Construction manager

As a construction manager, you'll:

• review plans with architects, surveyors and engineers
•  hire staff and make sure the site has the materials it needs
•  organise work schedules
•  monitor building progress and costs
•  check the quality of the work your team has done
•  report progress to clients, partners and local communities
•  maintain and promote health and safety

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a construction manager to be a green job, you could:

• oversee the installation of energy efficiency measures on retrofit projects
•  use sustainable materials on sites, like recycled steel or reclaimed wood
•  educate stakeholders and colleagues about working sustainably

Find out more about green careers

• knowledge of building and construction
• maths knowledge
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• leadership skills
• the ability to work well with others
• business management skills 
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

With experience, you could move into contract management or consultancy. With further training, you could work in support services like health and safety or building inspection.

You might also work towards chartered status, through the Chartered Institute of Building, which could improve your career prospects.