Construction Site Supervisor

Job Description:

Construction site supervisors manage staff and subcontractors on building sites.

Job Category:
Engineering & Construction

What you will do:

In your day-to-day duties, you could:

  • supervise workers and subcontractors
  • help project managers to plan work
  • manage orders and deliveries of construction materials
  • organise staff work schedules
  • check work is carried out safely
  • complete records for site reports
  • attend site management meetings

Skills:

You’ll need:

  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As well as:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • leadership skills
  • the ability to work well with others (teamwork)
  • to be flexible and open to change (adaptable)
  • business management skills
  • customer service skills
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University
You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

  • building studies
  • construction management
  • surveying
  • civil engineering
  • construction engineering

Degrees that offer the chance to gain work experience through a year in industry placement or paid internship may give you an advantage when looking for work.

College
You could do a college course if you’re working on-site or have experience in construction.

Relevant subjects include:

  • Diploma in Construction Site Supervisory Studies (Level 3 in the UK)
  • Diploma in Construction Site Supervision (Level 4 in the UK)
  • Diploma in Construction Site Management (Level 4 in the UK)

Apprenticeship
You can start by doing a higher apprenticeship as a construction site supervisor.

This may take up to 3 years to complete. You’ll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Some employers may expect you to have some construction experience to do this higher apprenticeship.

Work
You could move into this job through promotion and training if you’ve got several years’ experience in the construction trade or civil engineering.

Registration
You’ll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site

Restrictions and Requirements
You’ll need to:

  • be able to cope with working at height
  • have a full driving licence

Working Hours and Environment:

You could work on a construction site, at a client’s business or in an office.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience you could specialise in health and safety, contract management or move into general construction management.