Construction Project Manager, Job Description & Salary

Learn all about a construction project manager job description and salary in FBR’s detailed job guide. Understanding a role is essential in finding the right job. From a detailed job description to salary information as well as qualifications and skills, you will find out all you need to know about construction project management.

Construction project manager job description

The main responsibilities of a construction project manager are to ensure a project is run smoothly, on time and within budget.

You will be in a leadership role which means that you will need to delegate tasks and help organise each phase of the project. This is an important aspect of the job as there are many different tasks and responsibilities.

Attention to detail is essential as well as communication. You will be required to speak with various people across the board to provide updates on how the project is going.

Being on site and ready to tackle the challenges of a construction site is necessary. There are various health and safety protocols which will need to be followed and can vary depending on the site and project. Understanding the intricacies of this is important as you will ultimately be responsible for your own safety and the team.

Construction project manager salary

A construction project manager salary will vary depending on a few factors, such as; experience, qualifications, and most importantly location.

Location plays a large role in any job’s salary. Is it important to note when looking at project management roles in construction that you take into consideration your own location, qualifications, and experience.

The average salary for a construction project manager in the UK is around: £61,769. This can vary depending on location and experience. The minimum salary for a construction project manager is £37,500, whereas the maximum salary for a construction project manager is reported at £89,700.

Project manager qualifications

As with many roles it is essential to have qualifications in order to perform a job. In particular, the construction industry requires a few key qualifications.

It is becoming increasingly common for construction companies to require each individual obtains a CSCS card. You can learn more about them here.

University construction project management courses

One of the more traditional routes of education is to obtain a construction project management degree from participating universities.

As a rule of thumb, you will need 2-3 A levels or equivalent in a relevant field or a first degree in a relevant subject. The A levels will provide you access to an undergraduate course, whereas a first degree will provide you with access to a postgraduate course.

Depending on the university you may find either: Construction Management, Project Management courses. Alternatively, Business and IT courses can cover similar subjects and provide a broader field of job opportunities should you change your mind further in the future.

College construction project management courses

For those who prefer a more hands on approach; college or training providers might be more suitable. These work on a NVQ qualification basis, which means that you obtain qualifications with more hands-on experience.

You will be able to begin an NVQ straight after secondary education. You will need 4-5 GCSEs graded between 4-9 (that is equivalent to C-A* in the old grading system). These qualifications will gain you entry into a level 3 NVQ course.

Alternatively, if you have studied A levels at college you will be able to move directly onto a level 4 or 5 NVQ course.

There are various NVQs you could do from Business Improvement Techniques, to Project management. Always speak to the training provider to ensure that you are entering the right course.

Soft Skills

There are many skills required to work in construction project management which are not always found through a course.

The soft skills refer to skills which are typically unable to be assessed on any qualification or proven otherwise.

Soft skills that are required for project management are;

• Communication skills
• Organisational skills
• Logical and Critical thinking skills
• People management

These skills are gained through experience and can always be worked upon.

Are you looking for your next role in construction project management? Contact FBR now or view our Jobs Board for more information.