A site manager has an integral role to play in all construction projects, with a wide range of construction site manager duties and responsibilities. It’s their job to guide a building project to completion, by coordinating a team of tradespeople to get the build completed in budget, on time and complying with building regulations and health and safety. Here, we outline the core duties of a construction manager in charge of large residential projects.

What are my main duties on the construction site?

You’ll have a wide range of duties that require a particularly diverse skill set. You’ll need to be an effect planner, developing practical work schedules and procuring tools and materials. You may need to set up the site before the build begins and you’ll have overall responsibility for whatever happens on site.

As part of the site manager role, you’ll be expected to manage budgets throughout the process and monitor the quality of work of all contractors involved in the build. Keeping control of costs, time scales and quality are all critical and you’ll need to be able to troubleshoot fast if things go wrong, to deliver workable solutions to any problems.

You’ll also supervise contracts and act as the point of communication for all stakeholders involved in the project, from tradesmen and architects to the local council and the general public.

A crucial part of the job is ensuring on-site safety through risk assessment and risk management. It’s essential that a construction site manager works to minimise accidents on their site.

What are the responsibilities of a construction site manager?

You’ll be responsible for managing the individuals involved in a project, from architects and surveyors to contractors and tradesmen. If the site is particularly large and complex, you may be required to manage a team of assistant site managers.

It’s also your responsibility to hire a team that can deliver the client’s project to the very highest standards, and then to manage them effectively to deliver what’s expected. For example, on a residential project, you’ll be responsible for hiring and managing plumbers, electricians, plasterers and other related trades.

What skills does a good construction manager need?

If you’re good at thinking on your feet and like to take charge, then you have part of the skillset required by a good manager. You’ll be organised, enjoy communicating with a wide range of people and can troubleshoot even the toughest problems. If you’re happier working on site than in an office, are great with budgets and enjoy taking responsibility, then the construction manager duties and responsibilities will suit your skills and it will be a rewarding profession for you.

If you can motivate a team to see a project through from the drawing board to the final building, then a job as a site manager could be the right job for you.