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Construction project managers and related professionals manage and oversee major construction and civil engineering projects and major building contracts for quality of work, safety, timeliness and completion within budget, forecast travel patterns and develop strategies for managing the impact of traffic-related demand.

Main tasks

  • Writes reports for funding bids and planning authorities and acts as expert witness.
  • Examines accident ‘blackspots’ to improve road safety.
  • Assesses schemes to manage traffic such as congestion charging and parking controls.
  • Forecasts the impact on traffic and transport of new developments (e.g. shopping centre).
  • Records, monitors and reports progress.
  • Identifies defects in work and proposes corrections.
  • Regularly inspects and monitors progress and quality of work, ensures legal requirements are met.
  • Hires and may supervise site staff, establishes temporary site offices, takes delivery of materials.
  • Plans work schedules for construction projects based on prior discussion with architects, Chartered architectural technologists, surveyors etc..
  • Assembles information for invoicing at the end of projects.
  • Briefs project team, contractors and suppliers.
  • Draws up budgets and timescales for new construction projects based on clients’ requirements.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£57,457.91

Average earnings

£31,591.58

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Building and Construction

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 2%
Level 1 1%
Level 2 10%
Level 3 22%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 16%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 36%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 14%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.