Construction & Built Environment
Construction & Built Environment
Construction Manager
Lead building projects from plan to handover in one of the UK's busiest construction markets.
Construction managers, sometimes called site managers or project managers, run building projects from start to finish. They plan the work, manage teams and budgets, and make sure projects are completed safely, on time and to the right quality. Greater Manchester has one of the busiest construction markets in the UK outside London, with new homes, offices, transport schemes and large regeneration projects creating demand for experienced managers.
Salary in Greater Manchester
- Average in Manchester: around £45,000 a year, with early-career managers on about £32,500 and mid-career managers on about £43,000
- UK range: from about £27,000 for new starters up to £65,000 for experienced managers
- Managers on large or complex projects, and those with chartered status, can earn more
Career path
- Getting started: construction technician, assistant site manager or apprentice, often while studying for an HNC or HND
- Construction manager: running projects, leading site teams and reporting to clients
- Senior construction or contracts manager: overseeing several projects or larger developments
- Next steps: chartered membership of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), contract management, consultancy, health and safety, or building inspection
How to get started
Many construction managers work their way up from site roles while studying part time. An HNC or HND in construction management, or a construction degree apprenticeship, is a common route. Use the View Courses button to see GMIoT courses linked to this career.
Salary figures are a guide, based on National Careers Service and PayScale data for 2025 to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, sector and experience.
Key Responsibilities
Review plans with architects, surveyors and engineers
Hire staff and order materials and equipment
Plan work schedules and set deadlines
Monitor progress, costs and quality on site
Report regularly to clients
Make sure health and safety standards are met
Skills Needed
- Leadership and people management
- Knowledge of building and construction
- Planning and organisation
- Budget and cost control
- Problem solving and decision making
- Health and safety awareness
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