Are you interested in overseeing construction projects? Are you able to keep track of finances and resources while making sure all workers are kept safe and able to perform their jobs fully. If so, then you are the right choice for a job as a construction manager for a range of building projects.
As a construction manager, you will be involved in all aspects of building projects, including planning, budgeting and supervising workers. This role will require you to spend a lot of time on-site so you can monitor activity and make informed decisions. Overall, your role is to make sure the project is carried through to completion according to the needs of all involved parties.
When it comes to working in the role of a construction manager, no single day is the same. One day you will need to visit a construction site in order to review what progress has been made. The next day you might be meeting with stakeholders to discuss finances. Typically, you will be expected to plan, schedule and supervise all activities related to the construction project. This can include hiring and managing workers, preparing reports, ensuring resources are maximized, and so on. You are also responsible for keeping workers safe and making sure that the project complies with both local and federal laws. As such, this is a role that requires a sharp eye and a lot of dedication.
Each company will have their own hiring process and will formulate questions differently. However, some typical interview questions you may be asked for a construction manager’s role include:
When creating a resume for a construction manager position, include the following:
When it comes to writing your cover letter, keep these tips in mind:
Compared to other management roles, construction manager positions are expected to grow by over 10% by the end of this decade. As the demand for construction activity increases over a number of sectors, so too will the demand for construction managers. Throughout Canada, new residences, offices, retail outlets, schools, medical facilities and more need professional construction managers to oversee these projects. This also includes upgrades and replacements for existing infrastructure, including energy-efficient retrofits. As such, the job outlook is very positive for construction managers in the next decade and beyond.
The average salary for a construction manager in Canada is around $81,120 per year. If starting out in an entry-level position, you can expect to make around $66,877 per annum at first. Should you gain enough experience, you could end up commanding an average salary of $120,628 per annum. This salary can increase with increased experience and training, as well as the type and size of the project you work on.
Top paying areas for construction managers in Canada include: Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia.
As a construction manager, most of your time will be spent on-site monitoring the project and directing activity and resources. You may have a main office for work outside the current project, but generally, you will be working from a field office on-site. If you are handling multiple projects, then you will be required to travel frequently, which means extended periods away from home. Generally, your work schedule as a construction manager will vary from day to day and will require extra hours to fulfill all requirements. You will also need to be available at any hour of the day should an emergency arise.
In order to become a construction manager, you will need to earn a qualification in construction management or similar from a university or college. This can also include a degree in civil engineering or a college diploma in construction technology. In addition, you may also be required to have a master’s degree in project management. You will need several years of experience working in the construction industry in a supervisory or managerial role. In some cases, you may also be required to provide a construction trade certificate or professional engineering status.
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about construction manager jobs.
You will need a degree in construction management or a similar field from a college or university. In addition, you may need a master’s degree in project management plus several years of experience in the construction industry. Once you have the right training and experience, you will be able to qualify for the role of construction manager.
Construction manager jobs are always in demand so it should be easy to find one in your area. Keep an eye on job listings or through social media pages. In addition, here at Randstad, we offer regular openings on our job seeker page for engineering jobs including construction manager positions.
If you find a construction manager job on our page that suits you, you can sign up with us to apply. Signing up and applying with Randstad is easy: simply create your account, sign in and apply for the position that interests you.
As construction manager jobs are much in demand, you will likely notice them appearing on a regular basis. Keep a keen eye on job boards and social media pages so you can apply as soon as they appear. You may even be able to tap into personal networks made through training and experience in the industry. Finally, you can be the first to know when new construction manager jobs are available by signing up to our newsletter.
Construction managers oversee and manage building projects from their start through to their completion. As a construction manager, you are involved in everything from preparing budgets and reports, directing workers and team members, monitoring safety and compliance, and more. As such, construction management is a varied position that requires you to perform many different roles.
When it comes to job security, there will always be a demand for construction managers. There are always projects developed for new buildings, both commercial and residential, plus upgrades and expansions for existing buildings. So long as you remain up to date on the latest technologies and trends, you will always find work in the construction management field.
As a construction manager, you can be expected to earn a much higher salary compared to other roles. With enough training and experience, you can even demand a six-figure income for your work, particularly on large-scale projects. However, you will be expected to work longer hours and be available at all hours in order to earn such a high income.