what is a site manager?
As a site manager, you coordinate activities at a construction site. While you don't participate in the design stages, you plan the activities at construction sites. Your job involves hiring workers, assigning duties and supervising. Due to the complexity of tasks at a construction site, you require in-depth building and construction knowledge. Sometimes, you interpret architectural drawings and specifications to ensure the construction work meets the desired standards.
Aside from coordinating workflows, a site manager troubleshoots any issues during construction. For instance, you liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure materials are delivered on time and work progresses as expected. You make reports to clients or investors. You also review building practices to verify compliance with health and safety standards and project management procedures.
A site manager is not uncommon to work extended hours or be on-call 24/7. When problems crop up, you work additional hours to resolve issues and ensure the project meets the deadlines. You also negotiate with contractors to ensure the construction work adheres to the stipulated budgets.
site manager jobsaverage site manager salary
The median site manager salary in Australia is $130,000 per year. When you have less than one year of experience, your starting remuneration package is $125,000 annually. At the peak of your career, you draw a median salary of up to $145,000 yearly. Site managers are highly paid, but their earnings depend on their experience and qualifications.
what factors affect the salary of a site manager?
Your salary is based on your experience and educational qualifications. Site managers joining the profession have lower pay due to their minimal expertise and hands-on skills. As your years of experience in the field increase, you can demand higher remuneration due to the technical knowledge you bring. Some site managers work up to the role with minimal qualifications and earn less than those with additional certifications. With a diploma or certificate, you can negotiate a higher remuneration package.
The size of the company may also influence your salary prospects. When you work for a start-up company, your earnings are lower due to limited resources. However, working for multinationals and large property developers increases your remuneration due to more complex duties and significant resources.
Want to know what you will earn as a site manager? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of site managers
The roles of site managers depend on the types of projects they supervise. Some types of site managers include:
- residential site managers: as a residential site manager, you oversee the building of residential properties. You liaise with clients and other construction professionals to complete the projects according to the design plans. You also supervise the procurement of construction materials, budgeting, managing and scheduling of staff.
- commercial site managers: as a commercial site manager, you manage the construction of production or manufacturing facilities. For instance, you may supervise construction work on mining sites or warehouses for storing finished products. You ensure the projects meet the industry standards and manufacturer's specifications.
- restoration site managers: as a restoration site manager, you work with architects and other tradespeople to preserve the appearance of buildings. You assist with finding contractors and supplies for the restoration process. You also supervise repairs to historic buildings and ensure they are stable.
working as a site manager
As a site manager, you provide construction work is completed on time without glitches. You resolve any challenges that arise and ensure a smooth workflow. Explore the duties, work schedules, work environments and job prospects of site managers.
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site manager job description
Some of the roles of a site manager include:
- directing on-site activities: you coordinate the physical building activities at a work site, supervising the construction crew to ensure the process meets the client's specifications. You are also responsible for reviewing project progress to ensure the work activities align with the timeline and budget.
- controlling supplies: you ensure construction workers have the materials and equipment necessary for the project. You make orders with suppliers and track deliveries to ensure the materials arrive on time. You also supervise the use of materials to avoid wastage. You are responsible for keeping the site neat and orderly by organising rubbish disposal and providing workers arrange the materials and items.
- managing schedules: you ensure the construction project runs according to plan and stays within budget. Hence, you take up time-related responsibilities by managing the schedules of contractors, suppliers and workers. You organise the activities to be undertaken daily and oversee workers' performance on site.
- overseeing safety: you assess the risk at a construction site by identifying potential problems and finding strategies to mitigate them. You also promote worksite safety through regular site inspections to ensure a neat construction area. You supervise the fencing of the construction areas and clear the pathways for easy movement, ensuring the site complies with health and safety guidelines.
- updating documentation: you prepare site reports and update various stakeholders on the project's progress. You record the project costs and analyse deviations from the projects. You also keep track of the delivery reports and material quantities and inform the relevant stakeholders.
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work environment
As a site manager, you work in the public or private sector. The significant site employers’ managers include construction and mining companies and property development agencies. The work environment usually depends on the area and type of project. Generally, site managers work outdoors in all weather conditions on residential and industrial construction sites. You are exposed to the dusty and noisy environments associated with construction. That means you require safety gear like hard hats to prevent accidents. Sometimes, you climb scaffolding during inspections or work indoors when completing reports. Most construction sites have a temporary office for site managers. The role involves travelling since you move to different construction sites when you complete a project.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include site agents, construction managers and contractors. You might also be working close to estimators and project managers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, architects, project engineers, mining managers, carpenters, electricians, and quantity surveyors.
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work schedule
Since construction sites begin work early, site managers start their work days slightly earlier than traditional office roles. That means you leave the construction site early unless you are behind schedule and working overtime to meet the project timeline. Most site managers work full-time, but part-time and short-term contracts are also available. Sometimes, you work weekends or meet clients and suppliers in the evening.
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job outlook
A site manager job allows you to join top managerial roles in the construction industry. Most site managers progress to construction manager or project manager roles. Some site managers improve their skills to become contract managers, architects or quantity surveyors. When you have extensive experience, you can become a consultant.
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advantages of finding a site manager job through randstad
Finding your site manager job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a site manager is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
Site managers often start as construction workers and tradespeople employed on work sites. However, specialised qualification in construction or building improves your competitiveness. Some of the qualifications to pursue are:
- management qualifications: a diploma course in building and construction equips you with a basic knowledge of construction methods. When you complete the course, consider pursuing an advanced diploma to learn management skills or a bachelor's degree in construction management.
- work experience: as a site manager, you require extensive work experience working on construction sites and helping supervisors oversee projects. You also need a White Card to work in construction settings.
skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a site manager include:
- commercial awareness: your job involves managing the project's costs to ensure it is cost-effective. This role requires commercial understanding and industry knowledge on optimising costs.
- leadership skills: leadership skills help you guide a wide range of professionals and co-workers. Effective leadership ensures construction workers are motivated and inspired to complete work on time.
- problem-solving skills: any construction project presents numerous risks and potential challenges. Problem-solving skills help you find effective solutions to problems and avoid delays.
- decision-making skills: as you oversee a construction project to completion, you make a series of decisions, from the best materials to the most effective schedules.
FAQs about working as a site manager
Here are the most asked questions about working as a site manager:
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what does a site manager do daily?
You supervise building and construction activities at a work site as a site manager.You ensure the project is completed safely, on time and within the stipulated budget. You also direct contractors' activities such as site preparation, foundation laying and building completion.
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how much does a site manager earn?
Becoming a site manager is an attractive career with excellent salary prospects and benefits. For instance, the median salary of a site manager in Australia is $130,000 annually. The remuneration package usually fluctuates based on qualifications, experience and the employer. Senior-level site managers receive salaries of over $145,000 per year.
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what makes a good site manager?
A good site manager has exceptional management and leadership skills. Aside from overseeing tasks and managing schedules, you also motivate and inspire workers to complete tasks on time. You require conflict resolution abilities to resolve employee problems, while interpersonal skills build your confidence in dealing with people.
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what's the difference between the project manager and site manager?
As a site manager, you supervise construction projects to ensure buildings are structurally sound and meet the strict building guidelines. A project manager completes a broader range of tasks before the construction phase begins and oversees various activities related to the project to its completion.
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how do I become a site manager?
You don't require educational qualifications to become a site manager. You can work up from an entry-level construction worker position and become a site manager. However, some employers prefer site managers with a diploma in building and construction. Having a White Card to work in the construction industry is also essential.
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how do I apply for a site manager vacancy?
Applying for a site manager job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our site manager job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.