Blog>Trade>Starting a Business>How to become a construction manager
Last updated: 3 January 2025
How to become a construction manager
Anyone with knowledge of the construction industry knows just how important construction managers are. They’re some of the most sought-after and well-paid tradespeople. Read on to find out more about becoming a construction manager.
Why should you become a construction manager?
When it comes to well-respected and high-earning trades, there are few better roles than that of construction manager.
Essential for any large-scale building project, many trades simply wouldn’t be able to operate effectively without their input.
They're always in demand and that demand is never going to go away. Which is why becoming a construction manager is a smart decision.
To see if you could succeed in this role, read on to learn more about construction manager basics.
What does a construction manager do?
When it comes to what does a construction manager do, the clue is in the name. Simply put, tradespeople in this role:
Are in charge of managing construction projects
Oversee the logistics involved in a project
Track the overall process of construction
May participate in or lead the creation of a construction phase plan
As a result, construction managers can find work in both residential and commercial building sectors, making it a varied job. You’ll be chatting with architects one day, only to work with surveyors the next.
This also means that you’ll be working on a range of different sites, at all times of the year. Whatever is needed for you to do your job and meet a project's specific needs.
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Common construction manager tasks
Upon becoming a construction manager, you’ll quickly find yourself doing any number of varied tasks.
This is not an exhaustive list, but roles can include:
Overseeing project logistics
Delegating project work
Organising regular team and client meetings
Reviewing plan with architects, surveyors, and engineers
Performing site checks and inspections
Stock checking project material
Organising your team’s work schedule
Monitoring the progress of a project
Carrying out checks on project work
Filling progress reports for clients
Doing regular site health and safety checks, to help protect against common construction workplace hazards
As you grow in experience, however, the responsibilities on this list will certainly increase in scope.
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What skills are needed as a construction manager?
Much like any trade, there are a variety of skills needed to be a manager in this sort of role. We’ve listed out the most important ones you need to be aware of, below:
A high level of knowledge in both building and construction
Numerical skills
Organisation and attention to detail
Leadership abilities
Good teamwork and customer service skills
Business management knowledge
Initiative and the ability to make difficult decisions
Excellent verbal communication
Computer and IT skills
By cultivating all of these skills to some degree, you’ll certainly find becoming a construction manager that much easier.
Mike’s story for starting and growing an award-winning construction business
We recently caught up with Mike Humphries, one of the founders of Green Hawk Construction. Having joined Checkatrade in 2023, we think that Mike is a good person to share advice to anyone just starting out as a tradesperson. Recognised at the 2023 On The Tools Awards as both Tradesperson of the Year
How to train as a construction manager
In order to officially train as a manager in construction, you’ll need to go through extensive training for the role’s requirements.
This usually means that you’ll either need to do a higher level college course or get the appropriate qualifications from a university.
There are a range of different courses to consider:
Construction Management Bsc (Hons.)
NVQ Level 4 Diploma in Construction Site Supervision
NVQ Level 7 Diploma in Construction Senior Management
NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction
TQUK Endorsed Course in Construction Management
Which one you do is up to you, and it really comes down to personal preference and location.
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What are the qualifications for a construction manager?
When it comes to the qualifications for a construction manager position, you have several avenues to pursue through university.
Some or all of the following courses will apply in some way:
Building studies
Building engineering
Survey or civil engineering
Construction engineering
Construction site management
Estimating
Just one of these courses will be enough to get you started in your career. However, you can do multiple if you so desire.
Do you need qualifications to become a construction manager?
Technically, there are no legal requirements in order to be a manager in construction.
However, many jobs at a management level will require some level of degree in order to apply. Especially when it comes to overseeing something as potentially risky as a construction site.
On top of this, a lack of training will make it difficult for you to master the necessary skills. This makes pursuing a construction manager role without qualifications highly difficult.
Official trade qualifications in the UK
Now is a great time to be a tradesperson in the UK. Because becoming a qualified tradesperson has never been more accessible. Getting official trade qualifications sets you up with the right skills to do the job well. Plus, it shows potential customers that you’re dedicated to your trade. Types of
Find a wider place in construction management with Checkatrade
With all of that in mind, you should now know everything about becoming a construction manager.
So if you've set out in a new career, heading up a new (or existing) construction company, finding more jobs is an important thing to focus on.
Fixed membership from Checkatrade means you can expect a certain number of leads throughout the year. Along with that, there are a number of other reasons why we might be a good fit for you.
We'll guarantee your work when booked through us (T&Cs apply)
You can save on the cost of Quickbooks software
Members save good amounts on tools, materials and essentials
There were over 1.3 million building job searches in 2024 alone*
Business profiles show off reviews, details and photos
Public liability insurance is essential, but can cost less
Get in touch with our team today to learn more about what support Checkatrade can offer you.
Get more clients for a building business or construction company
Current predictions show that over the next few years, home builders and construction companies should expect to get a lot busier. Pledges to increase home building and targets to improve existing homes will invariably lead to more building work for people in the sector. In July 2024, the newly
Construction management FAQS
What are the 4 types of management in construction?
Although there are many different styles of supervision and management, the key functions in construction management are planning, leading, controlling and organising. You'll be in charge of project managing, overseeing safety, relationships and quality of work.
Is construction project management a good degree?
Helping establish you in the construction industry, a degree can also help you when it comes to starting your own construction company. If you do, then an owner of a building business can hope to take home around £37,508 per year.
How long is a degree in construction management?
Most university courses will last around 3 years, with some offering 4 year courses if a foundation year is needed having been out of the education system for a while.
Do I need a CSCS card?
Although not a legal requirement, many construction sites will still ask for a CSCS card. As a construction manager, your knowledge of compliance and regulations is important, so although you don't need a CSCS card as such, it is definitely worth considering.
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Grow your scope and find more construction work in your local area
* Internal search data from users of the Checkatrade.com website in 2024
