Site Manager

Position Overview

Site managers, also known as facilities managers are responsible for ensuring the workplace is up to standard for employees and making sure that all required services are available. The role of a site manager can vary based on the size of the company. They are accountable to ensure the working conditions are the best provided for the employees. Their duties revolve around the facility the employees are working in. They have a wide range of duties they are responsible for which will be outlined below. They are not only accountable for the needs of the employees but the needs of the organisation as well.

Site Manager Duties

Site managers typically have similar roles between all industries, however some industries may have special needs or requirements of the site managers. Some general duties are listed below:

• Facility and grounds maintenance
• Organising cleaning and upkeep of the facilities and grounds / parking lots
• Confirming all necessary measures are in place for health and safety
• Determining sufficient security measures are in place (this varies for industries. Some industries will require high security while others can require minimum or none)
• Management of space to ensure at least minimum standards are met for egress and fire safety
• Organising and oversight of renovations and maintenance
• Determining energy costs and efficiency - making adjustments / renovations to save costs
• Confirming the facility meets all by-laws and regulations set by government, for the environment and health and safety
• Supervision of employees and maintenance workers
• Presentations and report writing

Typical Employers

Site managers can be found in practically all industries; some examples are listed below:

• Farms
• Agricultural food and beverage companies
• Agriculture food and equipment manufacturing companies
• Construction companies
• Warehousing companies
• Science labs
• Stadiums
• Industrial companies
• Prisons
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Hospitals

Required Education and Training

It is not necessary to have a degree to become a site manager, however it does help increase your chances if you do have one. A degree in one of the following subjects may be beneficial such as construction, business studies, business management, facilities management, property management, hospitality, or other similar degree subjects. If you are looking to enter the field without a degree it is important to ensure you have the right skills and experience to do so. Taking an apprenticeship program is another method of getting into the field as it provides practical experience required to do the job.

Key Skills and Qualities

• Interpersonal and networking skills
• Effective time management skills
• Excellent organisation skills
• Strong project management abilities
• Analytical skills
• Great verbal and written communication skills
• Multi-tasking and ability to prioritize tasks
• Flexible and innovative mentality towards tasks
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Drivers licence to travel between sites (if managing more than one facility)

Average Salary

• An entry level position (possibly as an assistant) are roughly between £20,000 - £27,000
• A full-fledged site manager (with experience) can range from £26,000 - £45,000
• A senior site manager can receive a salary of £60,000+
• The top level as an operations director gives you the potential to make £70,000+

These salaries can vary by location and industry as some require further training and education for specific sectors. Facility managers can also receive bonuses which can be based on the success of the company or the individual, this also varies by company.