Building or construction managers use their knowledge of all aspects of building and construction to plan and oversee building projects and advise architects, engineers, and quantity surveyors.
Building managers organise subcontractors and materials, manage time, contracts and regulations, and serve as liaison between architects and building contractors.
There are five main, important functions that building managers perform: purchasing; calculation of expenses; planning; building surveying; and control management. Although they do not necessarily carry out these tasks themselves, they have to ensure that these aspects of the building process run smoothly.
Building managers may work in various positions including: project managers of large building projects or building controllers for large municipalities or contract or financial managers. They may also act as technical advisers when buildings are planned and constructed.
Satisfying Aspects
- organizing people for teamwork
- variety of work
- being involved in erecting huge building complexes
Demanding aspects
- working and overseeing in dusty conditions
- climbing ladders and scaffolding
- the pressure to keep within time and money constraints of contracts
Requirements
A building manager should:
- have an interest in building and construction;
- be able to think logically;
- be able to coordinate team work;
- be prepared to work outdoors;
- get along well with people and have good communication skills;
- be able to motivate people at all levels.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Economics
Training
The N.Dip. Building and the BTech. degree in Construction Management are offered by various universities of technology throughout the country, eg. Northlink.
The duration of the National Diploma is three years. The first and third years are full-time study years at a university of technology whilst the second year entails working in the industry whilst simultaneously studying part-time. The BTech. degree can be obtained by extending the period of study by a further year, after successful attainment of the National Diploma.
Students are given assistance in obtaining employment during their practical in-service periods. These periods offer the students an opportunity of earning a salary whilst furthering their education and gaining an understanding of the workplace.
Degree: A BSc undergraduate degree suitable for construction managers is offered by six universities. The title of the degree varies from university to university but the objectives are the same - NMMU, UFS, UJ, UP, UCT, Wits
Diploma: CUT, TUT, DUT, CPUT, VUT
Employer
- government departments
- building contractors and subcontractors
- construction companies
- municipalities
- financial institutions
- retailers and manufacturers in the building industry
- own building contractor business
Contact
Master Builders South Africa (MBSA)
P O Box 1619
Halfway House, 1685
CMA Office and Conference Park
234 Alexandra Avenue
Midrand
Tel: (011) 205-9000 Fax: (011) 315-1644
www.mbsa.org.za