Construction director

How to become a construction director?

There are several routes to becoming a construction director. You can gain the qualifications you need to start you on your career path by doing a university course or an apprenticeship.

You should explore these options to find out which is the right one for you. 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.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a university course
• Funding advice

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).

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

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

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. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience
  

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as construction director include:

• Knowledge of building and construction
• Math's 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

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 client.

The job role of a construction director includes the following duties:

• 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 review 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 much could you earn as a construction director?

The expected salary for a construction director varies as you become more experienced.

• Construction directors with limited experience can earn £50,000 - £60,000
• Construction directors with more experience can earn £60,000 - £85,000
• Senior construction directors can earn £85,000 - £110,000+.*

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest construction director vacancies:

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

You could specialise and oversee a particular area of construction, such as contracts or planning. Alternatively, you might set up as a self-employed consultant.

As an experienced director, you could progress to become a company’s executive director or CEO, or set up your own business.