Site Supervisor vs. Site Manager: What Are the Differences?
Learn about the two careers and review some of the similarities and differences between them.
A construction site supervisor is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a construction site, while a construction site manager is responsible for managing the construction project as a whole. If you’re interested in a career in construction, understanding the difference between these two job titles can help you choose the path that’s right for you. In this article, we compare and contrast the duties of a construction site supervisor and a construction site manager.
What is a Site Supervisor?
A Site Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day management of a construction site. They ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget and to the required quality standards. Site Supervisors liaise with the client, architect, engineers and other professionals to ensure that the project runs smoothly. They coordinate the activities of the construction workers and subcontractors, and resolve any problems that arise. Site Supervisors also carry out regular safety inspections of the site and ensure that all health and safety regulations are followed.
What is a Site Manager?
Site Managers are responsible for the overall coordination and management of construction projects. They develop and implement project plans, ensuring that all work is completed on time, within budget and to the required quality standards. Site Managers liaise with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors and other professional staff, ensuring that all project stakeholders are kept up to date with progress. They also resolve any issues that may arise during the course of the project. In larger projects, Site Managers may have a team of Assistant Site Managers reporting to them.
Site Supervisor vs. Site Manager
Here are the main differences between a site supervisor and a site manager.
Job Duties
Both site supervisors and site managers have similar job duties, but the site supervisor only performs tasks related to their supervisory responsibilities. They’re in charge of ensuring that the construction crew follows all the necessary procedures and completes their work on time. Site supervisors may also be responsible for delegating tasks to the crew and making sure they complete them correctly.
Site managers are responsible for overseeing the entire construction project from start to finish. They make sure that the site is properly equipped with all the necessary materials and equipment and that the construction crew has everything they need to complete the project successfully. They may also help resolve any issues that arise during the project and communicate with clients about any concerns they have.
Job Requirements
The job requirements for a site supervisor and a site manager vary depending on the company’s needs. However, most site supervisors and managers need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, though some jobs may require an associate’s degree or higher. Additionally, many site supervisors and managers have several years of experience in a related field before being promoted to their current position. For example, a construction worker might be promoted to site supervisor after working on multiple construction sites and demonstrating leadership qualities. Alternatively, a site supervisor or manager might start their career by working in customer service or another entry-level position with the company before being promoted to their current role.
Work Environment
Site supervisors and site managers typically work in different environments. Site supervisors usually work on construction sites, where they oversee the workers who are building a structure or performing other tasks related to construction. They may also travel between multiple construction sites as needed.
Site managers often work in an office environment, although they may visit their projects occasionally. They may spend most of their time at their desk, reviewing plans for upcoming projects and communicating with clients about project details.
Skills
The job of a site supervisor is to oversee the day-to-day operations of a construction site. This includes coordinating workers, managing schedules, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. A site supervisor must have excellent communication and organizational skills in order to be successful.
A site manager is responsible for all aspects of a construction project, from start to finish. This includes budgeting, scheduling, and coordination of workers and subcontractors. A site manager must have strong leadership and decision-making skills in order to be successful.
Salary
Site supervisors and site managers both work in the construction industry. Site supervisors earn an average salary of $55,129 per year, while site managers earn an average salary of $58,715 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the employee has.