What is the Difference Between a Site Manager and a Site Supervisor?

The construction industry is seen by the general public as a dead-end job. Perhaps it is visual of hi-vis jackets and the muck. But that's not true at all. The construction sector is one of the most important industries in a nation's economy. It creates jobs for the local regions, it helps to build a community and more importantly, it creates a space for businesses to flourish. The entry routes into the sector are fairly minimal if you want to start out as a construction labourer. All you would need is to obtain a green CSCS labourer card. (The Learning Station can help you get a green CSCS card in 5 days). But once you're in, and you can demonstrate your capabilities, then you can progress. You can either specialise in a particular skill (like carpentry, bricklaying etc.) or you can go into management or supervision. Specialising in a particular skills requires patience and practice. But as for managers or supervisors, you definitely need good people skills and very strong communication skills. And most of all, you need to show the that you're able to handle significant responsibilities. The purpose of this post is to explain the difference between a site manager and a site supervisor. The two may do similar duties but they do have their differences.

Site Supervisor

Site supervision is entry level management. There is a great deal responsibility that comes with the role. Mainly looking out for the safety of fellow colleagues. Site supervisors are also responsible for relaying protocols that have been set by senior management. And occasionally, site supervisors are also encouraged to motivate their staff to ensure the project finishes on time. In some cases, they may have to mentor or discipine staffs. To become a site supervisor, you would need to complete a two day SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme) course. Once you complete the course, you will gain a recognised qualification that will lasts for 5 years. Being a site supervisor is excellent way to gain some first hand experience in management. And this will be extremely useful as you progress further in the field.

Site Manager

Site Managers are a step above site supervisors. In addition to their duties of managing staff and ensuring the necessary health and safety standards are met, site managers have a wider scope of responsibility. They are responsible for ensuring a construction project is completed within the set budget. They also regularly hold meetings with architects and engineers to provide them updates on the project. And they're also responsible for maintaining the well-being of any external visitors on the construction site. In order to become a site manager, you would also need to complete a recognised qualification. In this case, the SMSTS (Site Manager Safety Training Scheme) which you can complete in five days. And like the SSSTS, once you have completed the course, you will receive an accredited qualification that will last you for 5 years. There is a more responsibility in being a site manager. So we do advise to consider getting some experience as a site supervisor to help you along the way.

How The Learning Station Can Help You?

The Learning Station has helped many people from the North London area get their SSSTS or SMSTS qualification over the years. Both of these qualifications can be completed when you're either working in or aiming to become a site manager or site supervisor. The Learning Station can help you complete the above mentioned courses for the following: SSSTS — a two day course SMSTS — a five day course Both of these course are accredited by the Construction Institute Training Board (CITB). And both of these courses take place at our centre in Harringay. If you're interested in enrolling, then please do get touch. You can contact us via our contacts page or you can give us a call on 020 8342 7210. Thanks for reading. If you're thinking of becoming a site supervisor or site manager, then let us know in the comments section below.