Supervisory roles in construction

Once you have gained some experience working in your trade or craft, it is likely your first step up the career ladder in construction will be to a supervisory role.

Supervisory roles are the first level of management on site, and primarily involve team leadership. Your primary role will be to oversee workers and subcontractors, ensuring that work is completed, kept to time and undertaken safely. You’ll help senior management in planning, providing feedback based on your practical experience of the site and your workers. Supervisors are responsible for briefing teams, identifying areas for improvement, maintaining records and information and resolving any disputes. Most supervisory roles are gained through experience, but there are also courses to help you achieve this, including higher national diplomas, foundation degrees and degrees.

Supervisory roles apply across most trades and crafts, for example:

• Construction Site Supervisor (sometimes referred to as a foreman)
• Maintenance Supervisor
• Building Services Supervisor
• Gas (Engineer) Supervisor

In addition, there are other supervisory level jobs that have a slightly different remit. One example is a construction site or building site inspector, also known as a clerk of works.

Before moving on to the next step, spend a moment having a look at this job role for a building site inspector:

• What are the similarities and differences compared with the supervisory roles we have outlined above?

Share your thoughts with other learners in the Comments.