Apprenticeship Level 10 in Construction Site Management
To become a Site Manager, you could complete a:
- Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Construction or related disciplines
- Higher National Diploma (HND) in Construction Management or related disciplines
- Foundation Degree in Construction Management
- Degree in Construction Management
- Higher Apprenticeship in Construction Management
What does a site manager do?
As a site manager you will be responsible for looking after the teams on a construction site, as well as liasing with the clients. You could be monitoring costs and budget, and ordering materials for the project.
The job role of a site manager involves the following duties:
- Liaising with clients and reporting on progress to staff and the public
- Supervising construction workers and hiring subcontractors
- Buying materials for each phase of the project
- Monitoring build costs and project progress
- Conducting quality and safety inspections
- Checking and preparing site reports, designs and drawings
- Maintaining quality control checks
- Motivating the workforce
- Day to day problem solving and dealing with any issues that arise
- Using specialist project management computer programmes
- Working on-site in all weathers, at clients’ businesses or in a site office.
How much could you earn as a site manager?
The expected salary for a site manager varies as you become more experienced.
- Assistants/trainee site managers can earn £25,000 - £35,000
- Trained site managers with some experience can earn £35,000 - £45,000
- Senior or chartered site managers can earn £45,000 - £50,000.*
Salaries depend on location, employer and level of responsibility. Salaries and career options also improve with chartered status.
* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources
Find an apprenticeship/job
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Jobs
Check out the latest site manager vacancies:
As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.
Career path and progression
Site managers can progress to become contract managers or project consultants. You might decide to specialise and move into an area such as estimating, health and safety, or building inspection.
Your career prospects will improve if you apply to become chartered through an industry body such as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).