Building and construction management is the planning, executing, and directing of construction projects, including small and large-scale building, and engineering projects. In 2019 construction accounted for 9% of all Australian jobs, making it one of the fastest-growing and largest industries.
The construction industry’s vast scale provides extensive management opportunities. Within the industry, the work ranges broadly between commercial, such as hotels and large office buildings, and residential development.
Managing building and construction projects is one of the highest paying roles in Australia, mostly due to the skill level, job responsibilities and challenges that come with managing any project. There are many entry-level construction management roles that skilled construction workers can find lucrative as they look to progress their career, away from tools but still in an exciting industry. Entry-level roles can include contract administrators, site managers, and building estimators.
In both entry-level and senior-level construction management positions, you will be looking after multiple teams of labourers and a variety of stakeholder groups, all whilst balancing budgets, estimates, contracts, costs, timelines and resources.
Employers are looking for professionals with a good work ethic, problem-solving skills and individuals who are organised, efficient and can keep to strict deadlines. People skills are a must in this career, as construction managers are dealing with different stakeholders every day. The ability to delegate effectively is crucial to managing work teams, and employers highly value professionals who are proactive in planning, communicating and executing tasks.
There are many pathways into a construction management role that may suit you depending on your career goals and past experience. Whether you’re ready to get off the tools, or you enjoy working on-site but want to work in a senior position, there is something for everyone.
Find out what building and construction management positions are best suited for you.
These specialist positions are perfect for those with experience working in construction who may have yet to take on managerial roles. While both these jobs may spend some time at job sites, they’re a perfect way to get off the tools with varied workdays filled with a range of responsibilities focused off-site.
For those ready to take a step into a higher-level construction position, becoming a Site Manager or Builder could be for you. While both of these roles are found on-site, a Site Manager can enjoy an ‘off-the-tools’ approach to work, whereas builders still work directly with them. Both need a good understanding of how a construction site operates, and many years of experience working on one to be successful in these positions.
Moving into senior construction management positions, with experience and a Diploma qualification you can enjoy roles such as Construction Project Manager or Construction Manager. While both will see you working on and off-site and managing teams and deadlines, they have some key differences in workload and responsibilities.
Oversees the planning, negotiation and delivery of contracts on construction projects. This role is responsible for ensuring that contracts are properly drafted and executed by both parties.
Works on commercial and industrial projects to complete new builds, renovations and demolitions. This role carries out specific tasks including physical labour, operating machinery and using tools.
Manages a business’s WHS requirements. This role ensures the workplace complies with all relevant WHS laws and requires a higher level of technical knowledge than a Health and Safety Advisor.
Advises management on any workplace health and safety issues that may arise and either existing or potential future risks. This role identifies, manages, trains staff and communicates on how to improve safety standards.
Responsible for project cost estimation and managing the financial side of construction projects. This role is ideal for professionals looking to transition from construction management into more strategic management.
Oversees multiple functions within the construction process. This role’s responsibilities include people and budget management, policy creation and documentation and stakeholder management.
Works alongside or under the site supervisor to manage one or several work teams. This role is a people management position, providing correct documentation and leadership support to employees.
Manages multiple functions, specifically for large-scale construction projects that require a lot of organisation and planning. This role requires excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.
Implements and improves safety systems within an organisation. This role identifies risks and hazards and puts the processes and controls in place to remove, mitigate or reduce those risks to employees.
Works underneath the Construction or Construction Project Manager and oversees the general day-to-day of the worksite’s people, processes and operations to ensure the site is operating effectively and efficiently.
Ensures all WHS guidelines are followed and responsible for providing operational assistance and advice to the business regarding the day-to-day management of WHS risks. This role may work under a Health and Safety Manager.
Oversees the planning, negotiation and delivery of contracts on construction projects. This role is responsible for ensuring that contracts are properly drafted and executed by both parties.
Works on commercial and industrial projects to complete new builds, renovations and demolitions. This role carries out specific tasks including physical labour, operating machinery and using tools.
Manages a business’s WHS requirements. This role ensures the workplace complies with all relevant WHS laws and requires a higher level of technical knowledge than a Health and Safety Advisor.
