site manager.

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.

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.

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include site agents, construction project managers and contractors. You might also be working close to project engineers, civil engineers, estimators and project managers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, architects, project engineers, mining managers, carpenters, electrical technicians, electricians, and quantity surveyors.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Becoming a site manager is an attractive career with excellent salary prospects and benefits. For instance, the median salary of a site manager is $90,000 annually. The remuneration package usually fluctuates based on qualifications, experience and the employer. Senior-level site managers receive salaries of over $120,000 per year.

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. 

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.

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.

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.