Think you could be a building manager?

This leadership role offers plenty of advantages for the right person.

It comes with a great salary, offers you job security, and allows you to get off the tools.

Read on to learn more about the building manager role and figure out if this career’s right for you.

What is a building manager?

A building manager, also known as a building site manager, oversees the work that gets done on a construction site.

You could be on the payroll of a major construction company or even work as a self-employed contractor or consultant.

In this role, you would do some of the following day-to-day tasks:

• Follow instructions
  As one of the leaders of the crew, you’d assist the builders in planning and organising building projects. You would listen to and carry out their instruction.

• Read plans
  Aside from interpreting the drawings, you would have to know the regulations and codes to help keep the project running safely and smoothly.

• Create budgets
  You would tally the costs and calculate estimates, create tender bids for projects and deal with contract changes.

• Provide equipment
  You would order and keep track of material and equipment delivery.

• Create programs
  Since you’re in charge of many aspects of site works, you’d also have to create the program and record any differences between the drawings and what gets built.

• Negotiate
  As an intermediary between subcontractors, builders and architect, you’d handle come contracts and reports

What skills do you need?

As you can see from the role description above, your daily tasks as a building manager would be varied—no two days will look the same.

This means you’d need a variety of different skills to do a good job and enjoy the role.

You’d need great communications and people skills to go between the builders, subbies, architects and labourers on the site.

Because you’re in charge of some aspects of the building project, you’d also need leadership and management skills.

You’d also have to be good with numbers, technical work, and problem solving to help you deal with the daily challenges of working in construction.

How to become a building manager

The best way to become a building manager is by training with an excellent building school like CWBTS. 

Whether you’re just out of high school or you already work in construction, you can start your study pathway with a certificate or diploma.

One of the best qualifications you can get to be a building manager is the CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building).

This diploma of building and construction teaches you the skills and knowledge you need to manage, supervise or administer a residential, industrial or commercial building project up to three storeys high.

And if it turns out building manager is not what you want to do after all, the diploma also qualifies you to become another type of construction leader, such as construction manager, site supervisor, foreperson, estimate or project manager.

To complete the course, you need to pop into classes 2 nights per week for 40-51 weeks. The length of time will depend on whether you come in with less or more than 5 years’ industry experience.

Study online

Having been building professionals ourselves for many years (before we became trainers), we at CWBTS understand what it’s like to juggle your life commitments with your career aspirations.

This is why we have developed the diploma of building and construction online. Ideal for the busy tradie, country people, or people with families, this course gives you the ultimate flexibility to study when and where it suits you.

While this is super convenient, you don’t have to worry about missing out on the regular classroom learning. It’s a super-interactive course, and you can always book a time to chat with a trainer if you feel stuck.

Some people love self-paced learning because they can complete their activities and assignments in the evening after a busy day. On the other hand, some people prefer the routine and accountability of studying in a classroom. Either way, the choice is yours when you study with CWBTS.

Becoming a building manager

If you’re thinking of taking the next step in your construction career towards a supervisor role, then becoming a building manager might appeal.

You need to be good with people, technically minded, and of course—passionate about construction.

When you study a diploma of building and construction with CWBTW, you will kickstart your journey towards your construction management dream job.

Speak to a CWBTS course advisor to learn more about the Diploma of Building and Construction today and find out if you’re eligible for funding.

Call 1300 4 CWBTS or request a call back.