Advises management on any workplace health and safety issues that may arise and either existing or potential future risks. This role identifies, manages, trains staff and communicates on how to improve safety standards.
Responsible for project cost estimation and managing the financial side of construction projects. This role is ideal for professionals looking to transition from construction management into more strategic management.
Oversees multiple functions within the construction process. This role’s responsibilities include people and budget management, policy creation and documentation and stakeholder management.
Works alongside or under the site supervisor to manage one or several work teams. This role is a people management position, providing correct documentation and leadership support to employees.
Manages multiple functions, specifically for large-scale construction projects that require a lot of organisation and planning. This role requires excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.
Implements and improves safety systems within an organisation. This role identifies risks and hazards and puts the processes and controls in place to remove, mitigate or reduce those risks to employees.
Works underneath the Construction or Construction Project Manager and oversees the general day-to-day of the worksite’s people, processes and operations to ensure the site is operating effectively and efficiently.
Ensures all WHS guidelines are followed and responsible for providing operational assistance and advice to the business regarding the day-to-day management of WHS risks. This role may work under a Health and Safety Manager.
Your everyday responsibilities and tasks will depend on your role in construction management. However, all construction management positions come with a challenging but rewarding schedule.
As a construction manager, you will be checking in with the teams you are responsible for, to ensure they have everything they need to complete their jobs and keep the project running to schedule. You will also be potentially meeting with stakeholder groups to address concerns, such as shareholders, other management professionals and community leaders where the project is located. You will be checking on the status and provision of materials and resources to ensure everyone has the tools they need to complete their respective jobs.
Construction management in Australia
Despite the events of 2020 and restrictions placed on projects, building sites and construction work, the current Australian construction industry is still speculated to see strong future growth.1
Most common industries:
Currently, only 12.1% of the construction workforce is female, however this number is set to increase over the next 5 years as gender norms continue to be challenged and attractive salary packages continue to increase in the industry.2
Average weekly earnings of Construction Managers are over double all jobs average, at $3,450 compared to $1,460 for all jobs.1
1Job Outlook, 2020 2ABS, 2019
Becoming a builder is often the natural job progression for workers in construction. For those ready to take the next step in their building and construction career and become a registered builder, you need to obtain a builder’s licence.
Along with experience, you need formal qualifications in almost all states to obtain a builder’s licence. The first step to obtaining a builder’s licence is completing a Certificate IV in Building & Construction (Building) (CPC40120). This course will provide you with the first basic units and entry points into the requirements needed for a builders licence in each state.
With our flexible online study, you can complete your qualification while gaining industry experience. Find out how you can grow your career in construction and obtain your builder’s licence in your state.
Develop your building and construction knowledge to confidently manage and review contracts, prepare specifications for all construction work, and negotiate and communicate with subcontractors. With this certificate, you’ll have the ability to ensure building sites meet legal requirements and understand commercial and legal requirements relating to contracts.
100% Online Learning
Approx 12 -14 months part-time
Approx 10 months full-time
Leading Hand$75,000
Contract Administrator$110,000
Site Manager$120,000
Develop valuable estimating, scheduling and project planning skills. You’ll be confident in estimating project costs, materials, equipment and labour requirements while ensuring projects continue running on budget and to schedule.
100% Online Learning
Approx 12 -14 months part-time
Approx 10 months full-time
Estimating Manager$125,000
Building Estimator$85,000
Site Manager$100,000
Develop valuable project management, risk management, and work health and safety skills. You’ll be confident in anticipating project costs, labour requirements and managing construction plans while overseeing small residential and commercial construction sites.
100% Online Learning
Approx 16 -18 months part-time
Approx 12 months full-time
Leading Hand$75,000
Site Supervisor$100,000
Site Manager$120,000
Develop your building and construction knowledge to manage projects, risks, and work health and safety on construction sites. You’ll be confident in reading project plans, negotiating contracts and understanding and applying building codes and standards to small residential and commercial construction sites.
100% Online Learning
Approx 16 -18 months part-time
Approx 12 months full-time
Leading Hand$75,000
Builder$81,000
Construction Site Supervisor$100,000
Designed for those wanting to specialise in construction and move into senior construction project management positions. You'll develop skills to become an effective building and construction project manager with in-demand construction contract development and project management know-how in this online course.
