Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
•   Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Developing and Building Teams Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
•   Monitoring and Controlling Resources Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Working Life

Construction managers supervise, control and co-ordinate the construction of building, civil engineering, engineering and architectural projects on-site. They make sure that projects are constructed within time, quality and cost limits. They need to keep track of all sub contractors on site and make sure that all workers have relevant paperwork. Because they work on-site, construction managers are sometimes known as construction site managers or site managers.

A building project manager is often involved from the initial concept and design of a project through to its construction and completion. They keep track of progress, building control regulations and quality standards and resolve any technical difficulties that arise. They are likely to work on more than one project at a time.

Salmon Weir Bridge from CIFIreland on Vimeo.

They work from:

• Technical drawings prepared by architects, structural engineers and civil engineers.
• Plans and schedules prepared by planners or themselves.
• Budgets prepared by estimators and quantity surveyors.  

Construction managers carry out the following tasks:

• Recruit local staff or sub-contractors when required. 
• Order materials and machinery at appropriate times. 
• Check drawings for errors or things that have been missed out that could cause problems. 
• Write statements of how each job on site is to be done.  
• Arrange vehicle access for construction sites. 
• Arrange storage of hasardous chemicals on construction sites. 
• Ensure the construction site is signposted. 
• Arrange construction site security. 
• Write health and safety procedures for the construction site. 
• Organise and work with different trades people or sub-contractors so that work progresses efficiently. 
• Solve day-to-day problems as they arise. 
• Consult with architects, engineers and sub-contractors. 
• Keep records of work progress and of labour, material and machinery used. 
• Keep records of problems and their solutions. 
• Work out extra time and costs that may arise due to bad weather or unexpected problems. 
• Observe and co-ordinate work progress on construction sites. 
• Make sure that quality standards meet those laid down in drawings and specifications. 
• Work with people at head office. 
• Source the best material at the best price. 
• Keep all paperwork up to date. 
• Make sure the standards of work done by all subcontractors are up to standard. 
• Arrange for maintenance of equipment and machinery.

Construction managers work from a site office that is usually a portable cabin, where all the technical drawings are kept. On a large site, section or assistant construction managers may assist senior construction managers.

Construction managers work closely with other professionals including architects, engineers, technicians and surveyors, and also act as a point of contact for the public. They have frequent meetings with subcontractors and daily contact with the site workforce.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Plan, schedule, or coordinate construction project activities to meet deadlines.
• Prepare and submit budget estimates, progress reports, or cost tracking reports.
• Interpret and explain plans and contract terms to representatives of the owner or developer, including administrative staff, workers, or clients.
• Direct and supervise construction or related workers.
• Prepare contracts or negotiate revisions to contractual agreements with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers, or subcontractors.
• Confer with supervisory personnel, owners, contractors, or design professionals to discuss and resolve matters, such as work procedures, complaints, or construction problems.
• Plan, organise, or direct activities concerned with the construction or maintenance of structures, facilities, or systems.
• Study job specifications to determine appropriate construction methods.
• Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with building and safety codes or other regulations.
• Investigate damage, accidents, or delays at construction sites to ensure that proper construction procedures are being followed.

Further Information

• Building Control Officer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Construction Contracts Manager- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Construction Manager- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Most construction managers enter this work with a degree in construction management or civil engineering followed by in-company management training.  
 
If you have completed a National Certificate or National Diploma in Building Studies or Construction Management you may enter construction management at higher technician level. Some construction workers enter as craft apprentices and work their way up to be a craft trained supervisor before moving on to construction management.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: construction skills, project management, prince-2, scrum master, general management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: construction studies, pre-apprenticeship, management.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Lean Six Sigma, Recruitment, Trade, Engineering.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: construction project management, construction, technology.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: construction project management, construction, technology.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

The Construction Industry Federation offers a Site Management and Training Education scheme (SMETS) to people who are over 23 years of age and have at least two years site supervisory experience. This course leads to the Chartered Institute Of Building Certificate in Management Studies. This course is not run on a regular basis and often depends on demand by students.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €60k - €120k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Sigmar / CPL / Morgan McKinley / Indeed/ WEI

Last Updated: February, 2024

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Civil engineers; Construction project managers and related professionals; Production managers; Directors in construction.  

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Although the annual average employment growth over the five-year period for this occupation was only marginally above the national average, employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022. 

Census data indicates that civlil engineers account for over half of the employment in this group: the strongest growth since 2016 was for production managers/directors. 

Both the new employment permits issued and the mentions of difficult-to-fill vacancies in the Recruitment Agency Survey point to issues in sourcing civil, site and structural engineers along with construction project managers. In addition, the Skills for Growth data signals issues with sourcing civil engineers (including for water infrastructure and sustainability) and structural engineer roles (especially those with project management skills).

Demand for this occupation was also evident in the 12% increase in the number of job postings (OVATE) for civil engineers in 2022, with growing demand for skills in project management, teamwork, communication and adaptability. Demand for these roles is expected to continue as Ireland aims to meet housing and climate action targets. With employment increasing and issues with recruitment evident, shortages are likely to continue. 

• Construction Industry Federation

  • Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6
  • (01) 406 6000
  • [email protected]
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