what is an assistant site manager?

As an assistant site manager, you supervise a construction site and run construction projects. You help site managers in developing practical work schedules and procuring construction supplies. You also assist crews with preparing the construction site before the construction project starts. You determine the areas be fenced off during construction to keep the public safe. You also ensure the construction team has the necessary equipment to begin construction.

The assistant site manager prepares contracts with various suppliers and tradespeople. You are the liaison person for all stakeholders involved in the project. You prepare the necessary documentation to make sure the construction process is seamless. For instance, you liaise with architects and tradespeople and acquire the necessary planning permissions from the local council to begin the project.

Your job also involves managing construction budgets and ensuring contractors provide high-quality work. As an assistant site manager, your priority is to control time scales. You keep the site manager informed of any challenges and recommend workable solutions. Another crucial part of your role is risk assessment and management. You will find ways to minimise accidents on construction sites.

Would working as an assistant site manager suit your interest in the building industry and your time management skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an assistant site manager role.
 

assistant site manager jobs
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average salary of an assistant site manager

According to ONS, an assistant site manager earns an average salary of £35,000 per year or £17.95 per hour. At entry-level, your compensation package starts at £30,000 annually, but as you gain experience and take on more complex construction projects, you can make up to £44,850 per year. Apart from the basic salary, you also receive transport and medical allowances and additional benefits like paid holidays and overtime pay.

what factors affect the salary of an assistant site manager?

As an assistant site manager, your salary depends on various factors. Your skills and experience level will determine your pay bracket. You are likely to earn a higher salary if you have specialised training or additional transferable skills. The complexity of the project also influences your pay. Supervising complex projects with unlimited resources will earn you more than working on small projects. The location affects your income due to fluctuation in demand and the cost of living. Assistant site managers working in London earn higher salaries than those in the northeast, where earnings are closer to the starting salary.
 

Close up - Smiling male looking away.
Close up - Smiling male looking away.
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types of assistant site managers

Assistant site manager roles differ depending on the type of construction they supervise:

  • residential assistant site manager: your job is to supervise the construction of residential properties. You assist the construction crew with administrative duties and procurement of construction materials. You also manage budgets and prepare work schedules.
  • commercial assistant site manager: as an assistant site manager in a commercial construction project, you work alongside the construction crew to ensure the construction is completed on time. You may be in charge of a small section of the project and report to the site manager on progress.
  • restoration assistant site manager: in restoration projects, an assistant site manager liaises with tradespeople and architects to ensure the history of the building is preserved during restoration. You also assist with the acquisition of materials for the project.
     
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working as an assistant site manager

As an assistant site manager in construction, you support the site manager with administrative tasks and ensure construction work continues without glitches. Let's explore the duties and work environment of an assistant site manager.
 

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education and skills

There are several routes to becoming an assistant site manager:

  • university course: an assistant site manager needs an undergraduate degree approved by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Relevant study subjects include construction, civil engineering, surveying or building studies. You can also pursue a Higher National Diploma or foundation degree in a relevant field to kickstart your career.
  • apprenticeship: if you don't have any post-secondary qualifications, start your career with an apprenticeship in a construction firm. As an apprentice, you work 30 hours a week and attend college. You can start an apprenticeship in any construction trade and work towards an assistant site manager position.

skills and competencies

Some of the qualities that benefit an assistant site manager include:

  • time management skills: as an assistant site manager, you juggle multiple tasks assigned to you and support the site manager in their responsibilities. Excellent time management skills enable you to do this.
  • business and financial skills: an assistant site manager needs business and financial knowledge to negotiate contracts. You need to get a fair price for construction materials and find ways to minimise costs during construction.
  • problem-solving skills: when you are in charge of a construction crew, your job involves solving problems that arise during construction. Problem-solving skills help you find creative solutions.
  • communication skills: as an assistant site manager, you need to relay information from the site manager to the construction crew. Communication skills help you communicate clearly and concisely.
     
three colleagues having a conversation at breaktime
three colleagues having a conversation at breaktime
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FAQs

FAQs about working as an assistant site manager

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