100% Online Learning
Approx 15-17 months part-time
Approx 12 months full-time
Construction Project Manager$125,000
Construction Foreman$135,000
Project Manager$101,000
Develop your management skills and become a confident construction manager with essential building and project management skills in this construction management online course.
100% Online Learning
Approx 16-18 months part-time
Approx 12 months full-time
Construction Foreman$135,000
Construction Manager$165,000
Estimating Manager$125,000
The Diploma of Project Management online has been designed in consultation with industry experts to develop skills for dealing with time and cost constraints to managing human resources and communicating with stakeholders.
100% Online Learning
Approx 14-16 months part-time
Approx 12 months full-time
Senior Project Administrator$86,000
Project Manager $101,000
Risk Manager$119,000
Develop a basic understanding of occupational health and safety law, and how to navigate the technical aspects related to WHS processes within any organisation. Learn how to best contribute to WHS decisions, supporting their implementation and influencing change within your organisation.
100% Online Learning
Approx 10-12 months part-time
Approx 8 months full-time
Safety Officer$69,000
Work Health Safety Coordinator$72,000
Health Safety Advisor$85,000
Develop key occupational health and safety skills and strengthen your ability to make informed decisions, preparing you to take on leading WHS roles within any organisation. Consolidate and develop your skills around risk analysis and incident response while increasing your ability to lead WHS practices.
100% Online Learning
Approx 12-14 months part-time
Approx 12 months full-time
Work Health Safety Coordinator$72,000
Health Safety Advisor$85,000
Health and Safety Manager$117,000
CAL has received endorsement for our Diploma of Project Management (BSB50820) and Diploma of Project Management (specialising in Construction) (BSB50820) courses from the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM), the premier, longest-serving body for project management in Australia.
Having passed a rigorous review by AIPM auditors, adding an AIPM-endorsed diploma to your repertoire demonstrates your commitment to project management professional development and the elevation of industry practices.
We're excited to offer students studying the Diploma of Project Management (BSB50820) or the Diploma of Project Management (specialising in Construction) (BSB50820) with CAL a FREE one-year AIPM Student Membership.
Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) is the premier, longest-serving body for project management in Australia. AIPM is made up of nearly 8000 project professionals, across Australia and internationally.
As an AIPM Member, you'll enjoy:
If you’re ready to get off the tools and pursue a career in building and construction management, having a formal qualification behind you is essential to success. Whether you’re after specialist and administrative roles such as contract administration or building estimator, or you’re ready to manage entire projects, CAL has a range of building and construction courses available to propel your career.
The value of our Building & Construction Management qualifications is that the skills covered are practical and can be applied to your job from day one. It can ensure you’re highly qualified and ready to take on a management role immediately upon completion. Thanks to our online and self-paced study options, you also have the unique opportunity to progress in your career while still studying.
Our Real Outcomes Guarantee is our commitment to you and your career goals, ensuring that your studies will give you real-world benefits.
Our team, assessments and feedback are all focused on helping you in your career, not just completing your course. As the only RTO offering this, our guarantee is part of our ongoing work to go beyond just a piece of paper.
[I] started on the tools … [then went on to study] project management/construction management, which then saw me lead into the role I am now and the company that I’m with. Everyday I use the topics learned, it doesn’t end at study, from risk assessing to quality control and so on.
[It] was good to get first-hand knowledge from people who have done this for many, many years. I was able to implement that in my learning, which has now rolled over into my career.
We support you beyond achieving your qualifications – we want to help you be as prepared as possible for taking the next step in your career. Our Careers Hub gives you complimentary and exclusive access to resources and personalised advice from our in-house Career Coach.
My experience with Jenni the career counsellor was exceptional…The feedback was so helpful. She was encouraging too, and made me feel more sure about how to ‘sell myself’ to the target employers. I am very impressed with CAL’s careers hub – many resources that I will use. Thank you very much for your help.
– Samantha M.
Every member of our team is here to support you beyond achieving your qualifications. We want you to be as prepared as possible for taking the next step in your career. As a CAL student you’ll gain access to our Careers Hub through our online learning hub ‘Spark’.
