What does a construction director do?
As a construction director you will be responsible for overseeing the whole construction site, including logistics, looking after the senior manager team, and liaising with the client.
Responsibilities
* Overseeing the logistical requirements of a project
* Delegating work to senior colleagues and their teams
* Meeting regularly with clients, third parties and managers to report on progress
* Setting targets, objectives and responsibilities for all supervised staff
* Regularly reviewing timings, budget, labour, risk and project plans to ensure work stays on track
* Reporting to clients and board members on project progress
* Supplying financial records
* Recommending policy and procedure improvements
* Monitoring performance against agreed criteria
* Ensuring contractual obligations are fulfilled
* Ensuring the delivery of high‑quality work within contract timescales
* Dealing with contract disputes and mitigating the impact of any issues
* Working in an office and on a construction site
How to become a construction director
There are several routes to becoming a construction director. You can gain the qualifications you need to start your career path by doing a university course or an apprenticeship. Most construction directors will have many years’ experience within the construction industry. You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma (HND) or undergraduate degree accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Relevant subjects include building studies, surveying, estimating, construction or civil engineering, or construction site management.
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on‑the‑job experience and a college or training provider. You could do a higher or degree apprenticeship in construction management, or design and construction management. For this, you’ll usually need 4–5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels (or equivalent).
Work experience
If you’ve already worked as an estimator, building technician, surveyor or site supervisor for several years and have proven management experience or qualifications, you may be able to apply directly for a role as a construction manager or director. Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works in construction.
Skills
* Knowledge of building and construction
* Math knowledge
* Able to organise your time and workload
* Leadership skills
* Knowledge of engineering science and technology
* Business management skills
* Able to use your initiative
* Excellent verbal communication skills
* Able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Qualifications
* Level 7 NVQ in Construction Senior Management
* SVQ at SCQF level 11 in Construction Senior Management
* Foundation degree, higher national diploma (HND) or undergraduate degree accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
Salary
* Newly trained construction directors can earn from £61,000
* Construction directors with experience can earn up to £149,000*
* Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.
* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources.
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